So I recently picked up a 03 v8 4runner and I'm looking to build it just a little bit. I picked up some sliders from metal works and now i would like to address the skid plates. But I have decided, changed my mind, decided, almost ordered and then changed my mind again a hundred times, and I was hoping you all could help me spend my money.
The 4runner is going to be used for camping, exploring and mild trail running. I don't plan on intentionally running difficult trails--it needs to get me back home, so I don't plan on running anything difficult enough that I will have to worry about breaking anything.
I have been looking at budbuilt, rci and arb, all for different reasons. The BB has the best coverage, but I'm not sure I need it. The rci aluminum skids would save me a bit of weight, and money (over the BB aluminum skids), but I have read here and other places that the t-case skid isn't as well designed as the BB. I have also thought about just getting the ARB Prado skid plate kit--I know it's not much thicker than stock plates, but it offers better coverage.
So if it were your truck, and you were a little weight conscious, what would you do? I don't think I need 3/16 steel skid plates if I don't plan on doing crazy stuff, but who knows where I'll end up accidentally. I also thought about doing the 3/16 BB front bash plate only, as that is what would probably be most important and skipping the other plates. The ARB, while not as strong as either the BB or RCI, seems like it would probably work just fine for mild wheeling--and if I ever did come down hard on them and bend them up, well then they did their job.
What do you all think? My buy now finger is getting itchy.
Thanks
The 4runner is going to be used for camping, exploring and mild trail running. I don't plan on intentionally running difficult trails--it needs to get me back home, so I don't plan on running anything difficult enough that I will have to worry about breaking anything.
I have been looking at budbuilt, rci and arb, all for different reasons. The BB has the best coverage, but I'm not sure I need it. The rci aluminum skids would save me a bit of weight, and money (over the BB aluminum skids), but I have read here and other places that the t-case skid isn't as well designed as the BB. I have also thought about just getting the ARB Prado skid plate kit--I know it's not much thicker than stock plates, but it offers better coverage.
So if it were your truck, and you were a little weight conscious, what would you do? I don't think I need 3/16 steel skid plates if I don't plan on doing crazy stuff, but who knows where I'll end up accidentally. I also thought about doing the 3/16 BB front bash plate only, as that is what would probably be most important and skipping the other plates. The ARB, while not as strong as either the BB or RCI, seems like it would probably work just fine for mild wheeling--and if I ever did come down hard on them and bend them up, well then they did their job.
What do you all think? My buy now finger is getting itchy.
Thanks
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