Front cross-member question

This question (well, two questions actually) is for those who wheel their Tacomas.

Disclaimer: I am OK with trail damage, just looking for info on best practices.

Right now I am armorless, aside from the regular stock IFS skid. On my last trail run I dinged up the outer edges of my front crossmember on both sides (I think thats what it is, if not please correct me). Here is a pic of one side:



Question 1: Will an off road bumper protect this? Skids will not, correct? Should I even care?

Question 2: What do you guys do with scratched paint on frame parts? Leave it to rust or spray bomb it with something?

A lift is coming soon, which will get it up off the rocks a little bit.

Any info is greatly appreciated! Just trying to learn as much as possible.

Sean

 

Until you do a suspension lift, you'll just have to be more careful with rocks.
Learn to judge if a rock is small enough to 'straddle' for your current setup.
If it is too big, then drive over it with your tire, or drive completely around.

I envy you, just starting out. I had a blast learning everything when I began off-roading

 

That piece with the ding in it is just a frame extension piece, take that one bolt closest to it out and remove it.

 

What sparky said. Get a TRD recovery hook while you're at it!

 

1. Skid plates as a rule are not intended to protect any parts of the frame. They are to protect critical components such as engine oil pan, transfer case, fuel tank... i.e. stuff that will leave you stranded if broken. Less critical parts like the muffler are not protected by skids. The frame is strong enough to support the weight of the truck at most places.
   
   As sparkystaco noted, that particular piece you damaged is just a removable extension. Many of the armor packages actually require that piece to be removed.
   
   
2. If you live in a climate where rust is a concern, frame scratches should be blasted with some rust paint. Pick your favorite brand from the hardware store, Rustoleum, Tremclad, whatever. Once you start installing armor and wheel more aggressively, you'll need to touch up scratches to the armor as well.

 

Awesome info, thanks guys!