What is this used for?

In getting ready to install an SOS front bumper, I removed the plastic bumper cover and a few other parts.



I've noticed these pieces before but never thought too much about them. This is the crosspiece that the tow hook is bolted to. These reccanglur pieces slide into the cross piece. The piece in question is to the right Of center.



It is held in place with one bolt. It has a 17mm head, which is I think about 11/16 inch, so it could withstand a lot of stress. Nothing else was attached to this.


Once the bolt is removed the rectanglur piece slides out.



What is the part used for?

 

Thats the flux capacitor, which happens to be this weeks $64,000 question. Who knows, been wondering that since i purchased my truck. I have never been able to get an answer. I would love to know myself. I have since removed and discarded both sides after installing my SOS bumper.

 

IMHO, it forms part of the OEM bumper system.

 

Its the added weight so you dont go around popping wheelies everywhere.. duh.

 

I thought it might be a good spot to mount a rock light.

 

They're counterweights for the Taco lean. Remove or fill with sand as needed to balance out the truck.

But seriously, if any of you don't need yours, I'll buy them from you for a side project.

 

It's OEM off road armor.

 

Additional "bumper/crush area" to help try protect the steering during accident. Or maybe it's to protect the steering from the Honda drivers who jump in a Tacoma to try to run over a fire hydrant.
???

 

Holy fuck brother. You're doing it right!

 

2nd gen paper weight

 

First accident, mine flew off. A Spanish guy was hit in the leg with mine. He promptly ran off when the police got there though. So I assume he was ok.

 

A bracket from the bumper cover, many consider this the actual bumper but it's not, connects to it to stiffen the bumper cover.

Bumper cover:

Bumper:

 

Has anyone cut all that crap off yet to gain more approach angle? Holy rock anchor! ...and modified bumper/skids to fit.. aftermarket of course.

 

vagina catch can? i have no idea

 

I always assumed it was for aftermarket accessories, kind of like a placeholder. Could be wrong, but i though i saw a plow that attached to that area.

 

Yeah sorry for being slightly off topic.. found this thread searching. I'm talking about the cross member and the extension down to it.. If I was brave, I would hack all that crap off, build a replacement cross member up close to the primary frame. Was wondering if anyone has done it yet... call it a chin tuck!

 

I did notice the SX or whatever hooptydoo model at the Toyota car lot had the skid (that goes over the other skid) mounted to the outboard tubes as I remember... The accessory skid was much more substantial than the one under it.. which I thought was cool.

Yeah Door Ding, check out the approach angles next time you have your skid plate off ... imagine that entire bar was out of the way (looking at it from the side)... looks like a lot in my estimation (prolly not worth the effort tho unless yur extream wheelin'/modin' yur rig)

Cheers people cheers!

 

Looks like TRoss and Doording solved it. Here is a picture of a TRD Pro. You can see where the rear mounts of the front skid plate bolts to the mystery part.