RCI Transfer Case Skid Plate - Issues (Touches Exhaust)

So I recently purchased the RCI Engine Skid Plate, Transmission Skid Plate (w/ catalytic converter wings), and Transfer Case Skid Plate and installed them on my 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4.

Both the Engine and Transmission skid plates went on simply and flawlessly, even with the catalytic converter extensions.

However, the Transfer Case Skid Plate was a bit of a pain between both the instructions and the installation. And ultimately, once installed, the exhaust pipe was in firm contact with the skid plate.

To fix this, I purchased:

- A longer 3/8" carriage bolt (from 3.5" provided up to a 4" long replacement bolt)
- A 3/8" x 1.5" steel washer (to fill the ~1" diameter hole in the frame)
- A 3/8" ID x 1" OD x 3/8" nylon spacer

I added these to each side of the front of the Transfer Case Skid Plate, which gave my exhaust pipe about 1/2" clearance.








I was unable to find a steel substitute for the nylon spacer. The only steel spacers I could find were not very wide/thick and stacking a half-dozen washers didn't seem like the correct thing to do.

Is there a better and more durable spacing option or is this (nylon spacer) a sufficient fix?

My concern is that the length of the plate isn't supported by, and in contact with, the length of the frame now - reinforced only by the two pieces of plastic.

I'm considering a 1/2" thick x 2" wide steel plate that runs the length of the skid plate with pre-drilled mounting holes instead...

 

I had this issue. I ended up buying a stick-on heat shield sheet, cutting off a square and sticking it to the skid at the exhaust contact point. Some folks wrap that bit of pipe with exhaust wrap. Both approaches get rid of the rattle.

 

Did you put some type of grease/lube around your bolt areas? For security?

 

It's high temperature bearing grease. I coat the bolts to prevent rust here in the north east

 

Anyone know if rci offers a tw discount? There sliders are about 300 bucks cheaper delivered than cbi

 

@CygnusX191 knows all the rci deals

 

They usually do a couple sales a year on certain holidays. Can’t remember which ones.

 

Id stack the steel washers over using nylon. If you actually use that skid, and hit something, that nylon wont be doing you any favors.

Shitty fitment. Contact the company?

 

Did anyone remove the oem transfer case skid plate (the tiny little stamped steel one)? If so, are you willing to sell it to me? I lost mine and figure it’s better than nothing. Thanks!

 

I haven’t had problems with the rattle on the exhaust, but I have the RCI cat guard on the transmission skid, and those rattled on the cats. I also used steel washers between the crossmember, and trans/transfer skid to fix that. That maybe why I don’t have any problems on the exhaust.

 

I'm currently having a rubbing/vibration issue with the engine, transmission, and cat skids installed. I've added washers to where the engine and trans skids meet but it's still vibrating. Stock exhaust routing as of now.

 

@batcat420 If you're adding additional spacers the spacers should go where the rear of the transmission skid plate mounts. Adding spacers at the front of the skid plate will likely make the contact worse, alternatively if you have the transfer case skid plate installed that will help space your transmission skid plate down 3/16"-1/4" depending on material.

Feel free to contact us directly if you need any help sourcing small spacers or alternative solutions! sales@rcioffroad.com 970-797-3089