Air Ducting Attached to Skid Plate

[3kushn]

I'm trying to decide whether to purchase an aftermarket Skid Plate that gives me easier access to the oil filter or install studs and just deal with removing the plate.

On my 2021 Limited there's an air duct attached to the skid plate and engaged to the forward mounted duct I've noticed on many or most.

I don't see Aftermarket skids that incorporate these two parts.

Are we saying these parts simply aren't doing anything and unnecessary?

I'm thinking back to my 69 Karmin Ghia and Bugs where it was a real good idea to make sure all the sheet metal forming the engine decking didn't have giant leaks so the air cooling worked like it should.

 

[lbro23]

There is indeed a forward facing vent that some skid manufacturers replicate in different ways. But I think what you're referring to as ducting is the factory jacking point (that happens to be hollow to let air pass). Most aftermarket skids are just strong enough as is to jack from.

If you're worried about it being OEM approved, see the TRD factory skid. It has some simple vent holes but none of this ducting. Haven't heard any problems of transmissions or anything overheating due to lack of skid venting.

 

[CutthroatSlam]

TRD skid plate has the ducting.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I took that plactic air duct attached to the skid plate off of my Limited right from when it was new. It hangs down to low and would have got knocked off anyways. Never understood why they put it on there in the first place. Zero issues after 7.5 years.

 

[3kushn]

TRD skid plate has the ducting.

It seems to me that there was either a change in 2021 or the Limited is different than other setups.

When I change my oil, there's a plastic part that clips onto the skid that I have to get out of the way to remove the common plastic part with the 10mm hex screws and the plastic clip/pushpin that everyone is familiar with.

Seems like an odd design. If I did bottom out that part on the skid will take the first blow. Maybe just get ripped off. It does seem it directs air flow and semi protects from small rocks and debris from passing through the screened vents in the skid.

Maybe I should go back to plan "A" and have a welder cut an access to the oil filter and fab up a cover plate.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

It seems to me that there was either a change in 2021 or the Limited is different than other setups.

When I change my oil, there's a plastic part that clips onto the skid that I have to get out of the way to remove the common plastic part with the 10mm hex screws and the plastic clip/pushpin that everyone is familiar with.

Seems like an odd design. If I did bottom out that part on the skid will take the first blow. Maybe just get ripped off. It does seem it directs air flow and semi protects from small rocks and debris from passing through the screened vents in the skid.

Maybe I should go back to plan "A" and have a welder cut an access to the oil filter and fab up a cover plate.

The Limited has a massive plastic air duct approx 1' x 2' that attaches near the bumper and onto the skid plate that feeds into the the air ducks on a standard skid plate. .

 

[3kushn]

The Limited has a massive plastic air duct approx 1' x 2' that attaches near the bumper and onto the skid plate that feeds into the the air ducks on a standard skid plate. .

The question is Why?
Is it needed?
Is there anything different underneath the Limited that makes this OEM setup better than say a TRD or RCI or ...... skid plate without these parts?

 

[08TxRunner]

This is the skid on my '20 SR5P. One large center duct, one small one to the side. I always assumed they were there to pass air over the oil filter, oil pan and trans pan. Never gave it a lot of thought though.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

The question is Why?
Is it needed?
Is there anything different underneath the Limited that makes this OEM setup better than say a TRD or RCI or ...... skid plate without these parts?

Scroll down on this to see the plastic part.

Skid plate and front bumper options for a 2011 4runner limited | Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners.com]

 

[3kushn]

Scroll down on this to see the plastic part.

Skid plate and front bumper options for a 2011 4runner limited | Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners.com]

Yes, that's my setup. There's got to be a decent reason for it??
One guy in that link mentions the lower bumper could block air flow.
Maybe that's the reason. IDK

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Yes, that's my setup. There's got to be a decent reason for it??
One guy in that link mentions the lower bumper could block air flow.
Maybe that's the reason. IDK

I did trim off the lower front bumper somewhat when i removed my ducting. Just the black part not any of the body colored section.

 

[seatia]

Yes, that's my setup. There's got to be a decent reason for it??
One guy in that link mentions the lower bumper could block air flow.
Maybe that's the reason. IDK

My 2013 SR5 has that plastic ducting.
I believe all 2013 trims have it. Keep in mind that the bumpers on that year are all a bit like the Limited bumpers.
Considered taking it off in S Florida, but left it on with an oil change last week.
I did however switch to Mobil1 0w40 oil for this hot weather.
90° today with a feels like of 109°
Engine quieted down a wee bit too. :usa2:

 

[dezertbomber]

Yes, that's my setup. There's got to be a decent reason for it??
One guy in that link mentions the lower bumper could block air flow.
Maybe that's the reason. IDK

I believe it is to get more air forced to the skid plate's vents, but honestly it probably doesn't make a huge difference. Mine held up to some good scrapes, was impressed it didn't crack or rip away. I pulled it off when I removed the lower plastic valance, so the skid is more exposed now anyway.

For aftermarket skids, the RCI non-KDSS has four holes cutout for this purpose (or may just for weigh savings), and of course the TRD skid has slits cutout where the lame one has the two vent holes.

 

[CutthroatSlam]

Pics of ducting on my TRD skid plate: