I want to Leave the Skid PLate Off

[clarkman]

I have an '04 V8. After changing my oil a couple of times, I want to leave the front skid plate (Engine Under-Cover Sub-Assy No. 1) off. It is a hassle to take on and off and I'm not sure how much of a benefit it is for me. This vehicle is never driven off-road. Does anyone have any comments I should consider before leaving it off?

Thanks!

 

[spyne]

I wonder if you'll see a decrease in gas milage. Seems like you would get a bit more drag at highway speeds without the skid plate.

 

[CMiYC]

I live in a neighborhood with a lot of teenage kids. I've had to chase 2 who thought it'd be fun to take things out of the garage while I was getting a glass of water. Not high crime, but childish stuff.

I worry about things like one of them getting underneath my runner and jabbing the filter with a screwdriver. With the skid plate in place, it isn't quite as easy to accomplish that. It might seem like paranoia, but I leave the plate in place to prevent the filter from being damaged. I personally don't have a problem undoing a couple of bolts every 5k miles.

Of course, leaving that option closed means they're more likely to engrave "vandels suck" in my paint with that screwdriver....

 

[Good Times]

for what it's worth, I'd keep it on as it's just an insurance to make sure nothing gets in there and punctures a hole in it...

 

[mikes4runner]

I live in a neighborhood with a lot of teenage kids. I've had to chase 2 who thought it'd be fun to take things out of the garage while I was getting a glass of water. Not high crime, but childish stuff.

I better never catch a teenager in my garage or he would see the business end of my night stick......I don't even like my 6yr old in my garage thats dads room.

 

[4RunnerLaker]

I worry about things like one of them getting underneath my runner and jabbing the filter with a screwdriver. With the skid plate in place, it isn't quite as easy to accomplish that. It might seem like paranoia, but I leave the plate in place to prevent the filter from being damaged.


Its time for you to move.