If you HAD to choose, what skid armor should be purchased first?

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Yup, I already knows this and have done the research. I'll eventually be getting all RCI plating underneath, just can't do it all at once. And with RCI the transfer case can be installed without the rest. The transmission skid is another story, but I'm not planning to do that till I update the front which will be later down the road.

 

Sounds like you have it figured out!

 

If you have been fine then wait for more funds and get it done the first time right. I’m not a huge fan of the heavy steel skids. I have rubbed my stock front skid over rocks and it held up pretty well especially with the brace. However because I wanted to protect more of the underside I went with a full set of RCIs aluminum skids. Super nice skids. The stock front skid really isn’t a problem and holds up okay to what it sounds like your doing. The problem is what’s directly behind the stock front skid is that little tiny crappy skid plate that protectors the front diff and the diff supports. It is super flimsy. That is why most people say get the front skid first because all of the aftermarket skid plate companies make those two skids into one and add a huge amount of support and protection.

 

I'd replace the front "skid" thats not a skid with a 3rd gen TRD Pro one, its 1/4 inch aluminum. After that I'd probably get the RCI tranny and transfer skids, also in 1/4 inch aluminum.

 

If funds are an issue off roading isn’t the best choice for you especially if the truck is your daily driver. A front skid can be purchased for same price roughly as one front cv axle. Snap one of those off road and it’ll cost even more unless you’re mechanically inclined enough to change yourself.

Anyway not knocking you as you seem eager but I didn’t have the extra 5-7k to spend at the moment when I got interested in heavier duty mods. I’ve now recently spent 3200 roughly on suspension wheels and tires plus 800 on a front bumper plus 450 on a winch and 450 on new UCAs. Also have on order new gears at a total of around 1700 and haven’t purchased a skid or sliders yet so there’s another 1500+ time I purchased and pay shipping.

Moral of the story is if I don’t have the funds for it I won’t risk damaging my truck while off road. Much cheaper to buy a razor and still be able to get back and forth to work to save more fun funds!!!

 

Get the one you can afford

 

Sorry, I'm not asking for someone to tell me how to live my life, but thanks?

 

I can afford any of them separately, just not all together, would like to know out of what I listed, which would be the most beneficial at the moment

 

I got the RCI transfer case skid in my garage. Can you afford the shipping?

 

And fyi, funds aren't an issue, I have funds and a job to continue having funds. I'm just slowly making the purchases because it's just how I have to do it, more info is not needed as to why.

 

Where would it be shipped from? How much would you want for it, and do you have pictures?

 

PM sent

 

I'm slowly purchasing this stuff as I gain my confidence and skills on trails. Eventually I will be replacing the front, it's just not necessary for a while, so I'm asking what should come next for other vulnerable locations if only 1 can be chosen.

 

If you eventually plan on getting them all, but want to buy in phases, I'd recommend going with either the gas skid or diff skid, as it sounds like you are sticking with RCI, and each one of those can be bolted up separately. A fun weekend project. Go for it!

 

Unless you have the Pro aluminum skid, you don't a have a skid plate. You have a flimsy piece of sheet metal that provides no protection except from minor road debris. You're seeking out other skids, so clearly you want armor. Get your helmet first before you ask about kneepads. Whatever you hit is gonna break shit in front before you even get to the mid. You simply can't drag your truck across a rock with the OEM sheet metal deflector thingy. It won't take any weight...

Anyway, not trying argue but I really think you should reconsider.... Your call!

 

I've read and personally seen differently. And especially for my use, it's just not necessary yet

 

Lol, not angry at all.

 

Then you don't need skids if the stock OR skid is doing what you need....

 

Well, for what it's worth, I have the RCI aluminum Front and Trans plates, and I've dragged them across rocks and they're still holding together, so I like them. So I'd recommend them no matter what parts you choose.

But the OEM sheet metal thing bends when I stand on it. Seriously! I'm not hardcore. I don't rock crawl... But when I drive offroad, typically I'm moving forward most of the time, and that means my front plate sees most of the action. If I scrape too hard, I back up and find another line! I assume that's what most people would do.

edit: if you're not getting the front skid, then I think the gas tank skid might give you the peace of mind you're looking for.
Anyhow, best of luck. It's your truck and needs to reflect your priorities!