I got delivered today my TRD skid from CarTrimHome for my 18 TRDOR W/KDSS. Seems like there are a lot of positive/negative reviews about installing these, especially on the KDSS ones, so thought I'd make a thread on what worked for me.
I went initially off this from Trail4R for the install, but he was installing on an SR5. I like his reviews and page, but not sure why he was installing that skid on a non-KDSS version. Because of that, his install was different than what I did and you can see from the comments that people had trouble, especially with the support bars and if you can install with them. With that said, CTH is no help on the install either. It came with no instructions, no links to correct installs, which hardware/spacers to use where, etc. Delivery took a week.
https://trail4runner.com/2021/07/23/...h-gen-4runner/
The skid seems very similar to the OEM one, same thickness, color, etc. Only difference is the TRD logo which is a little smaller. Nobody would be able to tell without looking up close. Big bonus to the CTH one is the oil filter door, so looking forward to that next time I change the oil.
CTH does offer a discount code for 7% off that I got for reaching out to them on Facebook:
Kingsev7.
Otherwise, it was a really straightforward install.
1: remove OE skid/plastic splash shield
2: Remove the frame supports. This is where Trail4R differs. This would not fit otherwise. But, the skid now offers that support whereas the previous one did not. I'm not super concerned without having them as a lot of the aftermarket skids/bumpers remove them.
3: Longer bolts and big spacers go on the front and shorter bolts and just a set of washers go in the back. This was another point of contention. They screw into the frame support holes, NOT the original skid holes.
4: Push in TRD logo letters
Took about 25 minutes beginning to end. Overall happy with the look, ease of install, and what quality it seems to have for a price <$250 to my door. No issues yet hitting the KDSS, but I haven't done more than a quick rip around town. The pistons seem to be spaced enough.