RCI Transfer Case Skid Plate

Yeah I was surprised too tbh.

 

Probably because 2nd gen Tacos don't have those cat protection braces... The threaded holes are there though, but Toyota didn't include the braces.

The bump would've been flattened and mushed into the crossover pipe. Then you'd be forced into doing a reroute anyway. One guy in our local off road club actually had this happen with his RCI skid.

 

Mine was mangled. If you do any type of wheeling where you will occasionally see rocks, It's a wiser option to go with the re-route or URD Y pipe to flatten it out. Once it gets hit hard it will make contact with the exhaust creating an annoying sound.

I went with the Y pipe over the re-route for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I can install it in the garage, I can't weld. Also, with the large majority of re-routes I've seen they always look way to close to the TC actuator for me. Not too close for heat issues but to close for removal/ work on the actuator.

The URD Y pipe does come with its own minor issue, it routes close under the Trans pan, so depending on what skids you purchase they may need a little clearance work.

Here is my install of the Y Pipe where I go over where its hitting stock and any fitment issues for the install of the Y Pipe.

https://youtu.be/bzcWHO-Y2TY

 

^Do you get additional rasp with the URD Y-pipe, since it deletes the rear cats?

 

Thanks all for the knowledge! Will update when I decide.

 

I did get more rasp. On the fence if I hate it or really don't care. It shows up around 3000 to 3500 RPM taking off from a stop. No real difference on the highway.

 

Well all, here is a bit of an update. I felt as though it was useless to remove the cat converter frame bars just to buy the t case skid plate so I bought the full skid plate package from @RCI-Offroad
Engine skid
Transmission skid
Transfer case skid

eventually, I would like to get the rear diff and gas tank skid and maybe the cat converter side protectors. This will do for now though.

Update: 11/11/22... It shipped after I placed the order 3 days ago. "0-2 week lead time". Should arrive early next week!

 

What's most people going with on these. Steel or aluminum?

 

I went with the steel. There was not enough weight savings to justify the aluminium over the durability of the steel.

 

And steel is $300 cheaper

 

Another update. It arrived earlier today and it’s all installed. Great quality too.

[/ATTACH]

 

^You didn't get the cat protection "wings" that RCI sells? Isn't theft no longer a felony in your state now or something?

 

Actually next in the list.

 

As others said, your exhaust looks normal stock. I have the RCI skids over my stock exhaust and am planning to do the reroute of exhaust and swap to the flat skid. I, like you, mostly do forest trails and such but have had two problems with the stock exhaust and RCI skids:

1 - Mud & rocks quickly fill the 1/8" between the cross-pipe and the skid plate and it causes a very annoying vibration and hum until you clean it out
2 - I was at Drummond island and hit the skids full length at Marble Head and got caught up at t-case skid and dented the crap out of it

 

Yeah it worked fine I installed it yesterday

 

I bought them an hour ago and RCI has already shipped them.

… I’m loving this company.

 

^Yep 3-4 people in my off-road club run RCI skids for this reason. The skid design has some shortcomings, but RCI has its act together as a business and can build/ship stuff on time.

FYI you can now remove the little factory "diaper" on the bottom of the transfer case. Its mounting bolts thread into blind holes in the casing and won't cause an oil leak if removed.

 

They arrived!

well worth it

 

I love theys guys. I stopped in for a few replacement hardware pieces. They gave us some nice T shirts. We have RCI from engine tto rear diff on all three trucks (except the gas tank on the 07) I'm hoping Santa brings me a front or rear bumper for Christmas.. lol































But seriously, the shop is spotless, guys are friendly. Super home grown but ridiculously tech savvy shop. You look through the window at piles of CNC cut organized metal. Pro's for sure.



Edit: I forgot to mention. They custom cut my A arms to fit the new ride height/ deflection on the 2022 PRO. No charge

 

I went with aluminum. I typically do more mellow trails that have a rock here and there and use my truck as a daily driver, so opted for the weight savings. Time will tell if I regret that decision.