Is the TRD Sport Supposed to Have an Engine Skid Plate?

Just installed the Talon's Garage cat protector and while I was looking at the instructions, I noticed that the first step is to loosen the engine skid plate. My TRD Sport which I got at the beginning of the month doesn't have one. Is it supposed to have one? I noticed that most vehicles do have some kind of underbody cover for the engine. Second image is my truck.

 

Your Sport does have a skid plate, it is the plate just passed the front jack point in your picture. The Sport does not come with the extension skid plate that would cover the front diff, only OR and Pro models do.

OR and Pro models also have a gas tank skid plate.

 

The Off-Road one will fit though. I have one on my SR5, bought it off CL for 20$.. better than nothing. Also the fuel skid is plastic on the stock OR stuff. I built my own light duty one from aluminum. See the build vid below. Good luck.

https://youtu.be/YBaXNbxOWy4

 

Just a quick note that the Pros get the Pro aluminum skid. Only the ORs get the two piece thin steel one.

 

Yes the Sport comes factory with a front “splash shield” that must be dropped when changing oil + filter.

 

^^^^….that.

It’s there and it’s definitely more of a deterrent of water and dirt into the bottom area of the engine room, but in a pinch, it is steel and certainly will be able to take a hit to offer some protection of some important areas on the front bottom of the motor.

 

Thanks. Would you recommend a skid plate?

I'm looking at the Victory 4x4 one since I have a couple of their things already. Also looking at the Talon's Garage one since I have the cat protector from them. RCI is one I see a lot too.

I assume with the skid plates, the jacking point will be the same as without one (the plate will just make contact with the jack point). Are there any more frequent maintenance items the skid plates will block? Most of these seem to have an easy access oil drain port from what I saw.

EDIT:
I don't really plan to offroad. Moreso looking into one for general protection and perhaps even slightly MPG increase from reduced drag (this is possible correct?).

 

Then save your money....

Not gonna happen.