Skid Plates/Cat Guards

Hey all,

Any recommendations for skid plates that included/incorporate cat guards into their setups? Most of the setups I’ve see still leave the cats vulnerable. 23 DC OR MT

Thanks!

 

I think many offer options. I’ve got RCI skids and they offer cat guards as an add on. Also, congrats on the MT

 

Thanks

Did you choose steel or aluminum? Raw or powder coated?

 

I did RCI raw aluminum

 

I have Rci both steel and aluminum full skids. Aluminum (raw) on Tacoma With cat protectors welded, steel on 4Runner powder coated steel and cat protectors bolted.. I do think they do the job however added transfer case on both to close gap.
For my mall crawlers would only buy the aluminum due to the weight. The steel is HEAVY Wow Heavy.
Next time around will get the Tacoma Beast protectors.

 

I went with powder coated steel. As mentioned above they are a bit heavy. In retrospect since I don't wheel all that hard raw aluminum may have been the better choice.

 

I have RCI steel engine and transmission (aluminum cat guards as well) ... 100-ish lbs total. Aluminum would be closer to 60. Does 40 lbs really make a difference? You need to decide. If total weight is not the issue, leveraging a 40-lb cookie sheet across frame members and possibly bending that frame member may be enough of a concern for you to choose aluminum.

Steel can rust ... Rustoluem-style paint helps at least but paint can be scraped just as powdercoat can be scraped. Anyone who pounds (scrapes) their skid plates but does not check them occasionally is in my opinion foolish.

 

I’m leaning towards aluminum as well. Looking at skids more for miscalculations rather than strategy.. lol. So aluminum should be sufficient. Any particular reason you would go with raw if you did it again besides preventing rust?

 

Are you referring in the Cali Raised Cat Guards that Tacoma Beast sells?

 

I think the raw aluminum is cheaper than powder coated aluminum. Merely aesthetics in poweder coated vs raw as the Aluminum will hold up against corrosion regardless.

 

Yes I myself like the Tacoma Beast stamp. Also with the Tacoma Beast type, you leave the frame to crossmember supports intact. I believe to make more stable rigid and close the Sawzall blade access gap.