Are factory skids inadequate?

[1engineer]

Look, there are different types of off roading and they require different equipment. When I go off road it is to get to a specific destination and the lines I will take will be the easiest with as little drama as possible. If I get to a spot that I think requires equipment or components that I do not have then I will turn around. Simple. With that said I very seldom have to turn around because I know beforehand what equipment I have and what the trail ahead requires. I am a minimalist somewhat and I like to go with as little gear as possible. Factory skids? They are just fine for me. Very seldom do I ever drag anything because I pick the easiest line possible to get me to my destination.

Now there is also another type of off roading that is challenge driven more so than destination driven. This type of off roading requires more robust componentry as the challenges increase. I will use [MENTION=89562]bimrunner[/MENTION] as an example here. If he and I went four wheeling together and we came to an obstacle he would take the tougher line because he has modified his 4Runner to be able to safely navigate that line. Conversely if [MENTION=89562]bimrunner[/MENTION] and the vehicle that won the King of Hammers this year went four wheeling together then poor old [MENTION=89562]bimrunner[/MENTION] would be stuck while the King of Hammers guy keeps going lol.

My point is the 4Runner, stock out of the box is a very capable off roading machine (even with stock skids) that will keep going far longer than your courage. Any modification such as skids, tires, winch, lift, etc will just make the 4Runner more capable off road. Unfortunately these off road enhancements are not free. You will pay a penalty in efficiency, handling and comfort on the road.

There are always going to be levels of anything. Below is a pic of the next level beyond the 4Runner:

 

[Canon_Bob]

I'm in Florida too but my concern with mud is that you can't see what's in it. Many times when your forced to cross a large muddy area on a trail or road, you are also forced to consider inertia and momentum to get through it due to lack of tire size and ground clearance. A hidden piece of limestone or other solid object could ruin your day real quick. Just my point of view of course.

No doubt you are correct. If the conditions you frequent present hidden obstacles in the mud, then I say "armor up" and enjoy. I went to the Bud Built plates on my FJC after I ruined the front skid, and discovered the theory of "cause and effect" in a big way. I now had a well armored undercarriage, but absolutely hated trying to keep the undercarriage clean with the new skids. Skid plates make great mud catchers, and without anyplace for it to "drain out" once you armor the whole bottom, it turns into a maintenance pain-in-the-butt big time. Axle deep mud is pretty common around here, and boy does it make a mess (and take a lot of time) to clean out of those skid plates! You still have to do it with the factory ones, but there are far more drainage gaps, and they are generally easier to get a pressure washer nozzle into because they are thinner and have more openings. Just my observation having played with both extremes here.

 

[bimrunner]

poor old [MENTION=89562]bimrunner[/MENTION] would be stuck while the King of Hammers guy keeps going lol.

There are always going to be levels of anything. Below is a pic of the next level beyond the 4Runner:

See, I bet he doesn't complain about throttle response either. You did forget to mention that part. Also, notice, no rubbing with his 285s... ok maybe his a slightly bigger than 285s...

 

[1engineer]

See, I bet he doesn't complain about throttle response either. You did forget to mention that part. Also, notice, no rubbing with his 285s... ok maybe his a slightly bigger than 285s...

...he is not worried about skid plates either...

 

[Engineer]

See, I bet he doesn't complain about throttle response either. You did forget to mention that part. Also, notice, no rubbing with his 285s... ok maybe his a slightly bigger than 285s...

......head room even looks good. Time to trade "up"

 

[phillyd2]

Too open ended question but in general I’d say for FLA or if your off roading is limited to dirt / fire roads they are more than adequate.

Around here….. not so much. I’ve slid down completely of skids more than once and have also heard bangs below that would make your teeth chatter so for me they were inadequate. Or not adequate enough for my inadequate driving.

 

[Jetboy]

On my trail rig (FJ40 on 39's), I rarely if ever have issues with skid plates. They just never really come into play above solid axles and big tires. I can't imagine ever needing the engine skid for example, but I keep it anyway. The real issues are the transfer case output area and the drive shafts that take a beating. The drive shafts are pretty much sliders in the center of the vehicle once you get much lift. Protecting the pinions - I have broken one of those off - is kinda hard to do. It would be super cool if someone would engineer and produce a top loader conversion kit for a Toyota or other light weight axle so it could be re-oriented like a Rockwell with the pinion on top.

I have found that the belly of a 5th gen sits really low - even in comparison to a stock 3rd gen. Probably at leas 4-6" lower would be my guess, but I don't have one around to measure anymore.