TRD skid and an aftermarket setup to protect the transfer case?

Anyone running a TRD skid and an aftermarket setup after that to protect the Transfer case? Pics would be great as well as company name Thanx

 

TL;DR

If you're thinking of getting skids to protect the t-case and transmission, you might as well get rid of the TRD skid as it really can't deal with abuse.

I have an RCI full set. Shipped out in like 1-2 weeks, surprisingly.

Other conversations centered around this:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/best-bang-for-buck-skid-plates.528551/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/skid-plate-recommendations.537173/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-skid-plates.694653/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/best-skid-plate-plus-looks.530841/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/trd-pro-skid-plate-is-it-worth-it.656859/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/talk-to-me-about-3rd-gen-skid-plates.543765/

 

The TRD skid for the 3rd gen is actually very robust, for an aluminum skid, due to the welded box design.

The RCI skids are a fail because they force you to remove the two forward 45’ structural members to mount their skids, which to me is lame. They claim these are anti-theft guards for the Cats, but I’m not so sure. Tacoma’s have weak enough frames as it is without removing structure.

I have RCi sliders and rear bumper, but like OP, am looking for a properly designed mid-skid that doesn’t weaken the frame structure.

 

The TRD skid for the 3rd gen is actually very robust, for an aluminum skid, due to the welded box design.

The RCI skids are a fail because they force you to remove the two 45’ structural members to mount, which to me is lame. They claim these are anti-theft guards for the Cats, but I’m not so sure. Tacoma’s have weak enough frames as it is without removing st

I have RCi sliders and rear bumper, so like the brand, but like OP, am looking for a properly designed mid-skid that doesn’t weaken the frame structure.

 

A fail? You really think those two pieces are structural? That's funny. If anything bolting up a full set of skids would render more frame bracing.

There are a million t-case and transmission skids compatible with the TRD pro skid plate so I don't know what is taking you so long to find one.

Also, the TRD pro skid is weaker than any aftermarket aluminum skids you can get...

 

thanx

 

Have you checked out these guys? https://www.okexpedition.ca/

 

I have the OKexpedition transmission skid and it bolts right up to the TRD PRO Skid , no modifications and great coverage. Super well built also !

 

Do you have any installed pics of the setup? I was considering their skid but never pulled the trigger on it.

 

I can get a pic tomorrow for you, it comes with a new set of mounting hardware for where they meet , super easy installation.

 

Post links to the millions.

Pro Skid plate was developed for professional racing by Toyota Racing Development, which is why it says ‘TRD’ on it, and is featured on the Professional Tacoma. If it’s good enough for pro-racers. It’s good enough for me.

 

I have a pro skid and I had to remove the two 45 degree brackets or it wouldn't fit.

 

The ones beside the catalytic converters?

 

My pro skid has held up to a decent amount of abuse. No need for me to upgrade yet. I also have the transmission plate from OK expedition. Waiting for them to release a transfer case skid.

 

I can vouch for this. I crunched up the TRD skid to the point where it cracked and also deformed. I had a hell of a time removing it. Then switched to RCI full steel skid package, front to rear including gas skid. These aren't impervious either. I managed to mangle the oil filter port cover pretty bad. Luckily RCI sells replacement ones and had one out to me within a week.

I encounter some gnarly rocks out here in the desert where I live and had to bite the bullet and go all steel.

 

Glad to see you are putting it to good use. First thing I look for on a Taco with a pro skid is whether the red letters are still attached. If they are I know that person doesn't wheel very hard because those fuckers get ripped off quick out in the dirt. I lost mine the very first time I took it out after installing it.

Not that there is anything wrong with someone who doesn't take his rig offroad and beat it up.

 

I’ve seen a thousand prerunners and trophy trucks, from California to Baja, and not one legitimate one had a skid plate like the TRD one. That’s a recipe for disaster.

Look, I like Toyota too… but let’s not drink their Kool-Aid too much or have this devolve into us being mindless fanboys.

Toyota is a global corporation with a fiduciary responsibility to maximize profits. You maximize profits by keeping costs low. Toyota remains competitive by offering reliable vehicles, but in no way shape or form is the TRD skid plate one that could withstand the astonishingly brutal rigors a race truck goes through.

 

And it’s almost like people are allergic to doing their own research. Here’s ANOTHER thread that talks about this — besides the bunch that are in the #2 post in this redundant thread.



https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/aluminum-mid-skid-that-is-trd-pro-compatible.569313/

 

It's been a long time since I installed it, I don't think they were that far back. Pretty sure they were on the front or middle 2 bolts of the skid.