TRD Pro Skid Plate

i have a 2017 Tacoma 4x4 sport, 4 door extended bed. About a week or so ago I changed the oil after 2k miles, although the dealer was going to change it at 10k. Maybe I'm old school, but with a new engine that is just breaking in, I felt that an earlier oil change was a good move.

Getting at the filer however was a bit of a pain, essentially requiring me to remove the stock pan that sits under the engine and blocks filter access.

I have been thinking about purchasing a TRD skid plate, as it appears that it has a small 4 screw access plate to get at the filter. This should make oil changes a,lot easier, plus prove me with a bit more protection underneath.

What I don't know is whether or not adding this skid plate will require any removal or modification of the front air dam, which as I understand it is standard on the sport but not the off road version.

Anyone been down this road with comments they would like to share?

 

You will remove the air dam.

 

I added one to my SR along with a Pro Grille and it gives it a nice look! Way more protection than stock!

 

Looks nice. I just got my bumper guard from Avid. Gonna paint it in a few days. Are you happy with the guard?

 

Ya i love it, its super sturdy!!!

 

It seems to be pretty sturdy. I have not even unwrapped it yet. I got it bare and waiting for my tan paint to arrive. And some decent weather so I can paint!

 

I bought it used for half price off of a guy up on NY, It was already powder coated!

 

Damn! Good deal.

 

Ya got a sweet deal on it, meet the guy half way about 4.5 hours from my place!

 

Looks awesome! I just ordered one myself.

 

Thanks man!

 

Yes sir!!

 

Cheapest site to get the skid plate ?

 

Get an aftermarket one from Mobtown Offroad or RCI. Cheaper, better protection, and you'll still have easy access to your filter. Plus the option of adding more skid plates in the future, which will be tough (or impossible, depending on your choice of manufacturer) with the OEM skid in place.

 

I just really like the look of the TRD pro one ! Lol

 

They do look good, yeah.

 

Pro plates Aluminum or steel? Looks Aluminum. I have a BPF Steel skid on top of the stocker due to the stocker providing side protection.. I do like how this has the cut out for changing the oil.

 

Ive been debating between the Pro skid and something like the RCI skids. I like the asthetic of the pro skid but the alternative offers much more protection...

 

I was considering RCI skids, but just got in on Mobtown's group buy because their new design has reinforcement ribs on the back of the skids that make them simply beastly. Nothing else like it on the market (that I've seen). Check em out!

 

When I added the lift, I needed to add a ToyTec Diff Drop and that required me to go to McMaster Carr and get aluminum spacers and slant the skid plate to the back. The Diff Drop kit didn't account for a TRD Skid Plate. This actually turned out to be a bit of a project I hadn't planned for.

RZ Rob