Budbilt Skid Ordered!

[Aquabear]

Just got off the phone with Bud @ Budbilt and ordered the Front Skid for my 08 4Runner. Great guy! I look forward to getting the product and putting it on. They may have it in stock so it could be shipped quickly then a few days more and its in my driveway.
I hope to get my 4R ready for Rausch Creek and some other spots this summer. I miss going offroad, it was the most fun I ever had damaging my own vehicle! Wow I cant believe i jus said that?^!$#@&*

Probably before June is over are Rock Rails, well actually Bilstein 5100s and FJ springs. Last prob be an exhaust.
Let the mods begin! Especially now that my wife is onboard, it's even easier to do!

 

[Aquabear]

And just ordered Spidertrax. Good week so far!

 

[K.C.]

...just some motivation...


Replacing the front skid on my 4Runner has been on my list of things to do for a while, and I finally got around to it. I ordered a Bud Built front skid with the black powder coating from Bud Built a couple of months ago. From the time I ordered the skid to the time I received it, it was under a week. Bud was very responsive to my questions and my order shipped the day after it was received. I highly recommend Bud Built. Here it is brand new right out of the box.

You can tell just by holding this skid plate that it is very well made and extremely durable. It is cut from 3/16" steel and is much beefier than the stock skid plate. The fit and finish are flawless, and it aligned perfectly to the factory mounting points. It's a shame that something so well made will be for the most part unseen, but it is well worth the piece of mind. Installation was simple, and is no different than installing the factory skid other than the added weight of the Bud Built. Below are a couple of pictures of my factory skid showing the amount of abuse it took.

Since I have the V8, I am hopeful that I will not have to remove this skid plate in order to reach the oil filter from now on. The factory skid plate comes up much higher on the sides than is really necessary, making it impossible to reach the oil filter without removing the skid. The Bud Built skid still offers protection on the side, but leaves a little more room between the skid and the sway bar. I waited until I needed to change my oil to do the Bud Built install since it required the removal of the factory skid, but I will report back after my next oil change to see how it goes with the Bud Built skid installed.

Here is a before shot with the factory skid. Notice how uneven it is from taking more than a couple of blows on the trail....

After the Bud Built install....

Seeing the quality of the Bud Built front skid first hand, I would like to eventually replace all of my skid plates with Bud Built skids.

Post #19
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/717570-post19.html

G.I.G.'s Build Thread
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/gallery/64741-g-i-g-s-build-thread.html

via G.I.G.

 

[Aquabear]

Thanks.:hatsoff: And YEP you got me motivated!

 

[<<<<]

Damn you, KC. Now I have to get one. I'd place an order for my 5th gen.

 

[rockwall]

KC

Is the stainless "mini-skid" in front of your Bud Built a Tacoma item? Can you tell me where to get one?

Thanks

 

[Aquabear]

KC

Is the stainless "mini-skid" in front of your Bud Built a Tacoma item? Can you tell me where to get one?

Thanks

I agree it's a nice touch! I believe it's a Toyota or TRD product-I think someone on here said it's more show than actual help but looks friggin sweet!:guitar3:
I'd get one -IF it's not an arm and a leg- maybe just an arm! I think I've sen it on the schrockswork bumper too.?

 

[K.C.]

Thanks.:hatsoff: And YEP you got me motivated!

Damn you, KC. Now I have to get one. I'd place an order for my 5th gen.

KC

Is the stainless "mini-skid" in front of your Bud Built a Tacoma item? Can you tell me where to get one?

Thanks

I agree it's a nice touch! I believe it's a Toyota or TRD product-I think someone on here said it's more show than actual help but looks friggin sweet!:guitar3:
I'd get one -IF it's not an arm and a leg- maybe just an arm! I think I've sen it on the schrockswork bumper too.?

That truck & the Original Build Thread belongs to G.I.G.

That's mini skid is the OEM Toyota Front Fashion Skidplate...it does nothing, it's all for looks.

If you can afford & have the patience for the Schrockworks Bumper...you should do it!! And place an order immediately too!!

Because the wait time is about 4 months.

**Note** you will need a new suspension to hold up the weight

 

[Aquabear]

Thnx KC. New suspension is in 2 weeks. Have to research more but lookin at 5100's n FJ springs, am dam tired of the stock floating suspension.
Schrockswork=next year

 

[A10MileHusker]

Love my Buds!!

WARNING: POSER!!!

 

[rockwall]

Just did a quick search and can't find the Toyota front skid. Any recommendations of where to find one?