Fuel Tank Shield Sub Assembly

[bassglass]

Hello I'm brand new to this forum and real happy to have just got my hands on a 97 4runner SR5 in pretty good shape. Questions i have for you all (and please forgive me if they are naive):

1.Is the Fuel Tank Shield a necessary component? (it's rusted badly, like light brown angel food cake!)
2. Does anyone have an alternative to the OEM or custom made replacements going for nearly $300?

 

[snivilous]

It's not REQUIRED but it helps (granted the stock one is about useless). If you don't go offroading you would be fine without it, but if you have it on may as well keep it on for added protection...

Look up Lil Skip's Gas Tank Skid, I forgot what it goes for but it's not too bad. You can always make your own in an afternoon easily if you have the resources.