What armor 1st?

what should I get for armor 1st? Skid plate? transfer case? LCA armor? Just wondering what I would benefit from the most. Thanks

 

Do you already have sliders?

 

Sliders are the most used piece of armor on any truck that goes offroad. You will be happy you've got em them first time they slam down on a rock.

 

Sliders!

 

Sliders were my first choice.

 

I thought sliders but I don’t really have anywhere that is that aggressive.. I have on side steps that I got last year as a gift so I don’t want to upgrade those yet as I would see it as a slap in the face to the person who gifted it to me..

 

I think transfer case is the most important first skid plate over sliders. Sliders protect cosmetic damage, while transfer case skid protects mechanical damage.

 

Once they get bent you can upgrade
Just to share a personal experience, I came down on a rock with the stock side steps and it bent up and dented the rocker panel and I couldn't open my driver's door. My buddy had to jump on the step repeatedly to bend it down enough so I could get the door open. I'm not saying that's gonna happen to you because I don't know what kind of trails you run, but keep it in mind.

 

I went with a front skid first. If you are just starting out off roading its a good start. Once you start doing harder trails you'll see what else you will need.

 

True but the rocker panels are irreplaceable. Mechanical parts can be replaced, but a mashed up truck is bad for resale. Sliders also give you a pivot point on tight turns and depending on what you're doing, they can push the entire truck off a tree or rock, protecting your doors and bed sides too. In a situation like this for example:

Also, the mechanical parts under the truck can usually take repeated hits and keep on truckin. It's a Tacoma, they're tough as hell. But once you mash your rocker panel (and it only takes one contact with a rock), it's done. It will look like shit forever.

 

My front skid, transfer case skid, and Rock sliders take the most hits out of everything. I think the most valuable skid is the front because it protects your engine. I also have transmission skid, gas tank skid, and LCA skids which I don't think I've seen a scratch on those yet, but the one time I don't have them, I bet I'd wish I did. I would suggest front skid or sliders as a first n close second as they are the MVP's.

 

I would do skids in this order. Or all at once.

1. Transfer case
2. Sliders
3. Transmission
4. Front skid (because there’s already a shitty one there)
5. F&R bumpers
6. Rear diff skid or weld on bash plate.
7. LCA’s
8. And last, have the tools and practice taking your rear drive shaft off.

 

I forgot about gas tank skid. I’d make that one #9 on my list, but still important.

 

I wouldn’t want to hit my aluminum transfer case on anything. If it cracks or breaks, you’re dead in your tracks even if you only lose all the gear oil from a crack. How would you go highway speed getting home with no oil? Nobody carries a spare transfer case, a I’ve never practiced changing one. But again there are too many things to count what could go wrong.

 

I hit my front skid more than anything else. Protect your oil pan!!! You can drive out with nearly anything else dented.

I have front and transmission skids, and sliders. For my off road driving,I have yet to hit the sliders. They are mostly there as hi lift points and recovery anchors.

 

Sliders for me, too. If you're doing anything where skids plates might be useful then you'll eventually wish you had sliders.

 

Well, after much thought I think I’m gonna wait a bit for armor..I’m gonna by a Weber Smokey Mountain 22.5 smoker.. I use my 2 Weber Kettles just about everyday from late spring to early fall and my smoked meats aren’t quite what I always want. So I think this will be the right choice for a Christmas gift. BUT if my Secret Santa is out there searching for ideas! Armor for my truck would be nice

 

If you're running steps then I'm not sure armor makes any sense for you.

 

Sliders and then front skid!

 

THIS