Getting front skid plate only makes sense? Or do I need to get all?

When I go off-roading, I mostly explore forest service roads, nothing too serious. Having said that, I have had several occasions I could hear scraping sound from the underneath of my Tacoma. Since Black Friday is coming soon, I am considering to invest some $ for the skid plate(s).

1. Is the front skid plate most critical element among three (front, middle, read) skid plates? I guess it is best to have all three, but since my budget is tight, I would like to know if getting the front skid plate only makes sense.

2. Since I do not do serious off-roading and my Tacoma is 2.7L, I am thinking of getting aluminum (front) skid plate. Any vender recommendations?

Thanks

 

Hey man, I am not a big off roader either, sounds like we are about the same level.

I agree that the front skid makes the most sense. If you hit something hard that is where it will be.You could always back off if needed.

I went 1/4" aluminum form RCI since it is lighter than steel. Apparently steel lets you slide easier over rocks but I don't plan to do that. I got mine from them powder coated and am very happy with it. Installation was very easy.

 

You definitley need a front skid, yes. Most critical. If you could only get one out of the two others, get the t-case skid

Ideally, get the big 3 (IFS, transmission and t-case). Or go all out and get the gas tank and rear diff skids, too.

For minor/moderate offroading the stock skid is fine. I beat the hell out of mine before I finally upgraded it. It looked like a crushed tin can but it served its purpose. The tcase skid though was aftermarket and it saved my ass more than a few times....no tcase, no getting home (if you're deep into a remote 4x4 trail).

 

Imo sliders then front skid.

But if you're up for smashing into stuff, front skid first.

Go aluminum and get them bare to save money. If you want to paint it, rattle can it. Powder coat is way overated. Again, my opinion but it's going to scrape off on armor then moisture gets under it and rust grows without you seeing it.

 

Unless you're going hardcore, which it doesn't sound like you are, get an aluminum front and be happy! The front and aluminum is more than enough for the average off roader.

I like my MobTown set, granted they're steel, all three and I've bashed them a good amount sliding over things I couldn't clear.

Honestly though the only reason I went for all three and steel is I got a screaming deal on a set 2nd hand.

 

Guys,

Thank you so much for your suggestions. Now I have to justify and convince my wife the purchase of a front skid plate. I got my sliders last year and that was easy to convince her. I said they would work as your steps. Not sure about the skid plate. Maybe improves the aerodynamics and better milaege?

I will get a front skid first and see if I need a mid/rear skid later. If I recall correctly, MobTown only makes an aluminum front skid for my Tacoma 2015, SR, AC. I believe SOS, where I got my sliders, makes only steel skids. I do not know much about RCI, but I will check them out after off-roading today.

I still have left over primer/paint that I used for my sliders. If I decide to paint, I will use them.

 

RCI ftw, great quality products and my sliders and skids are from them.

I left the front aluminum one bare and it looks great.

 

There's a sale right here get em at 25% less. @JLee will set you up good

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/bamf-thanksgiving-sale-25-off.518160/

 

Thanks aero3685. Just found out RCI is located in CO, not too far from WA. I maybe able to save some shipping charge.

 

I like Pelfreybilt aluminum skids. I do a good bit of off roading. Still went aluminum and have not regretted that. I have aluminum plate bumper and full 3 piece skids. Better safe than sorry....

 

Anyone know of any sales going on? I need a front skid too.

 

@Mobtown Offroad was doing a 15% off christmas sale. Not sure if it ended.

 

It's ova

 

I think I saw where Pelfreybilt has a 20% off sale going on. You might ask them.