Can these be removed safely?

Not really sure what actual purpose the little extensions serve if any?

 

Protect your power steering boots

 

Crush cans, as some call em. I have 4 of them in my junk drawer. Have always taken them off (OCD?). Don't know why I saved them. Never an issue with them off.

 

Removed mine and am in the process of sourcing an appropriately sized cap to close off the end. If there's interest, I can offer them to TW members.

 

Is there enough clearance to just redrill the hole closer to the end and push them in further?

 

I read an article that they are there for added crunch protection from a more 45 degree frontal impact. I would say, if they are missing and you are involved in a severe accident, it could be considered tampering with the safety features of the vehicle. That is my thoughts anyway.

 

I would be amazed if an adjuster, or hell a Toyota tech, even knew to look for them post-crash.

 

Why? Weight savings??, Gas savings???

 

They had to be removed when I installed my CBI bumper

 

On an unrelated note, that is the wimpiest looking skid plate I have ever seen.

 

They stick out and I don't like looking at them.

 

Does anyone really care about stuff like that in an accident investigation? I've only been in one accident and someone hit me while I was stationary. Nobody even looked at my truck. The other party was declared at fault, done deal. They didn't check their brakes, traction control, BAC, nothing. I hear people mention this all the time, but I've never heard or read of it happening. If you're not at fault why would any of it matter? Or if you are at fault, what more does it matter? You're already the negligent party. Are you going to be double at fault?

Seems weird for folks to bring this up all the time on a site heavily devoted to modifying a vehicle from its factory state it was safety tested in.

 

True!
However once I get these end caps sized and fitted, it'll look more finished and OEM-ish. Not to mention it'll keep dirt and debris from entering the rail.

 

People can do what they want. I was just reporting back on what I was told they were for. But I can assure you in an accident where death occurs, they will absolutely investigate the safety features did their job vs a fender bender.

 

Out of curiosity, how are you so certain? Is that your profession?

 

They are there to protect you from injury during a small overlap frontal crash (specifically, the IIHS small overlap crash).

 

Airbags can be removed safely...

 

That, and I think the Taco was reported to do very well in that test.

I believe the IIHS can be a bit over the top and it is making cars pretty damn heavy, but looking at the Taco crash pics that get posted on TW, it might be hard to argue?

 

I've always been kind of nervous about my sliders for that reason. Basically extending my frame to be the first point of impact in a crash from the side.

 

Why remove them? Just hang some truck nuts from them and call it a day.