Opinions on removing cross braces and stiffening brackets for installing skid plates?

Hello ladies and gents! Last night I removed the OEM skid plates on my 2016 TRD OR (they were pretty destroyed after I "gently" rolled over a rock while wheeling two weekends ago) and installed some really nice after market ones. The installation instructions called for removing two sets of braces.

Two on the front behind the OEM skid plate, connecting to frame below radiator:

Two bolted diagonally from the cross brace below the transmission/transfer case to the frame:

Sorry I don't have pics of them in place, I didn't think of asking you guys until they were already off the truck.

What do you think about removing these? My thought is that they were acting as stiffening for the frame, and that the 3/16" steel skids will do the same job. Was it idiotic to remove these?

 

You were correct in removing. The skids require it and add the protection that those added anyways.

 

Oh also, the bottom picture was your catalytic converter protection. Your mid skid does that just fine now!

 

What skids did you end up buying?

 

RCI Front, Trans, T-case, gas tank and control arms. When my bank account recovers, I'll get some sliders and maybe some rear diff armor, although that seems less necessary.

 

Phew! Glad to hear it! Thanks

 

Nice. Yeah I hear you on the bank account recovery lol

 

Yeah, I keep conveniently forgetting how expensive good wheeling gear is! Totally worth it though, with the new armor I'll be able to get to places like this with no worries:

 

I threw mine in the trash.

 

Mine went in the trash as well

 

I recycled mine
(i c now this for a 2016 so they are probably a lil different)

 

So Im not gonna lie... I didn't read your username and all I read was your post--me being the non-recycling American... I instantly assumed you were from Canada lol.

 

I'm interested in getting a mid and transfer skid for my birthday.... Do the skids make the transmission, cat, and transfer case retain heat?