[teotwaki]

Updated this one to show KDSS skid availability

LFD Off Road
Standard width, non-KDSS
Wide width, non KDSS
Standard width for vehicles with KDSS
LFD Off Road - Armor

[Goldorak]

I'm looking at Al for weight savings and no rock crawling, and want to know how strong they are. Did anybody bent one? Broke it? First hand experience, please!

Anybody regrets getting aluminum and wishes they'd gone steel instead? Why?

[MAST4R]

Originally Posted by Goldorak

I'm looking at Al for weight savings and no rock crawling, and want to know how strong they are. Did anybody bent one? Broke it? First hand experience, please!

Anybody regrets getting aluminum and wishes they'd gone steel instead? Why?

I recommend the BudBuilt website. He has explanations of the three different types of skids he offers and explains which one is good for what.

I had aluminum for 5 years on a Subaru (used way more than most 4Runners) and I now have 3/16 armor.

What defines rock crawling depends on the vehicle, not the rocks. Saying that you won't crawl means you would not come anywhere close to the vehicle's limits, which means you need no aftermarket skid plates at all.

Aluminum can take hits but it cannot take as many hits as 3/16 steel. Similarly aluminum can be dragged, but it does not "like" to be dragged over rocks. Aluminum skids will bend easily and a lot when challenged. 3/16 steel: repaint and repeat. Finally, you will hit big normally on long days on variable terrain, not when crawling because then you are really focused. And with enough speed, you can bend 3/16 steel, too. So that's another argument for 3/16 steel.

So I would say that stock or used often = steel. Lifted and used not very often = aluminum is ok. Of course, if you live in a high humidity area, then that favors aluminum. If you only do trails rated easy, you don't really need any aftermarket skids even if the vehicle spends a lot of time on them.

Also, different shops offer 3/16 steel skids in different weights. In some cases, the weight savings over aluminum are not as significant (RCI).

[Goldorak]

When I say "no rock crawling" I mean that I have absolutely no intention to take the 4R on the Rubicon, or anything like that. It's still a "mall crawler" lol!
Right now, I'm thinking dirt roads, "expedition overlanding" -loaded words, I know, but nothing extreme. So, I can only think of some rock or tree stump that I don't see, and I want to be protected against that. Remote chance of needing it, so, is the weight of steel worth it? To me, it is not. Unless I hear evidence contradicting my reasons, which is the reason I'm asking for real life experiences. For which I thank you.

[safdSA]

I just ordered what RCI calls(I think) a full set of sliders in aluminum. I like you, can't see myself doing anything too too crazy, but wanted something stronger than stock. The set doesn't come with gas tank and something else and they only offer it in steel. Maybe a reason those parts don't come in aluminum? Either way when I have the $ I'll get the skids I'm missing in steel, just to be uniform with one company.

[TrijiCog]

Thanks for putting all this info into one place,really helpful on deciding which one to get.

I really like the CBI,but it's $323 shipping charges by freight,or $220 UPS Ground plus the cost of the skid lol..I am a LTL freight company driver and something like this does not cost $300 + to ship.Ground I can understand because it is oversize,but not overweight. Still though even UPS Ground with an account should be only $50 or so..

They need another shipping company.

Searched for discounts,couldn't find any.

[MAST4R]

Originally Posted by safdSA

I just ordered what RCI calls(I think) a full set of sliders in aluminum. I like you, can't see myself doing anything too too crazy, but wanted something stronger than stock. The set doesn't come with gas tank and something else and they only offer it in steel. Maybe a reason those parts don't come in aluminum? Either way when I have the $ I'll get the skids I'm missing in steel, just to be uniform with one company.

They do have the gas tank skid in aluminum, or at least used to until recently.

The problem with their gas tank skid design is that the front lip is unsupported and so can get crushed rather easily, especially on the aluminum skid.

Shrock offer a really good gas tank skid even though installing it can be a little painful (make sure your gas tank is near empty!). They also have a good price.

[teotwaki]

Updated the first post with this CBI Skid thread

CBI Fabrication - 5th Gen Skid Plates

[RockyM]

This 2019 4Runner is new to me. Have not done an oil change yet but at some point will. Before looking at the LFD Off-Road skid plate I need to ask if it eliminates pulling any hardware to get to the oil filter. There appears to be a door for access to the oil pan bolt, but is there open access to the filter? Thanks

[teotwaki]

Originally Posted by RockyM

This 2019 4Runner is new to me. Have not done an oil change yet but at some point will. Before looking at the LFD Off-Road skid plate I need to ask if it eliminates pulling any hardware to get to the oil filter. There appears to be a door for access to the oil pan bolt, but is there open access to the filter? Thanks

The door to the front is for access to the oil filter cartridge housing. The open hole to the rear is for the oil pan drain bolt

[mteolus]

Originally Posted by RockyM

This 2019 4Runner is new to me. Have not done an oil change yet but at some point will. Before looking at the LFD Off-Road skid plate I need to ask if it eliminates pulling any hardware to get to the oil filter. There appears to be a door for access to the oil pan bolt, but is there open access to the filter? Thanks

The "door" you are referring to is for the oil filter. So no, you don't have to take the skid plate off. That being said, on any skid plate it is going to be tight. I just take my skid plate off (I have RCI) to make it easier. Taking the skid plate off is easy.

[RockyM]

Got it, thanks! Makes sense. Yes it would appear the aftermarket skid plates will be easier to work it. I do all my own oil changes, so arguably worth the price for just that!

[Charlievee]

Being the ultimate skid plate thread, I will ask a question about threads.

What is the thread and pitch/ sizes of the hardware?

[teotwaki]

Originally Posted by Charlievee

Being the ultimate skid plate thread, I will ask a question about threads.

What is the thread and pitch/ sizes of the hardware?

I generally take the bolt in question over to Ace Hardware and match it to a nut in their inventory

[Charlievee]

Front skid plate 10mm 1.25
Transfer case skid 8mm 1.25