BudBuilt Skids Installed

[Northeast_T4R]

Just finished installing a complete set of BudBuilt Skids for my 04 4Runner. I have to say, the install was fairly easy, except for one bolt holding the old gas tank skid on near the drive shaft.

Very nice fit and very sturdy product. THANK YOU BUD!!

 

[Will_4R]

Very nice. Been thinking about getting some for while, just waiting till I can afford them. It will be the first armour I add. Originally I was going to get the ARB bar first, but it seems that the undercarriage is the most vulnerable place and the ARB bar might need a suspension swap, adding to the cost. Glad to hear the installation is easy since it has to come off for fluid changes every couple years. I hear nothing but good things about Bud and his products.

 

[Northeast_T4R]

I went with the ARB bumper with winch and lift first. It only took a few off-roading trips to realize that these were probably the first things I should have taken care of. Bud does a killer job on these. There were no instructions included but a found some listed on an FJ forum for an FJ Cruiser. It was pretty much identical expect for the gas tank. Email me if you'd like a copy of the pdf file. [email protected]

 

[Sporin]

Bud makes great stuff, is that powerdercoat or paint?

First thing my 4R will get when it moves to offroad duty is Bud's full, bumper to bumper skidplate set.

 

[Northeast_T4R]

I had Bud powdercoat them silver for me. You can buy them bare and paint them yourself, which would save almost $300 bucks. I do not have the time or patience for painting, plus the powdercoating stands up alot better than spray paint. I will buy some matching paint for touch ups though.

He makes some really nice stuff. He has a rear diff guard, but I'm broke now. LOL

 

[Sporin]

I've had 2 '85 4Runners and the first mod to both of them was one of Bud's Low Profile Crossmembers and skidplates.

BudBuilt - Crossmembers

 

[Northeast_T4R]

I wish he made more for the 4th Gen 4Runners!! Maybe a custom rear bumper or something. I also ordered a couple Total Choas skids for my rear suspension links.

 

[chaz]

very nice, can you tell me how much they all cost without power coating?

 

[Northeast_T4R]

Hey Chaz,

The complete skid kit bare steel runs $1050 plus shipping. The powder coating is another $239.00. I know these things will get beat to death, but I will say look great with the powder coating and he'll do just about any color.

Shipping to my location in Worcester, MA was $110.00.

 

[proudrunner]

Very nice! It's good to know that you have some protection under.

 

[Northeast_T4R]

It is nice having the protection. The hard part was choosing between new rims with 33" MTs, ARB air lockers or the skids.

Since I wheel with the truck, the skids plate won the toss up. If you're going to wheel, it's only a matter of time, before you bottom out on something.

ARBs are next. Maybe for X-Mas (in my dreams)!! LOL

 

[Denio]

Very Nice... You might want to find something to keep brush from getting at the radiator... I spend my time in Nevada and the sagebrush is great at getting up in the radiator... I put on a JAOS front skid which covers that area... just a suggestion..

 

[r32]

Wow that is a beautiful rig you have! Thanks for the great pics and details on the setup. I am definitely going to be getting this on my Runner soon as my budget will allow.:cowboy:

 

[Northeast_T4R]

r32, Thanks for the feedback. Like many of you, spending money on my rig is an addiction. There's never enough money or an end to the things I want to do.

Denio, I had the ARB plate off between the bumper and skid plate when I took the photo. The radiator's pretty well protected. Thanks for the input.

If you're interested in more ways to spendd your money, check out Total Chaos Fab's site. They have some nice suspension, arm skid plates, rear linkage skids and rear shock guards.

 

[EEtM33t]

I wonder if the Bud skids could be painted in a snow camo motif...

 

[binga]

How have your Budbuilt skids held up so far? Im looking at getting atleast the front and mid skid for my 04.

 

[G.I.G.]

Looks great! Bud makes a great product and his customer service is great. I replaced my front skid with a Bud Built skid last year and couldn't be happier. It aligned perfectly with the factory mounts for an easy installation. It took a pretty good hit last year on Red Cone Pass here in CO and it hardly scratched it. If it was the factory skid, it probably would have put a hole in it. As soon as I get the money, I am going to replace the rest of my factory skids with Bud Built skids.

 

[Northeast_T4R]

How have your Budbuilt skids held up so far? Im looking at getting atleast the front and mid skid for my 04.

Their holding up very well. I've been on a good number of moderate rocky trails now and they've take a few hits, but look great. I do need to get under there this spring and touch up the scapes to minimize rust.

If you're going to buy skids, BudBuilts are they way to go.

 

[binga]

Awesome, thanks much. They look buff and I like how I could get then entire setup from the same place.