This is a follow up about my skid plate issue/question...in short... borchure showed a Full Length skid plate under the fuel tank on the Trail. Called Toyota direct, was told that was a 'mistake' they only cover about 50% of the tank, it was never offered (special for the photo shoot). Forum member posts pic of their Trail with a full lenth plate (hmmm)! Called Toyota again to get answers. Was told there was a production change, NO more full length plates under the fuel tank! (The 1st time I called they did not want to admit it) So...any of you who have a full plate you are LUCKY! To those looking at a new one, if you see one with a full plate you will not see it again! (this applies to all trim levels)
P.S. - I let them know their horn 'sucks' too

that seems really odd.
did you offer any other constructive criticism; what's missing, etc.?

I wonder if Titanpat57 got lucky enough to have the full skid plate, can't quite tell from the picture:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/476416-post36.html

Well not being a previous 4Runner owner hard to really tell what is 'missing'. From a 99' Durango owner I like the new 4Runner. (although even my 99' Durango had full time 4wd, it was an option)

you knew 50% of the skid plate was missing!

I've heard they are going to make a visit to existing 5th gen owners and saw off the half of the skid plate because of security measures.

Got a full length!!

Sounds like the full plate will be an initial upgrade for the wheelin' crowd.

doesn't this kind of thing just smack of cavalier bean-counters cutting costs wherever they figure people are least likely to notice it? it's kind of bumming me out.

like LandCruiser, 4Runner is one of Toyota's most venerable brands. it feels like they're taking a good bit of the wind out of the sails of the redesigned 5G's launch as the first few trickle out into the marketplace and people say, "hey, what happened to X, Y, or whatever it may be." Toyota's in the unique position of offering one of the last (and first) body-on-frame true utility vehicles, but some of this seems like they're being disrespectful to the brand. i understand that times are different in the marketplace, further compounded by the economy and all, but…

there are barely any on dealer lots right now, and loyalists are paying a premium to get one—practically sight unseen—only to then discover niggling details like this.

Hopefully Bud Built will have full underbody skids for the 5th.

Wow, I'm really disappointed that Toyota would make this kind of move to keep the prices down for the 5th.

I'm sure the aftermarket will respond since that's almost a slam dunk to sell.

my TE has one

I checked out a limited and I too was surprised out how half the vulnerable tank is exposed. Toyota, if your reading this, your really pushing your luck..

yeah, so add another ~$1000 to the purchase price?

For just a fuel plate skid? Not even close to that price.