Yes - sarcasm. Literally the very first TRD Pro skids were on KDSS 4Runners (the first pros had KDSS on the pre-production ones).

You have to cut the sides out. Dozens of guides can be found with a google search. It's easy and you can do it with a jig saw in about 15 minutes.

The down side is that it's not very strong. I broke mine on the first off road trip (crushed the center of the bottom and broke the welds on the sides). It actually held up worse than the OEM steel one. So I wouldn't expect it to work for rock crawling duty. But it's visually a bit nicer IMO. If you can weld in some gussets you could improve it a lot with a minimal amount of internal bracing and it would probably be really durable. It just doesn't have much internal structure.

I designed a replica in steel. If you have a fab shop or your own fab equipment I'm happy to email you the DXF file to cut the template and then you can weld up a steel version that will be a lot stronger.

Good luck.

very clean cuts.

did you have to remove any brackets/support bars under the old OEM skids? or was it just a simple swap after the cut outs for the KDSS.

thx

Thanks! And I did remove the support brackets. Though I never did test if they would fit with the TRD pro skid. I wasn't actually thinking about it at the time and just removed them when I put the skid on.

Didn't need to remove my brackets.. after the cut it was a straight bolt on. There shouldn't be a reason to remove them as they clear without issue

So...anyone put one on a '20 yet? If so, lets see some pics!

Also, any good deals floating around for an OEM TRD Pro skid plate?

great job buddy, could you send me the DXF file please?

thanks in advance

I will try to get you a file sent on Monday (tomorrow) when I'm in front of my computer with the file. I have a set of notes that go with it. There's some bending that you'll need to know the angles for and a few additional parts that need to be fabricated on the inside. If I have free time I'll update the model with the extra parts and include in the file so when you get your cut you'll have them instead of having to fabricate them. It'll save a bit of time putting it together. I'll also adjust the grill parts for less inches of cutting that will save some $ if you're sending to a cut shop that charges per inch of cut.

Not true unless your 4runner is different from mines. I have a 2015 4runner Trail and I got a 2020 skid plate, I made the cuts and the support bar underneath had to be removed otherwise it will not fit. I tried multiple times and it will not fit.

Awesome cuts! How did you get them so clean? Did you use a jigsaw like most others?

budbaker

Thanks! And yeah, I used a jigsaw to make the cuts but also used a blade specifically for aluminum. After cutting, I used a metal file to smooth out the rough and sharp spots. It took some time. But I like the way it came out.

Also, welcome aboard!

I really dig the TRD skid as well but has anyone bought/seen this one from Car Trim? I saw the post on Trial4R.com and I'm thinking about picking it up. Just a few hundred and straight bolt on and KDSS compatible as well.


For the ones who haven't seen the post here it is:
Car Trim Home TRD Skid Plate Review & Install For 5th Gen 4Runner

Car Trim TRD Skid Plate (KDSS Compatible)
Ship only to the continental U.S.!!!Free Shipping Bumper Skid Plate Protector Guard For TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2010-2021

I just purchased one, I will post some feedback when I get it installed. Here is a video from TRD JON on it.

Cheapest 4Runner TRD Pro Skid Plate Upgrade! - YouTube

Just got it today, 5 days total shipping time. Very nice skid plate! I have KDSS.

Install Update:

Here’s some photos of the skid plate installed. Chased all the threads prior with a tap to clean out the threads. Installed some 1/2” spacers on the lower mounts, which creates a bit more clearance of the KDSS bar. Cut the plastic radiator guard in half to fit in front of the skid plate.

The cover for accessing the oil filter holes needed to be enlarged slightly so the cover fits flush without binding in the screws. Other than that very happy with this skid plate.