06-04-2020, 02:07 PM
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#1
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TRD Pro Owners: Keep Factory Front Plate or Go After Market?
Question for TRD Pro owners and apologies if a similar thread is out there (searched and did not find one).
I'm looking at either getting a full set of coordinated Al plates for my 4Runner (basically front/engine, transmission, and transfer case) and was wondering if anyone had opinions on the RCI TRD Pro integration option versus some of the other full systems out there. Going Al since I tend to stay out of really bad rocks and drive 15K+ miles a year with this vehicle, so don't want to turn it into a fat pig if I can avoid it.
I'm figuring I can pull the TRD Pro plate and sell it on Craigslist for a good bit, plus I don't like the fact that the TRD Pro plate typically obstructs after market A-arm skids. It does look sweet though .
Any opinions on keeping the TRD plate versus swapping it out and why? Trying to make sure I'm not missing something logic wise (as I'm leaning towards pulling it out).
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2016 Black Trail Premium KDSS - Traded
2020 Army Green TRD Pro: 265/70R17 Goodyear Duratrac RT, Eibach TRD Pro Lift-Kit Springs, Victory 4x4 Blitz Al Sliders, RCI TRD Pro Integration Al Skid Plate Set, RCI Gas Tank Al Skid Plate, Front Runner 3/4 Slimline Roof Rack (w/1.4m Easy-Out Awning and Quick Release Kit), Morimoto XB Taillights, Canvasback Cargo Liner, more to come...
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06-04-2020, 02:55 PM
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#2
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My TRD plate took some hits on Imogene. Faired quite well. Although due to the plate being aluminum I have some souvenirs ;)
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2018 T4R TRD Pro Stock - RSG Sliders - Lock'er Down Console Safe - Yaesu 7900 - Cobra 75 - Garmin 55 Dash Cam - Gaia GPS - Garmin InReach Mini - Earthmate - Baja Designs Squad Sport Ditch Lights w/ Cali Raised Low Profile Ditch Light Brackets -Diode Dynamics SS3 Fog Light Kit - LFD Crossbars - BFG K2s - Warn VR EVO 10s - Warn Semi-Hidden Bumper
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06-04-2020, 03:06 PM
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#3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lost-Again
My TRD plate took some hits on Imogene. Faired quite well. Although due to the plate being aluminum I have some souvenirs ;)
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Souvenirs just meaning gouges and marks? If you had a powder coated steel plate, you would have definitely banged it up also . Just less chance of them bending on really hard hits.
The TRD plate coverage seems really good and I already have it; thus my thoughts on maybe trying to keep it (good looking also). Only RCI seems to have an integration system at this point for it though, otherwise likely need to pull it off and swap to a full setup (which I am thinking about doing with Victory 4x4).
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2016 Black Trail Premium KDSS - Traded
2020 Army Green TRD Pro: 265/70R17 Goodyear Duratrac RT, Eibach TRD Pro Lift-Kit Springs, Victory 4x4 Blitz Al Sliders, RCI TRD Pro Integration Al Skid Plate Set, RCI Gas Tank Al Skid Plate, Front Runner 3/4 Slimline Roof Rack (w/1.4m Easy-Out Awning and Quick Release Kit), Morimoto XB Taillights, Canvasback Cargo Liner, more to come...
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06-04-2020, 04:58 PM
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#4
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I've been going through the same dialog myself. My thoughts so far though stem around replacing it all with something AL and either selling the skid on CL or keeping it for trade in time. Same with the silly roof rack.
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06-04-2020, 06:27 PM
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#5
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I've had my 2020 TRD PRO since the middle of January. I've looked at getting the entirety of the undercarriage "armored". From my perspective, it would have to be done all at one time as doing it piecemeal would leave portions of the front unprotected which are currently protected by the factory plate. At least for me I am keeping it factory until I can get the entire bottom done.
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06-04-2020, 06:35 PM
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#6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AZ Craig
Question for TRD Pro owners and apologies if a similar thread is out there (searched and did not find one).
I'm looking at either getting a full set of coordinated Al plates for my 4Runner (basically front/engine, transmission, and transfer case) and was wondering if anyone had opinions on the RCI TRD Pro integration option versus some of the other full systems out there. Going Al since I tend to stay out of really bad rocks and drive 15K+ miles a year with this vehicle, so don't want to turn it into a fat pig if I can avoid it.
I'm figuring I can pull the TRD Pro plate and sell it on Craigslist for a good bit, plus I don't like the fact that the TRD Pro plate typically obstructs after market A-arm skids. It does look sweet though .
Any opinions on keeping the TRD plate versus swapping it out and why? Trying to make sure I'm not missing something logic wise (as I'm leaning towards pulling it out).
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I think the biggest benefit of swapping it out would be easier oil changes since most aftermarket plates have openings for the oil filter. Also, just my opinion but I dont feel the need for A-Arm skids. Its just a piece of metal, would rather get cam tab gussets or skids from Marlin Crawler or TC.
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2019 ORP - KDSS, Dobinsons C59-302/GS59-700 front and C59-725/IMS59-50701 rear, Dobinsons UCA, DuroBump/Daystar bumpstops, Sonoran Steel High Articulation tracbar, Marlin Crawler LCA frame brace, OGS Lo-Key Bumper w/ Warn VR EVO 10-S, RCI Sliders, fully armored with RCI/C4/Outgear Solutions skids, Falken Wildpeak M/T 285/70/17, LFD SS-Crossbars, ARB breather kit (Rear Diff and Locker), ScanGaugeII, Anytime Front/Backup Camera, onboard ARB Twin compressor MORRFlate kit, and DD SS3 Sport fogs
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06-04-2020, 06:35 PM
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#7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fanatic1
I've had my 2020 TRD PRO since the middle of January. I've looked at getting the entirety of the undercarriage "armored". From my perspective, it would have to be done all at one time as doing it piecemeal would leave portions of the front unprotected which are currently protected by the factory plate. At least for me I am keeping it factory until I can get the entire bottom done.
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Yeah, check out RCI Metalworks though. They actually have a modified (and significantly cheaper) front plate that ties in the TRD front to their transfer case and transmission skids. Saves you a bunch of money in that you don't need to replace the front plate then (which is generally going to run you $300 to $400, maybe a bit more with Al if you powder coat).
I do plan on getting differential and gas tank skids also and am tempted to just match up from one fabricator (since I'm OCD like that).
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2016 Black Trail Premium KDSS - Traded
2020 Army Green TRD Pro: 265/70R17 Goodyear Duratrac RT, Eibach TRD Pro Lift-Kit Springs, Victory 4x4 Blitz Al Sliders, RCI TRD Pro Integration Al Skid Plate Set, RCI Gas Tank Al Skid Plate, Front Runner 3/4 Slimline Roof Rack (w/1.4m Easy-Out Awning and Quick Release Kit), Morimoto XB Taillights, Canvasback Cargo Liner, more to come...
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06-04-2020, 06:39 PM
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#8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AZ Craig
Yeah, check out RCI Metalworks though. They actually have a modified (and significantly cheaper) front plate that ties in the TRD front to their transfer case and transmission skids. Saves you a bunch of money in that you don't need to replace the front plate then (which is generally going to run you $300 to $400, maybe a bit more with Al if you powder coat).
I do plan on getting differential and gas tank skids also and am tempted to just match up from one fabricator (since I'm OCD like that).
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I have the RCI skids (not a pro) and like the front and transmission but the T-case skid could be improved. I recommend getting the LFD T-case skid, you'll never have rocks hitting the exhaust pipe issue.
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2019 ORP - KDSS, Dobinsons C59-302/GS59-700 front and C59-725/IMS59-50701 rear, Dobinsons UCA, DuroBump/Daystar bumpstops, Sonoran Steel High Articulation tracbar, Marlin Crawler LCA frame brace, OGS Lo-Key Bumper w/ Warn VR EVO 10-S, RCI Sliders, fully armored with RCI/C4/Outgear Solutions skids, Falken Wildpeak M/T 285/70/17, LFD SS-Crossbars, ARB breather kit (Rear Diff and Locker), ScanGaugeII, Anytime Front/Backup Camera, onboard ARB Twin compressor MORRFlate kit, and DD SS3 Sport fogs
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06-04-2020, 07:24 PM
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#9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SpeedyKevin
I have the RCI skids (not a pro) and like the front and transmission but the T-case skid could be improved. I recommend getting the LFD T-case skid, you'll never have rocks hitting the exhaust pipe issue.
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I assume the issue with the RCI is the relatively narrow body width?
That's one thing I like about the Victory 4x4 plates. The transfer case skid appears to definitely be a bit burlier.
I had not look at LFD much before; they look nice also. Doesn't seem like they have Al options however other than the front (unless I was missing something).
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2016 Black Trail Premium KDSS - Traded
2020 Army Green TRD Pro: 265/70R17 Goodyear Duratrac RT, Eibach TRD Pro Lift-Kit Springs, Victory 4x4 Blitz Al Sliders, RCI TRD Pro Integration Al Skid Plate Set, RCI Gas Tank Al Skid Plate, Front Runner 3/4 Slimline Roof Rack (w/1.4m Easy-Out Awning and Quick Release Kit), Morimoto XB Taillights, Canvasback Cargo Liner, more to come...
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06-04-2020, 08:53 PM
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#10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AZ Craig
I assume the issue with the RCI is the relatively narrow body width?
That's one thing I like about the Victory 4x4 plates. The transfer case skid appears to definitely be a bit burlier.
I had not look at LFD much before; they look nice also. Doesn't seem like they have Al options however other than the front (unless I was missing something).
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More like tiny rocks get stuck between the exhaust pipe and the skid. Wasn't clear on that, my bad! The LFD ones have openings. I know they are making an AL version of the front skid, maybe theyll make the rest.
The Victory ones look nice but alittle worried about the mid part as it doesn't seem to gusseted (not sure thats the right term) like the RCI (which also doesnt show it inon the websites photos). Not really an issue though if you arent going over big rock gardens.
EDIT: RCI skid with the reinforcements
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2019 ORP - KDSS, Dobinsons C59-302/GS59-700 front and C59-725/IMS59-50701 rear, Dobinsons UCA, DuroBump/Daystar bumpstops, Sonoran Steel High Articulation tracbar, Marlin Crawler LCA frame brace, OGS Lo-Key Bumper w/ Warn VR EVO 10-S, RCI Sliders, fully armored with RCI/C4/Outgear Solutions skids, Falken Wildpeak M/T 285/70/17, LFD SS-Crossbars, ARB breather kit (Rear Diff and Locker), ScanGaugeII, Anytime Front/Backup Camera, onboard ARB Twin compressor MORRFlate kit, and DD SS3 Sport fogs
Last edited by SpeedyKevin; 06-04-2020 at 08:56 PM.
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06-04-2020, 10:05 PM
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#11
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I have a TRD skid with the RCI full aluminum kit. Fit is perfect. I prefer the coverage and angle of the TRD skid.
Though I have an ORP with KDSS so I had to do some trimming. In that process I realized how terrible the factory powder coating is, so I had them all blasted and powder coated. Even the powder coater commented on how bad it was.
My only regret is not having them all bead blasted and then clear powder coated instead of gunmetal gray. Then scratches wouldn’t matter and oxidation wouldn’t be an issue either.
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2019 ORP, 6112/5160, Eibach load leveling springs #250, Cornfed 1/2 in front spacers, JBA UCA, RCI alum skids, TRD Pro skid, TRD Pro grill, TRD Pro valances, Baja S8 30”, 3x Baja LP4 and Baja fogs, Rays 10, Toyo AT3 185/55, Canvasback, tinted windows, clear mask, UpTop Alpha rack w/ custom fairing, Borla, AFE CAI, URD MAF, Switch Pros, Power Trays, single ARB, rod vault, iKamper X-Cover, 23Zero 270 awning, Baja scene lights, Baja S2 rear fog/camp lights, RSG KDSS skid and sliders, Coco Mats, Ellis shift knobs, C4 ladder, Kenwood DNX696S/iData link, Morimoto XB Gen2, Morimoto Tails, custom 80/20 platform with slider, RokBlokz XL, WeBoost, C4 Low Pro w/ high clearance, Warn VR10 with Factor55, etc
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06-05-2020, 10:51 AM
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#12
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FWIW - the TRD Pro skid is pretty decent for an OEM skid. But it's not really up to the task of rock crawling. For your use - it sounds like it's probably just fine. I like the OEM look. But there are some significant strength advantages of a single engine skid that reaches back to the second cross member behind the front differential.
My TRD Pro skid only lasted one trip in the rocks. Granted it was hammered on pretty hard, but it didn't hold up very well. Actually took more damage than the steel skid that my Trail (TRD OR) came with on the same trail.
It nearly punched through on the two rear mounting locations. This is the place it needs the most reinforcement if you were going to try to make it work in the rocks, I'd find some thick fender washers (large area) to spread the load out on the rear mounting points. Unfortunately my rear mounting points also got bent up as a result. They're just not very strong. That's why the longer single piece engine and differential skid is a lot more durable.
Last edited by Jetboy; 06-05-2020 at 10:54 AM.
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06-05-2020, 11:35 AM
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#13
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Jetboy,
Thanks for sharing that. I probably wouldn't put mine through something like that, but tempting to just swap all around seeing how the OEM held up .
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2020 Army Green TRD Pro: 265/70R17 Goodyear Duratrac RT, Eibach TRD Pro Lift-Kit Springs, Victory 4x4 Blitz Al Sliders, RCI TRD Pro Integration Al Skid Plate Set, RCI Gas Tank Al Skid Plate, Front Runner 3/4 Slimline Roof Rack (w/1.4m Easy-Out Awning and Quick Release Kit), Morimoto XB Taillights, Canvasback Cargo Liner, more to come...
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06-05-2020, 01:05 PM
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#14
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The 5th gen isn't really built to be a rock crawler, so I'd say that the type of abuse on those trails that I damaged it on are not really typical of what you'd normally experience. Just posted mostly to show that if it gets really rough and you're going to the places where you'll be repeatedly dropping on rocks and winching across boulders and such, the TRD Pro skid might not be enough protection. Short of that - the TRD Pro skid is pretty great in terms of light weight, great coverage, oem fit/finish.
It is also important to recognize that it did work in the sense that nothing was damaged behind the skid plate. No mechanical failures. So the skid did it's job. It just wasn't quite strong enough for repeated use in that type of terrain. And - frankly - that's not where you really should be going in a 5th gen with a small lift and tires. It's more of the kind of place where it's appropriate for something like my FJ40. The 4Runner is remarkably capable. It has far exceeded what I expected when I bought it to the point that I end up going way beyond what it really should be used for. It's just not a rock crawler by nature.
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06-05-2020, 01:31 PM
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#15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AZ Craig
I'm figuring I can pull the TRD Pro plate and sell it on Craigslist for a good bit.
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If you pull it an can ship it to Nor Cal, I would be interested in buying it. PM me if that could work for you.
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