My mechanic is convinced that I'm missing some sort of stock guard that spans the gap between my bumper and skid plate on my 2003 SR5 V8. Does this exist or not? I saw a 2004 V6 and it didn't have one either. I figured I'd check and get one if they existed.

Thanks
[IMG][/IMG]

No such thing as far as I know.

What you see in your picture is the way they came from factory. My 04 was like that, and present 08.

Would you recommend some sort of armor for that space there?

There is a skid plate i think they place it on the sport models, possible newer which actually closes the gap. I don't know how much it cost, but you could possible get another skid plate such as 4plus or budbuild to close the gap.
here is the pic of it:

A lot of Dealers/Owners used the TRD Tacoma "skid plate" (really an aluminum plat that bolts on and probably wouldn't take much abuse off-road) to cover that section. That Tacoma piece is no longer produced and might be what your mechanic is talking about.

From the factory there was no cover/plate to span the gap between the bumper and radiator bottom support.

Would this be an area of concern if taken off road in its current state?

I wouldn't worry about it. Many people run their trucks off road with stock armor and don't have problems. I drove through over 2 feet of water like that with no problems also.

I don't think it would help any to have the plate between the plastic bumper and the factory skid. If you run over something with that plate and attached to the bumper, I think your bumper wouldn't survive the impact.

Trust me, the plastic bumper has a hard time surviving the blows by itself.

Someone makes a piece that covers it but it didnt seem that popular, my buddy with an FJ recommended getting something there because he went through some ice once and punctured his radiator.

Nope. I haven't had any issues while wheeling.

Well this COULD be an area of concern if you take it off-roading, depending on how hard to wheel the truck.

Even if you had the skid plate that covered that gap, it'd do nothing to protect the bumper. The only solid support that bumper has is the 4-6" wide aluminum bar that bolts to the frame right in the middle, just under the grill opening. The rest of it is just a plastic bumper skin that is bolted clipped to the body and frame. In the event of nicking a rock or debris it'll tear the bumper up easily, its designed to squish and or crumple easily. You will also have issues with angle of approach and such.

This is why a lot of members go for full metal bumpers or heavy duty bull bars. But again, it all depends on how hard you're gonna beat her up off the road. If you're doing just dirt roads with some potholes and some backwoods trails you'll be fine. If you're taking her up mountain sides and climbing rocks and such, you're better off investing in some solid armor.

might possibly be this:

In my mind the greatest advantage of having a plate their would be in case you hit an animal. I have seen a few damage radiators as their final earthly act.

Upgrade to an aftermarket one if you are super concerned.


From shrockworks site