RCI IFS Skid problem

So I've communicated with RCI about this problem and they say its normal and that's the way that these skids are built. With that aside I wanted to see if other people have the same issue, and this issue only applies to 4wd Tacomas.

My skid plate is making contact with my front diff 24/7, I didn't notice this upon installation, but my Off Road shop told me that they were making contact; and that it was not okay. My shop provided me with some washers to act as spacers in the mean time. I'm glad they noticed because the road vibrations have started to cut past the paint into the steel.

Before you ask; I do not have a diff drop, so that is not the problem. Here are some photos of whats happening. Anyone Else have this issue that can confirm this is "normal"? I want to know because RCI will not stand behind their product. To me it doesn't seem right, but I could be wrong.

*Update* they are sending me a diff cage to correct the problem they are standing behind their product. RCI took care of me, and I am glad they did.
Here is the diff cage for reference https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rci-ifs-skid-problem.537862/#post-17331923

No Damage

No Diff Drop

Diff Making Contact

Paint and Steel scraping away from diff

 

My RCI skidplate came with plastic spacers that you can put on the rear bolts between the plate and the frame to keep it from hitting the diff. Did yours have the spacers and if so, did you install them?
Edit: the spacers are about 1 inch.

 

I have those installed.

 

That doesn't seem normal. Maybe you need slightly longer bolts and bigger spacers?

 

I would but, I don't want more stress only on mounting point, Those plastic spacers are fine because they are the same thickess as the middle of the crossmember creating a nice support flush with the crossmember.

 

They advised me to install spacers and longer bolts on the front of the skid, that I could get it from a hardware store or pay them to ship some. They also offered to sell me a newer version, heres a copy/paste from their email.

We have designed our new style front skid plate with the differential clearance in mind. The skid plate now has a diff drop cage as to provide clearance between diff and skid with or without the drop kit and will not require the spacers to install.

I won't buy anything else from them if they wont/don't stand behind their product.

 

What is it that you are expecting them to do?

 

A replacement that doesn't touch my diff, I would even pay to ship it. This thread is just to see if other people have the same problem or this is literally their standard on their product.

 

Hum, sounds like RCI messed up on the fabrication IMHO. I would not be happy this this if I were you and would not let it stand. They should know this and design/fab the skid so that it does not cause issues.

I would keep at RCI to resolve this IMHO. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

Thanks, but unfortunately they won't do anything, I wanted to deal with them first before exposing it to tacomaworld. It appears from a search on here I'm not the only one with quality control issues on their product.

I should've just bought from someone else in the 1st place.

 

Oh man, sorry to hear this. Try and sell them and get pelfreybilt ones.

 

I most likely will, but only a 2wd can buy it. I don't want to screw anyone over like RCI lol

 

Bummer man. Try the spacer idea. I know its not ideal, but it should buy you a little wiggle room so that it does not touch at least.

 

That’s absurd. My pelfrey skid doesn’t touch my diff st all

 

Yeah, if I go the cheap route, which I never do on my taco... But I won't pay them, ill go to a hardware store and give them my money.

 

Which is why they are the ones I will be getting

 

Well I hope others read threads like this before its too late, and choose reputable vendors for their armor.

 

That contact is so minimal, you could likely bump that spot on the skid with an angle grinder and flapper wheel and solve your issue. If not.... bump a spot on the bottom of the diff too.

I'm ordering skids soon, and I still planning on going RCI. Happy with their sliders.

 

While that is an option, it should not even be an option IMHO. Plus, if that skid takes any kind of hit while off road, the contact will be even greater and that is no good.

 

I picked up their skid plate in early January.