09-26-2019, 01:43 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
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Join Date: May 2014
Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Posts: 2,052
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Posts: 2,052
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RCI , ARB BudBuilt Skid Plate Package?
RCI is going to have a group buy very soon, look for the thread in the classifieds under group buys. It’ll make it a better deal. RCI is a forum favorite as the skids are strong and fit well. I went with coastal offroad skids and am happy with them. 3/16th steel, very hefty but it is a weld together kit.
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09-26-2019, 04:07 PM
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#3
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Member
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Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Denver
Posts: 103
Real Name: Calvin
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Denver
Posts: 103
Real Name: Calvin
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Don't know about the other two...but I went with RCI. They had a pretty good tax rebate sale when I purchased. They do have the group buys as well. I went with steel because of price and also what I do. I live around Utah and Colorado and there's a good amount of pretty big rocks where I go; I wanted the most protection. I also figured if I accidentally hit anything in the road with these on it'll save my underbody. They are very stout, and fit pretty good. I'm happy with them.
I like the access I have to the oil filter now (V8) and the drain hole they have. The last reason I went with them was that I didn't have to pay to ship, I just went in and picked them up. Doesn't really look like that would be an option for you though.
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2006 Sport Edition 4x4 V8
Bilstein 6112 w/ King 700# springs (5th clip), Toytec 2" springs in the rear w/ ICON 2.0,
CBI single hoop front bumper, Smittybilt 9500 XRC, RCI steel full skid package, 285/70r17 BFG KO2s on TRD Offroad wheels
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09-26-2019, 04:11 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 3,528
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 3,528
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I've been tempted by the ARB based on price... I can find it for under $500 shipped which seems really good.
That said, if the RCI is that much better, I don't mind spending a bit more.
I don't see a lot of love for the ARB version. Perhaps it's lacking in some areas.
I hear you on shipping. I picked up my sliders locally from Demello Offroad. I was hoping they had some nice skid options but unfortunately they dont.
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09-26-2019, 04:19 PM
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#5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bumbo
I've been tempted by the ARB based on price... I can find it for under $500 shipped which seems really good.
That said, if the RCI is that much better, I don't mind spending a bit more.
I don't see a lot of love for the ARB version. Perhaps it's lacking in some areas.
I hear you on shipping. I picked up my sliders locally from Demello Offroad. I was hoping they had some nice skid options but unfortunately they dont.
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I had ARB's on my 4runner when I bought it a few years back and promptly removed them due to how bent they were, and also hitting the exhaust crossover pipe, driving me insane. Sold them for like $125 just to get rid of them...
I've looked at RCI and BudBuilt closely before but still haven't pulled the trigger. It would be one of those 2 though for me when I do decide, I'm quite sure.
The Colorado rock guys would give the best feedback on this subject, I'm sure.
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09-26-2019, 04:27 PM
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#6
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Member
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Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Sacramento CA
Posts: 683
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Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Sacramento CA
Posts: 683
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I recommend against the ARB's. They are wimpy and don't do anything. I bent all of them and had to weld 1/2" thick steel onto them and press them back into shape just so that they would function as passable skid plates.
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2005 Blue SR5 v8
3" suspension lift, 1" body lift, 315's, rear Elocker, on-board air system, slider air tanks, full skid plates, front Demello bumper, rear HMF plate/tube bumper, rear 9000lb hidden winch, front 10000lb winch, dual electric fans (in cab adjustable temp), rock lights, 25W LED projector lights.
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09-26-2019, 04:33 PM
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#7
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Member
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Join Date: May 2015
Location: Wisco
Posts: 937
Real Name: The Native Explorer
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Member
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Wisco
Posts: 937
Real Name: The Native Explorer
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Caldizzle
Don't know about the other two...but I went with RCI. They had a pretty good tax rebate sale when I purchased. They do have the group buys as well. I went with steel because of price and also what I do. I live around Utah and Colorado and there's a good amount of pretty big rocks where I go; I wanted the most protection. I also figured if I accidentally hit anything in the road with these on it'll save my underbody. They are very stout, and fit pretty good. I'm happy with them.
I like the access I have to the oil filter now (V8) and the drain hole they have. The last reason I went with them was that I didn't have to pay to ship, I just went in and picked them up. Doesn't really look like that would be an option for you though.
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Quick question- can you get to the filter in the V8 around the side of the filter?? I was thinking if I get one of these, i'd mill me own trapdoor for filter access...
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"Bumble" '17 Lim w/ 35k, IVD Stage 7, CBI/Prinsu metal, Morimoto lighting, ARB Linx : Build thread in progress...
The AventuRunner Build '07 V8 Sport w/ DO armor, Fox squish, Falken rubber, IVD UCAs, BD lights, Sherpa rack -- gonna miss the V8
The "Iceberg" Build... Natty White 3rd Gen ----gone, but not forgotten...
IG @apohl17
From ye fellow @Konkordmusk... "The 4Runner does not drive. It simply rotates the Earth to your desired position."
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09-26-2019, 04:36 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 3,528
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: CA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by duffdog
I recommend against the ARB's. They are wimpy and don't do anything. I bent all of them and had to weld 1/2" thick steel onto them and press them back into shape just so that they would function as passable skid plates.
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Thanks for this feedback. Sounds like a classic case of you get what you pay for… ARB is generally a pretty expensive brand, I was surprised to see skids with their name on it priced this low.
Looks like ill strike them from my search.
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09-26-2019, 04:43 PM
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#9
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Guest
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bumbo
Thanks for this feedback. Sounds like a classic case of you get what you pay for… ARB is generally a pretty expensive brand, I was surprised to see skids with their name on it priced this low.
Looks like ill strike them from my search.
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Their design and style is great, but the steel just isn't strong enough. I think it would need to be much thicker to not deflect so easily.
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09-26-2019, 05:39 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Earth, Central Oregun
Age: 53
Posts: 1,196
Real Name: Derek
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Earth, Central Oregun
Age: 53
Posts: 1,196
Real Name: Derek
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I like my RCI skids.
Only bad is the gas tank skid is not supported at the leading edge.
But i guess you where not actually looking at the gas skid.
MStudt GB feeler looks to be getting some traction...big list on TW.
RCI Group Buy - Fall 2019 - Feeler
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Some modifications.
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09-26-2019, 05:59 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 3,528
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Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: CA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BackOff
I like my RCI skids.
Only bad is the gas tank skid is not supported at the leading edge.
But i guess you where not actually looking at the gas skid.
MStudt GB feeler looks to be getting some traction...big list on TW.
RCI Group Buy - Fall 2019 - Feeler
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I was under the impression the RCI full skid package including that gas skid, but if it doesn't I will have to add it.
I did have plans on armoring as much of the underside as possible.
Thanks for the Group Buy Link... much appreciated.
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09-26-2019, 07:44 PM
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#12
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Member
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Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Valley of the Sun
Posts: 228
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Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Valley of the Sun
Posts: 228
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I have the full set of RCI skids including the gas tank skid and they are really great quality for the price. I picked my set up super cheap on a Black Friday deal through Toytec. CBI came out with their set of skids a few months after I purchased mine and I think the design a bit better, but for the price I wouldn't have gone any other route. Check out the CBI and see what you think... might fit the bill, but a bit more expensive.
Click
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2006 V8 Limited 4WD
| Doug Thorley Headers | Gibson | Old Man Emu | ToyTec | SPC Performance | RCI Metalworks |
| Skid Mark 4x4 | SpiderTrax | BFGoodrich KO2 | aFe | Rutech | HCF Mod |
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09-26-2019, 08:12 PM
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#13
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Member
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Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 165
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 165
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bumbo
I was under the impression the RCI full skid package including that gas skid, but if it doesn't I will have to add it.
I did have plans on armoring as much of the underside as possible.
Thanks for the Group Buy Link... much appreciated.
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I'm not sure it's a "get what you pay for" kind of thing. IMO, it's what you plan on doing with them.
ARB plates are good for an upgrade from the OEM in as much as they cover more of your expensive and exposed bits, and offer a slightly (I need to double check this) thicker material. They are stamped steel and are definitely NOT flat, which is what separates them from the Bud or RCI skids. I call them bash plates, and not skid plates which are designed to allow you to slide over obstacles as opposed to the occasional hard hit.
The difference between the BB and RCI is material thickness and price. Buds are much thicker and encompass more under the vehicle. The downside is they are ridiculously heavy. They are designed for more hardcore crawling and sliding. They do offer an "overland" option which is probably more comparable to RCI, and also offer aluminum in the "overland" edition. They are also the only vendor I know that offer stainless as an option for those with really deep pockets. BB will also powder coat their skids in a variety of colors.
I run a full RCI armor system (only thing I don't have is the LCA plates) and have been pleased with them. I think the welding and material is top notch, and their customer service has been great. I have them in aluminum and for what they are supposed to be used for, they have worked well. I have gone through (2) IFS skids and honestly consider them a wear and tear item at this point. I have recently outgrown the aluminum and have been heavily leaning towards steel for at least my IFS and mid skids due to the trails and damage I have exposed them to. My main issue with steel is not the weight really, but more maintenance. Just one more piece of metal I need to re-paint after every other trip.
I think the one advantage Bud has is that the IFS skid covers the cam bolts where RCI doesn't. I've done some nasty trails and I've never hit there or really been worried about it, but I guess the extra protection is always a consideration.
Also, one thing to consider is mounting points. I run Kings and because of the sway bar relocation bracket that also serves as my resi bracket, I've had to get creative in the way I mount my IFS skid, and I've had to ditch my stamped lower radiator chassis S supports to get the skid to stop making contact with them. I also ditched my front diff drop to gain some more skid clearance. So if you have an aftermarket suspension, it may be a small project to get everything snug without pieces touching each other.
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09-27-2019, 11:45 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 2,891
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 2,891
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I'll second what Chris said above. ARB plates provide improved protection to the important drivetrain stuff from occasional hits. More suited to overlanding/expedition style rigs than the more serious rock crawling type rigs. The other brands are more expensive because they provide even more protection.
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09-27-2019, 01:39 PM
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#15
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Member
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Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Denver
Posts: 103
Real Name: Calvin
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Denver
Posts: 103
Real Name: Calvin
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Quote:
Originally Posted by apohl17
Quick question- can you get to the filter in the V8 around the side of the filter?? I was thinking if I get one of these, i'd mill me own trapdoor for filter access...
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Ya, I use a seat belt filter remover with an extension and i can reach it in. Just need to place something underneath it so the oil doesn't get all over the skid. I don't think you would need to cut at all.
__________________
2006 Sport Edition 4x4 V8
Bilstein 6112 w/ King 700# springs (5th clip), Toytec 2" springs in the rear w/ ICON 2.0,
CBI single hoop front bumper, Smittybilt 9500 XRC, RCI steel full skid package, 285/70r17 BFG KO2s on TRD Offroad wheels
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