RCI Front Skid Plate mounting question

This

 

Sorry, late to the discussion but Budbuilt doesn't require the removal of those brackets. Just mounts over the top.

 

The RCI Front Skid I just received attaches in the front, middle (where the rear of the removed bracket was attached) and at the rear of the skid.

 

I just installed my full RCI skids. Removed the brackets and the front attaches in the front, middle, and rear.

 

This. After this skid and RCI sliders, the truck feels stiffer. The brackets are laughably thin, although bent to increase rigidity. I do not think they would be much help in an impact. I hit a rock hard enough to pull both front tires off the ground and scratched the skid at the front bend and then back 12-18 inches. Made a terrible sound, but the skid did not deflect or bend whatsoever. Barely noticeable after paint touch up. Not even a ding at the front bend.

 

Was thinking along the same lines, good thread to read. Have had the full RCI skid plate system since December waiting for warm enough weather to install. These aluminum plates are beefy & beautiful. The quality & workmanship are truly admirable. Just my .02

 

My RCI skids (in steel) saved my bacon on Fins ‘n’ Things.

Letting one of my Scouts drive, he landed on the transfer skid. It was mashed, but not a bit of damage to the t-case.

 

Even without those stamped brackets I’m sure this skid is strong enough for supporting what was taken out.

 

Just an install question, I just installed the aluminum skid plate yesterday on my 2017 Tacoma and the 2 rear bolts with the nylon spacers don't seem to fit. I was in a bit of a rush so I didn't really have time to troubleshoot but did anyone else find this was an issue?

 

You used the longer ones that came with it? They were a little bit of a pain to get them lined up for me too, but they did go.