Originally Posted by scfw0x0f

I'd like to do this build trying to keep the weight down a bit, so we don't wind up a 7,000 pound armadillo (great phrase @Easyrider18 !). I'm very much a measure 2/3/4/5 times, cut once type.

It seems like we could select different armor grades--thin/thick, steel/Al--for different locations based on likelihood of damage and the severity of cost/risk for damage. The difference between (for example) a full set of Bud Built skids in 3/16 steel with a diff skid, and 1/4 Al without the diff skid, is 97 pounds, which is 6% of the total cargo capacity of the 4Runner.

Has anyone done this or looked into it?

My thinking so far. This is really just to get the decision process started.

• Rock sliders: very high priority, because the downside is very expensive repairs.
• Front skid: low priority, because with a front-facing camera we should be able to avoid most damage.
• Mid-skid: medium priority, proximity to oil pan.
• Tranny/transfer case: low priority, they are pretty sturdy.
• Fuel tank: high priority, catastrophic failure modes.
• Rear differential: medium priority.
• KDSS components: low/medium, not critical but expensive to fix.
• ABS sensors: low/medium, same as KDSS.
• Something else?

Comments? Once I get these priorities worked out, and I'm looking to all of you for advice on that, I can look at the specifics of protecting each location.

Thanks!