Armor priority (skid plates, steel bumpers)

Generally speaking (in real-world scenarios), which is the higher priority: under armor or bumpers?

And of the different skid plates, which are the most important? Or to ask the question in a different way, which parts of the undercarriage are MOST LIKELY to be damaged?

Yes I understand this is one of those “well it depends” questions but I’m fine with generalities. I already have sliders on order. Just trying to get an idea which direction to explore next.

Thanks!

 

Sliders first; rocker panels are very susceptible to damage, and they can be useful to help prevent body damage (or at least minimizing it) in tight spots.

Next might be front bumper, just for the sake of adding a winch.

Skids a very close third (and should be prioritized over bumper if not planning on adding a winch), engine/transmission/transfer case skids first, with gas tank skid a close second. Engine because oil pans attract rocks, lol… and transfer case because if you look from underneath, there’s some exposed components. Gas tanks also of course important, but the factory protection should be adequate to prevent punctures… you might just lose some capacity if it comes down hard on something.

 

Just speaking to bumpers, in general aftermarket bumpers are more about better recovery access points, winch mounts, better clearance for larger tires, and low speed impact protection. There's a common misconception that a steel bumper will provide more protection in a high speed collision. They won't. OEM bumpers are literally designed to crumple at high speeds and disperse energy away from the frame (as much as possible). Steel aftermarket bumpers do sort of the opposite.

That said, I do like aftermarket bumpers for the initial reasons listed. But not until after protecting the truck with sliders and armor first. You'll likely eventually get your OEM bumper involved with a stump or rock, or some old lady in a parking lot will help you out, or a deer will dance across it, and that will give you your opportunity to get an aftermarket bumper.

 

For me, the priority is given to steel bumpers over under armor. My truck is a pavement princess, so I worry about damage being caused if I rear end someone in traffic or if they rear me (or, if they back into me in a parking lot). The steel bumper(s) give me great protection for damage that may occur. I know nothing prevents it completely, but if I'm hit at 10MPH or less, the damage is greatly minimized.

I even have predator steps. I joking call the bumpers/steps my "Grocery Store Parking Lot Protection Package". GSPLPP, for short.


When I do offroad, it's light trails and I don't really need all that skid plating underneath my truck.

 

This. And to be fair, most vehicle collisions are at lower speeds.

Edit: OP, from the few posts already, and those that will follow, you'll definitely see that there are many ways of looking at the order to build. At the end of the day, it'll be what suits your personal needs.

 

Sliders & skids well before a bumper in my opinion. What is more likely to prevent me from getting home? Damage to the underside or hitting a tree? I got my skids before my sliders. Still haven’t decided if I’m getting bumpers or not.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/armor.182/

 

I did sliders and TRD aluminum front skid first, tires second, suspension third, and transmission and transfer case aluminum skids last.
There are a few threads here where the front end collision with an aftermarket steel bumper caused irreparable frame damage. The plastic and sheet metal front “bumpers” are designed to absorb and displace energy to cause less damage to the frame/etc.
If I was to install any aftermarket front bumper, it would only be the ARB due to their extensive front end crash testing.