If the TRD Pro skidplate is 1/4 aluminum, is there any reason why an aftermarket skidplate would be stronger?

1/4-in thick aluminum seems like it would be the same as any other 1/4 inch aluminum.

And i know none of us are materials engineers, but maybe based on experience.

There are various aluminum alloys, some much stronger than others.

I would be willing to bet something like the RCI aluminum skid would be stronger, as they have strut reinforcement in certain areas. Obviously steel is strongest for this, but that's a significant weight adder.

I think you have to be honest about your use application. Extra protection just in case and not rock crawling alum should be fine, good extra insurance. Rock crawling and the intention of making contact on a regular basis go steel.

Yes there are several pros and cons to different aluminum alloys. Some commons ones are 6000 and 7000 series. 6000 is the most common, it is more malleable making it easier to work with, form, and less likely to crack at the cost of tensile strength. 7000 has a higher tensile strength but is more likely to crack. Anyho, 6000 is likely what is being used by everyone (6061) including Toyota.

Next would be if you have KDSS or not. That will require special skids up front or modification of the TRD skid to fit.

No shortage of options and opinions.

Here is what I chose and why. I have KDSS.

I have no intention of rock crawling and wanted some insurance just in case. I fly fish in remote areas by myself and want to get home. Plus sh!t happens.

Modified TRD skid. I like the large angle of approach vs some of the others that have a sharper blocker design. I also like the width. I can post a pic if you like on how I modified it. You will notice when you cut it the factory powder coating it terrible and just flakes off. I had my powder coated. Pretty sure no one makes one like the Toyota is due to the high tooling cost.

Then complete alum RCI skids with their TRD skid adapter plate and gas tank skid all powder coated. Raw aluminum touching steel can create corrosion issues, plus alum oxidizes. Very happy with the fit and finish and feel I have the protection right for my applications in a rust free light weight product.

If you like the raw aluminum look I would suggest having them all bead blasted and clear powder coated. I wish I had done mine this way.

6061 is not a common aluminum for sheet metal forming, it'll probably crack.

5052 is the most common aluminum sheet for forming and is probably what all the aftermarket manufacturers use for their skids.

As far as the TRD skid plate it wouldn't surprise me if Toyota found a way to manufacture it from something like 6061 or some other hardened aluminum, but regardless of material, because it was pressed or stamped into shape, it could actually be stronger than an aftermarket skid just by design alone.

Hello!

I’m getting ready to purchase a 2023 TRD 4Runner Off-road. To my understanding, the stock TRD 4Runner Off-road already includes skid plates. The front skid plate that is stamped “TRD” is not included in this trim. However, there is an accessory that can be purchased that is a “TRD Front Skid Plate.”

1) Does the “TRD” stamped “TRD Front Skid Plate” cover any components that the stock TRD 4Runner Off-road included skid plates do not?

2) Is the "TRD” stamped “TRD Front Skid Plate” overall better or stronger at protecting the underside of the vehicle, or is the main difference just the looks?

Sorry for posting in an old thread, but because I am new to the forum, it will not let me start a thread.

Thank you so much for your help!

Good question.

Speaking of skid plates out of context, it goes like this:

1/ If you are going to really use it here in AZ, just buy 3/16 steel and be done with it.

2/ if you are going to baby it like most people do, the stock plates will be fine. So there is little point in the aluminum. I have a Moab friend on stock plates.

But the real question is context, meaning suspension.

A stock suspension or another soft suspension makes the front dive right over rocks. So you kinda have the clearance but you don't. By contrast my current suspension would glide over those rocks without touching. But guess what, if you put stronger plates on a stock suspension, it will dive even more because a full slate of steel is quite heavy.

And so the real question is not the skids but the suspension. I will personally take a stiffer front suspension and a stock plate over a stock suspension and 3/16 steel any time, every day, since I have done both.

For the rest, you can drive stock Backaway to Crown King or Broken Arrow, but you cannot drive stock rough dirt roads at speed, been there done lots of that as well (speaking of suspension and height; I always had 3/16 steel plates since right after I got mine). Suspension is always #1. Skids matter but they are a distant #2. I wish I really knew that when I bought mine in 2018. I would have started from suspension rather than plates.

Congratz on the TRD Off Road purchase!

I have a 2021 with 16k miles so far and totally stock with KDSS. Some of that was on 4WD trails in Death Valley. Only change I did was to the tires. IMHO, tires are the very first step in modifying if you're going to do any off road regardless of whether that's 4WD rock crawlin or forest roads etc. In stock form, it is a VERY capable rig however. Would I do it again? No. I would add skids and sliders. But, $ is a precious commodity at the moment.

As mentioned above, the stock suspension is pretty soft and will bob as you go over rocks and you will hit your skid plates. I've got the dented skids to prove it. The stock skid plates are pretty thin and soft. Having sliders too is a great upgrade too...and I've got the bent stock running boards to prove it too! LOL!

Bottom line is what is your use going to be?

First and foremost is whether your 4Runner has KDSS. If you do, the stock TRD skid plate will not fit. You will need to either spend more money to get it cut to fit around the KDSS or buy an aftermarket skid from someplace like cartrimhome. This is not an endorsement of it, just that it is one of the ones that I know who make one compatible with KDSS. Reasonable price too at $250.

Hopefully that answers your question. Careful, modding your 4Runner can become a pricey proposition as you go further and further down the rabbit hole! Hahaha!

Note that many of the pricier mods are unnecessary. I would definitely start with tires and then go from there. Find out what you are wanting to do and just do it. You don't need all of the high-end, gucci gear to hit the trails. I've been camping for over 30+ years and just about ALL of my gear is the same gear I've been using aside from a few replacements due to stuff breaking (stove, lantern etc).

Welcome to the world of 4Runners!

The TRD skid plate is what comes standard on the TRD Pro model (top of the line). I added one to my '23 Off Road Premium. It does feel more substantial than the OEM plate that I removed. Whether it covers more - I do not recall, I also added the black valance that also comes standard on the TRD Pro (OEM is silver).

Attached Images

 

Just wanted to post the link to the CarTrim Home website for the aftermarket TRD Skid Plates for KDSS and a short video. IMHO, I dig the black with red letters. No affiliation, just what I came across in my travels.
Toyota TRD Skid Plate Install for 5th Gen Runner w/ KDSS | Cartrimhome - YouTube

Free Shipping Bumper Skid Plate Protector Guard For TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2010-2023