aftermarket skids made of alum

Does anyone manufacture aluminum skids for the taco like they do for the fj cruiser? I have emailed ricochet brand several times with now response.

 

anyone know anything on this??

 

I've seen a few custom ones made out there. There are no "major" fabs that carry regular aluminum skid products for 2gen Tacos, no.

But if you want lighter, weaker skids, there's always All-Pro

 

I just want some protection but nothing too extreme so maybe the fabled allpro will be fine for me in that case. Dont want to add too much weight to my ac 4x4 4popper

 

Check out aluminess.com that should give you a start

 

Mike @ Defined Engineering made Aluminum skids for his Tacoma, pretty sure they're bolt-on, I'm sure he'd help you out

 

You could get some fabbed up, but if they're a one off job they're gonna run you a little more. Plus aluminum tends to be more expensive than mild steel.

But, get it set up the way you want. If you don't, it'll bug you forever.

 

They are not cheap but ASFIR makes a set for the tacoma.

http://store.asfir4x4.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PRDS&Store_Code=&Category_Code=TYTC

 

Interesting, never heard of them before. Would like to see some mounted pics of them. Could be good for those who want some light weight protection (desert guys etc)

 

This guy has a set of aluminum skids
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/8586-2006-Canadian-Tacoma-Build

 

well I dont plan on any wild offroad but do want some protection for the mild trails and backroads I do plan to use my truck on when going on camping and riding trips. Also when just having a little fun. Leaning more towards a light weight expo build

 

I was looking into this for the same reasons you posted. I found that Bud's will make his in aluminum for anyone who wants it. After weighing the price vs. weight difference I didn't think it was worth it to go aluminum. If I remember correctly it only saved about 50 lbs. to go with his aluminum vs. his regular steel version. YMMV.

http://www.budbuilt.com/

 

good info there wallygater

 

Just added the IFS and transmission ASFIR skids to my truck. The major weight savings of aluminum, combined with not having to worry about painting and repainting steel skids, won out for me in the end.







FYI there was some discussion on Expedition Portal (http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/57318-ASFIR-Skid-on-05-Tacoma) about the smaller plate that hangs down on the IFS skid. Sierra Expeditions told me that it's not actually for servicing the front diff, but that it allows the whole skid to be sucked up higher to the underside of the truck. The way it mounts with non-captured bolts indicates to me that it's not meant to be removed independently of the rest of the skid.

I will definitely post more feedback once I've had had a chance to bang on these a little bit. My only concern at this point is the hardware, since the bolt heads aren't recessed at all. Depending on how the bolts holds up, I may change them all over to carriage bolts or something lower profile.

 

the ASFIR skids scare the hell outta me, granted they are up a bit, but I dont mind a bit more hang down( 1/2"- 1") to have proper protection.

 

As I understand it, one of the many advantages of aluminum skids is that you can take them off and just bang the dents out. No paint or coating , less weight, bolt right onto the frame are some of the other advantages of the ASFIR's. I think they are made in Israel.

 

Bud Built can use AL (http://www.budbuilt.com/index.php?p...tegory_id=27&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=170)

As well as Eric @ Relentless (http://www.relentlessfabrication.us/online-store.php#!/~/product/category=3368787&id=14466269)

Just expect to pay a lot more, but the weight savings are substantial.

 

wow that ASFIR looks a little flimsy to me, and the exposed bolts definitely look like they'd get hung up/sheared off. At least that's my $.02 from those pics above

 

Warning, actual owner experience:
I just changed my oil this weekend, and while I was at it, I checked out my ASFIR skids. I've gashed the rear one pretty good, but no structural damage or bends, and all of the bolt heads are still fine. The rear skid will have to come off next time I change my tranny and transfer case fluid, so I may try out some different hardware then.

 

Well said DoorDing - IMO your posts are right on the money.