Rci transmission and transfer case skid plates

I don't purposely rock crawl but on my last trip to the old dale mines near joshua tree it was pretty rocky and unavoidable so my trd pro skids took a few scrapes.

As a result I ordered the rci transmission and transfer case skid plates (steel).

The transmission skid plate is fully compatible with the trd pro skid plate and the install was easy enough

The biggest design flaw was the crossmember where the transfer case skid bolts into. On the driver side you remove the brake line bracket bolt which is easy enough, the passenger side imo has the biggest flaw.

I'm not sure if it's a "universal" crossmember rci uses on multiple vehicles but the way they cut the holes on the crossmember for the passenger side bolt doesn't make any sense (see the attached pic). I did use washers as instructed and it just looks like it will still have the possibility to drop or move a few centimeters.

Also it seems like the weakest link where the crossmember is only supported by the two bolts since the rear of the transfer case skid bolts on to it as well adding more weight.

Another thing to note, I watched a few YouTube videos on the install and I'm guessing the early 3rd gens (before 2018) didnt have the plastic blocker on the inside frame near the brake lines and on the passenger side where the bolt goes because I had to remove those for the install. (None of the tacomas had them on the YouTube videos). It appears the plastic blocker is to keep from debris getting into that part of the frame so I'll probably dremel it out to make it fit and reinstall.

Lastly and ironically the transfer case skid does drop down a little (to clear the exhaust).

I think it added about 80lbs between the two skid plates and the crossmember, I haven't tested them out yet but if I do hit some rocks I'll update to see how well they hold up.

Overall the fit and finish look good and hopefully the crossmember on the passenger side holds up

 

The bolt is just to keep the crossmember from moving around. When the skid plate makes contact with an object the skidplate will be supported by the metal of the bracket that extends under the frame not the bolt.

 

Wanted to update, been a few months and a few off roading trips later. The transfer case skid definitely saved my exhaust from being bashed in. Would recommend

 

Excellent choice! We work closely with RCI and stand behind their skids. We are running the full skid package on one of our rigs here and it's saved us big as well.

 

How does the front TRD skid mate to the RCI transmission skid? Since the TRD skid goes over the RCI transmission skid? There are 2 bumps for the 2 rear nuts on TRD, would these bumps now ride on the flat RCI skid, causing some loss in ground clearance?

 

Glad you asked! The transmission skid plate will come with some additional hardware that has longer bolts. You'll remove the two bolts from the back of the TRD Engine Skid plate to allow some of the RCI Skid plate to overlap and sit between the TRD Skid and your truck. Then simply replace with the longer bolts and you are set! The loss in ground clearance would be absolutely minimal and nearly immeasurable; nothing that you will notice or would degrade your Tacoma's abilities.

 

Anyone able to testify to stock TRD OR skid plate durability?

 

I have bashed mine on some rocks on the Black Gap road in Big Bend NP. It held up pretty good (2 gouges but no deformation). My RCI aluminum transfer case skid also got hit and just a small gouge but also held up.

 

I just installed mine 2021 sr 5 and I don’t like how that cross member bolted up 2 bolts and I snugged it up to frame but feel it may droop down due to how the holes are. I’m debating taking off. Plus said pull plugs for frame. I don’t like it being exposed now. They need to fix the holes on that crossbar. Cuz if bolts loosen it will probably bounce up & down.

 

Planning on tackling the whole RCI skid plate package on Dad's 2020 Sport this week and wondering what you guys thought of the install. Did you do it on the ground? I won't have access to a lift.

 

got mine installed at the shop but after 2 years ive noticed some bubbles on the powdercoat and decided to remove , grind off the rust and repaint with rattle can. did all that with a ramp. knowing what I know now I should have installed it myself in the beginning. plan to repaint again in 2 years as needed

 

I did my father's yesterday, mistakenly put a little write-up in the RCI cat guards thread https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rci-cat-guards.762881/ post #20, instead of here. Wasn't difficult. Modified the "blockers" that are bolted above the frame on both sides right at the spot where the RCI crossmember bolts up. Was able to put them back into place after cutting a little so that they'd fit around the crossmember.
I do see where it appears a little odd how the crossmember for the TC skid bolts and that movement could be possible but I plan to check periodically anyway and torque bolts until I'm sure it's not moving around.

 

Anyone know if you need to take the transmission skid plate or TC skid off for a tranny or TC oil change?

 

The access holes on the transmission and transfer case both should be exposed. But both changes are 60k and beyond, so protection outweighs inconvenience.

Engine oil/filer changes just are allowed but the RCI engine skid, but front differential changes are not (interval on those changes is high as well).