Need Recommendations on Skid Plate

I want to get a front skid plate for my 2009 TRD 4x4. I spend a lot of time in the boonies hunting and fishing driving on old logging roads, heavily rutted roads and some on 4wd trails. No rock crawling, no severe 4 wheeling. I’ve managed so far with out a skid plate but I think getting one is a good idea as a precaution. To keep weight down I’m looking at aluminum , not high priced, something on the lower end price wise. I also want to make sure it allows you to drain oil without removing the plate. Suggestions??

 

CBI makes a skid for

$90 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma With 4L Right Petrol intake air snorkel kit high performance system compatible kit Replacement black Rotational Molding (2005-2015)

2005-2015 Tacoma's. I'd be happy to help order one for you if you'd like. If you went with Aluminum and bare metal, it'd go for about $640

 

Thanks for your reply, I appreciate it. I haven’t priced skid plates but I was hoping I could find something a little cheaper than $600+. I guess I better do a little research.

 

Typically a step that's completed before posting to a forum

 

Here ya go
https://runnin4tacos.com/products/rci-front-skid-plate-for-2005-2019-toyota-tacoma

 

I like my RCI skids. Aluminum saves weight but steel will hold up better and longer.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rci-vs-cbi-vs-sos-skid-plates.710545/

 

My ARB skids have held up to many beatings
The full set covers all the way to past the T case and cost $800
Its steel and only weight 90 lb, they are plenty strong for their weight because theyre gusseted pretty well on the backside.
Only really posting to recommend steel over aluminum. These would have been toast if aluminum

 

https://runnin4tacos.com/collection...005-2019-toyota-tacoma?variant=22841882869808 Located in Loveland, CO and available for pickup or shipping.
3/16 steel or 1/4 aluminum raw or powder coated. Seems like the Toyota dealers should have the stock aluminum skid plates at a lower cost, so when it's my time I'll check the dealership first, then look for Toyota dealers selling these parts on eBay, and then look aftermarket. Dad ran Barcelona Red through the brush on the rez, so the lower front fascia or bumper or whatever carries the scars. Looks good though, and carries memories.

 

Great thread, and very helpful. I am also considering a skid plate. My needs are very specific. I occasionally have to get through a few water-bars (cross ditches) that are a bit steeper or deeper than I like. My main concern is about hitting anything on approach. If the ditch is too deep, I make the client drive me in their truck and leave mine behind (this is for work). However, it is nice to get as far in as possible.

So, with that in mind, I wonder if a TRD front skid plate (and air dam removal) would provide me with much additional clearance and protection. Curious on what others think.

 

$324.45 aluminum or steel; black powder coated aluminum $376.95 (add $1.00 for powder coated steel)
I ordered a set of their bed stiffeners, which appear to be a skookum build (PNW Indian for "tough").

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/all-pro-aluminum-skid.763662/ Used $150 + shipping 25 lbs. from a member in North Carolina

I placed an order today with a 10% discount code from All Pro Off-Road (Fresno CA, UPS Ground ~$50) for a black powder coated aluminum IFS skid plate $376.95 before the discount was applied. !/4" thickness compared to the 1/8" thick Toyota dealer part. Installing the All Pro Off-Road bed stiffeners went well, since I read and watched several manufacturers' instructions and videos to test fit, center punch, drill holes without the bracket in place, drill out for the topper 3rd brake light wire loom passage with a slot from the edge hacksawn, and torque to specs. Nice to have the additional rear tie downs. -- Raw plates $324.45 in both alum. or steel.