Armor Suggestions

Looking to add some armor to my 2018 trd off road. I"ve been able to do some mild to moderate trails without it, but I want to become a better driver and build a more capable vehicle, so I want to take more more difficult trails and decrease my risk of damaging my rig. I have stock running boards right now. I also have a 2.5" lift and 33" AT tires.

What do you guys suggest for armor? I mean pieces to get first or sets and which companies. Also, is it worth it to get aluminum over steel?

 

They are all very similar. Shop local to save on freight shipping. Aluminum is lighter but won’t take too many hits and steel is stronger, heavier but will take all the abuse you give it and keep smiling

 

Sliders first. Skid plate second.
Steel for the sliders.
Aluminum for the skids if it’s in your budget.
Then bumpers.

 

Armor, with some exceptions, won’t make your truck more capable. I like the idea of aluminum because weight is at odds with performance and my armor is mostly there for cases that I cannot avoid scraping on obstacles. I do have steel sliders though.

 

^^^^^ This.

 

I'll expand on that IMO
1) sliders ; Our came without the factory boards (good) but rocker damage is costly and sucks
2) skids ; project your belly and whatnot where your trucks heart is
3) rear bumper ; I say rear first because IME I dragged my tail more than worrying about the approach of the front
4) front ; better approach and winch ready

That was my train of thought and experience building my Land Cruiser. Now take that with a grain of salt since I have wheeled our new Taco yet.

But did buy sliders right off the bat, seeing those naked rockers made me cringe.

 

+1, agree on order and materials.

 

I’m going to be be that guy and disagree with most of the comments above.

Your more likely to bash random and unseen rocks on your belly than your rocker panel. Unless you are traversing Boulder fields your sliders will be unused most of the time. Most people aren’t running these in the early stages. What do you care about more? Superficial body damage or damaging your drivetrain

Secondly aluminum has a tendency to get stuck on rocks or crack when you turtle or hit a big rock. Skids should really be steel but you can probably save some weight on the IFS skid.

If you want to save weight you can go with aluminum bumpers.

I would also go with a front bumper first. The reason for this is to help with approach but also allow you to add recovery with a winch. Your rear bumper is a problem but most of the hits are on the hitch itself. I ran through most of Moab and the hitch took it all. It’s only when you get to off camber ledge drop offs and crazy hill climbs that your bumper will drag. At that point though you are already in it.

 

It's true that the skids protect more important stuff, but that stuff is tougher than the rocker panels and is already semi-protected by the frame, splash guard thingy, etc. I hit my sliders every time I go out; most often when maneuvering around a tight corner with large rocks, trees, dirt, and/or ice on the inside of the corner, but also when driving over a boulder field as you said. Which is more important I think probably depends on where you drive and how you drive.

 

You guys are awesome. Thanks for all the responses. Good to hear all the input. I have a rear bumper coming so I think I will put an order in for sliders in with them as well. Then find a full armor set up.

 

CBI Armor. All bare steel and all Line-X coated.

 

I just installed the 4xInnovations bolt on sliders, with treads, and their rear bumper. I'm waiting on a front bumper from SSO, then I'll do steel skids. The kind of stuff I do, rockers get torn up 1st. Plus, I was able to sell em to the ole lady as "steps."