Adding a front end skid plate to my new 06 SE

[orangeblast22]

so...I don't plan on doing any kind of crazy mad off roading. I don't live in an area where I need extreme beef 4x4 gear. I live in OC, CA for crying out loud...but I DO go camping and do plan to keep my new 06 for some time thus I want some protection....be it from a rock or a bottle come up from the ground in dirty LA.

I don't plan to go 4x4ing constatnly...for alot of reasons...experience...time....not wanting to put a tone of money into my ride or damage the body/parts....but like I said...if and when I DO go off roading I would like to have the protection incase of situations and with my luck..heh...I know I can easily get myself in a not so good situation.

To start off with mods on my new 06 SE 4wd...I'd like to add a front end skid plate. I've seen many people get the toyota OEM skid plate...but also found on burtmant industries that JAOS makes a nice solid looking front end skid plate...and best of all...its bolt on and an addition to my current stock front end skid plate. Is this something I should invest in...does it have more protection than the OEM one?

what other 4x4 mods would be good for my situation? Remember...I don't plan on doing extreme offroading but would like some added assurance when driving off the pavement.

thanks!!

 

[sharp4runr]

The OEM and JAOS skid plates don't offer much protection as they are mostly for looks. I'd go with the OEM one as it costs significantly less than the JAOS, but I'm a cheap bastard.

Some good offroad tires are a good investment. A mild lift kit (2.5"-3") would also be something to look into.

 

[orangeblast22]

a lift eh? and how big a size tire should I look into? If I remember right...the BFG all Terrains are good right? perhaps 32s?

 

[sharp4runr]

Well the stock tire size is 265/65/17 close to 31". If you go with 265/70/17 BFG AT KOs then you'll get close to 32" as well as being able to fit the your full size spare with the same size. People have stuffed bigger tires, but this requires trimming and since you stated you didn't want to go too hard core, it probably isn't necessary for you.

Also look into the REVOs and the Nitto Terra grappler as other choices.