Things to consider if you build your Tacoma for wheeling.

see pictures for reference.

Front skid plate minimum.

Full front bu mber and not just a slimline.

Get top plates on sliders. things still get past them.

 

are you asking or telling?

 

Consider better spotter too.

 

Maybe a driving lesson or two?

 

what got past the slider to do that? and how?
I am hoping to get sliders soon so would like to avoid.

 

Solid 3k in damage … Hope it was a fun trip

 

Very probable a full plate or tube front bumper would have been damaged too. Then you would be waiting for a replacement with big lead times.

At least this way you can source a used OEM replacement and be back in no time.

 

I wheel pretty fucking hard and I've not once damaged a full plate bumper to the point that it needs a replacement that I would have to wait a long time for.

And I'm sure you don't if you think an OEM part is anywhere near equivalent...

 

While my truck isn't built for wheeling I did do some this past weekend. I did get a front skid in preperation for this trip and glad I did because if I kept my stock plate I would have been in trouble. I don't have sliders but after a close call I'm planning on getting them.

 

Other than the rocker damage- it looks like both the factory skid and the plastic bumper just need a few whacks with a hammer and they'll be set. I'd keep an eye on the rocker dent, if not planning to get that fixed. Paint generally doesn't like being sharply folded. It may bubble/peel/fail there, but the level of paint fix there really depends on how bad you want to retuen it to factory perfect- removing it in that spot, cleaning thoroughly, hitting it with some self etching primer and a close enough color, then topping with a couple shots of 2k clear is "good enough" for me. Looks like the rock sliders were a good investment otherwise.

 

No matter how much "protection" you have, you still need to use your head or things will still get f&cked up.

 

I feel like a lot of this was drive error...

 

Posting photos of trail damage on here is a brave move, but it you will get some useful suggestions and good questions to discuss. kudos to OP.

 

I’ve heard of branches getting caught in them and causing damage to the panel. Kind of like that video of the UTV having a big ass branch go through the floor board. More common in East coast wheeling. Never had a problem here in SoCal but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen.

 

Definitely curious as to how that happened.. Especially under the door..

 

Also, props to the OP for using/enjoying his truck. Lol to all of these 3rd Gen owners claiming driver error.

Shit happens when you use your truck. The factory bumpers and skids have no clearance with a stock height truck and stock tires. You can’t avoid everything on the trail.

 

Pinch welds scare the f out of me, thats crazy how close it was to damaging them badly.

I've switched from offroading trucks to bikes and now physical injury has me more worried.

I love it.

 

Not sure but believe it’s from a branch/log etc. A lot of that on the trails. The front skid(I call it splash shield due to thinness) came from small puddle less than two ft diameter. I guess always check depth of any water before entering.

I’m not worried about people’s comments if it makes them feel smarter. Just a couple things I thought would help if you want more than a mall princess and actually wheeled your truck.

 

Try a heat gun on the inside of the plastic bumper. I had a similar sized dent, and after about 5 minutes with the heat gun a firm push with my hand popped back into place. It wasn't perfect, but pretty close, and only noticeable if you looked carefully, and knew where to look.

 

Definitely a good idea to check depth before entering as I learned this last weekend myself! Hope you get all that stuff fixed at a decent price and definitely helps me in making my decision on sliders now. I do like the looks of them without top plates but seeing this I’ll be getting them now