A cousin of mine and I made a quick run up to Big Bear, California for a day of offroading. Snow was moderate to non-existent in places. Temp was 24 degrees and windy! We had the whole 20+ miles to ourselves. We made all of the tourist stops near Belleville and I also made a quick run part way up Gold Mountain. My sliders were awesome on some big rocks that I had to get over!

Here are my pictures. I'll post my cousin's as soon as he sends them to me.



my new Slee Hi-lift mounts (Christmas present!) at work on the roof rack

Nice Pictures, looks like fun, send me some snow!

Also, is that 3rd gen stock?

Painfully stock.

He is the original owner and had never used the e-locker before. He had a blast and now I have a new wheeling buddy

pix from the cousin




The E-locker really works....

Great Pics!!! Are those FJ wheels on your 4Runner?

stock 2005 SR5 wheels

Thanks for the compliments!

Guess I've never paid much attention or something. I like them. 16" I see.

Nice pix bro. Who makes that skid plate you got there? Is it custom? I like!

Downey Off-Road makes the skid plate. Take a look at Bud Built too.

The rims are 16" but the tires are larger than stock.

Happy New Year!

Good thing that I no longer have running boards!

I definitely heard the noise as I slid across the rock!

Teo -

Off topic, but I'm considering ordering the Downey skid. What are your candid thoughts regarding installation, protection, etc.

TIA

Since I was the first 4Runner install it took a little fussing to get the holes and bolts right. They have modified their kit to account for it. They gave me the skid for at least 30% off so I cannot complain.

It is beefy 3/16" steel and simple in design. It is not likely to ever collapse. I do not like the exposed bolts or the "pinch" method of securing the little brakets for the transmission cooler line mounts.
In my other posts I detailed how I drilled an extra hole to allow for the Fumoto valve to drain. The skid plate is heavy and taking it off for oil changes would be extra work. I have a V-6 so the oil filter is top moounted.

Budbuilt has more of the details figured out and offers additional skid plated to extend the coverage further back (more cost). Dirty Parts in Culver City is supposed to start carrying them so that should help cut down on freight costs.