Lets talk skids in a different kind of way!

[NWFLBowhunter]

Ok, so here goes another commonly searched and posted thread, but I can't seem to locate what I'm looking for. After purchasing my 97 a few weeks ago, its time to get some skid plates as the PO removed all of them. Now I know most of you folk beat the sh!t out of your rides on rocks, but here's my problem. I'm in Florida, only rocks we have is railroad gravel, its sugar sand and mud here! I just don't think I need the level of protection most are running. The hardest thing I might hit is an unseen or submerge stump or a boar that I may run down on occasion. My goal on this build is to keep it light, something that washes out easy, and has all the needed access points. Around a $500 budget. I'm leaning towards savage or budbuilt, but it still seems like too much protection and heavy.

 

[JeepKiller]

Ok, so here goes another commonly searched and posted thread, but I can't seem to locate what I'm looking for. After purchasing my 97 a few weeks ago, its time to get some skid plates as the PO removed all of them. Now I know most of you folk beat the sh!t out of your rides on rocks, but here's my problem. I'm in Florida, only rocks we have is railroad gravel, its sugar sand and mud here! I just don't think I need the level of protection most are running. The hardest thing I might hit is an unseen or submerge stump or a boar that I may run down on occasion. My goal on this build is to keep it light, something that washes out easy, and has all the needed access points. Around a $500 budget. I'm leaning towards savage or budbuilt, but it still seems like too much protection and heavy.

Honestly if you don't plan on going over rocks than you don't really need skids, you'd be better off just having nothing because there is nothing to catch and hold all the mud and sand Florida has to offer haha, but budbuilt is good. Shrockworks just came out with some need skids too...

 

[threadlessclimber]

Find some oem out of the junkyard--cheapest route

 

[JBurt]

I've ran no skids for the whole time I've had mine in the desert without problems.

I second the junkyard option. I'm pretty sure 1st gen Tacoma plates would work as well. I'd would be good piece of mind

 

[FalconFixer]

i know of a guy out here that has a ton of 3rd gen 4runners and tacos, if you want his number shoot ma a pm, i can ship them if you want to pay for it.

 

[318yota]

I think there are some places offering skid plates in aluminum now. I also saw someone on 4runners.com making some with 1/8 inch steel instead of the standard 3/16.

 

[NWFLBowhunter]

I think there are some places offering skid plates in aluminum now. I also saw someone on 4runners.com making some with 1/8 inch steel instead of the standard 3/16.

Yea I see that bud built has a lite steel version. Didn't get a chance to call and inquire about it today. I want something besides OEM. Have to get something though, don't want to smash my radiator. Also want it to look good when I put a hybrid front bumper on in a few months. The more I think about I may just get a set of front skids instead of the full set.

 

[TCMach]

I may just get a set of front skids instead of the full set.

Do this. A trans/tcase skid would be a waste of cash for your uses. I would get a budbuilt lite skid and call it a day.

 

[Doc2012]

Personally, I'd get the full set.

Here's why:

You're out wheeling, splashing through puddles/mud holes.

You hit a stump.

No biggie, you've got a front skid, right?

WRONG.

The front skid just lifted the truck up, and now you've got a stump lodged between your skid and your crossmember, and possibly lodged in your TRANS pan.

Now, you're pouring trans fluid out, and you're screwed, unless you carry ATF and something to seal the hole with, but you've probably got water mixed in with the ATF.

Trans pan could've saved you.


Kinda like a condom. Rather have it and not need it, then need it and not have it.

 

[Doc2012]

I'll add this as well, Bud is a great guy. Both my brother and I know him, and have visited his shop, which is about 45 minutes from my home in Conover, NC.

His skids are second to none.

I've beat the ever living piss out of mine, and it's still standing up beautifully.

 

[JBurt]

If you do want a full set there is still a discount on schrockworks, at least I think. Mine should get in next week.

 

[Kurtis]

There is a reason skid plate come on the vehicle from the factory. Running no skid plate at all, is, well, stupid IMO. Find factory skids for it if you aren't going to wheel it. If you are going to wheel it then I'd recommend a full set.

 

[masphx]

If you do want a full set there is still a discount on schrockworks, at least I think. Mine should get in next week.

This set includes a gas tank skid which is golden. It is a true full skid set. Covers less up front and as a whole then the bud builts though (lca are more exposed for example).

Btw, if you are not doing crazy trails just find stock skids. Many people on here wheel with those and are just fine. I should be one of them as I don't touch crazy stuff but every now and then I come across so az rocks so I bought some aftermarket ones.

 

[BrianSD_42]

OP,

Based on your description you should just find a set of factory skids, paint them black and put them on.

The factory skids are actually plenty tough and can definitely handle most GREEN & BLUE rated trails.

 

[A.Wilson013]

OP,

Based on your description you should just find a set of factory skids, paint them black and put them on.

The factory skids are actually plenty tough and can definitely handle most GREEN & BLUE rated trails.

I consider myself a "light" wheeler... My factory skids took some HITS and kept me rolling like a champ. I have the SAVAGE skids now (thanks for the Christmas card, Roy) and if I were in the market would be getting the Shrockworks simply because of the gas tank skid being included. That's awesome. As is the price.

 

[NWFLBowhunter]

Thanks for the replies, went to the junkyard today and grabbed a set of factory skids. They will work for now till I decide which set to get. Anyone's know what size bolts are needed to mount these? Junkyard already had them off and didn't know what bolts it required.

 

[Chill will]

I have another option for you. You can make your own out of the HDPE. High density polyethylene. It's pretty much a thick durable plastic polymer. Quads, dirt bikes, side by sides, and ultra 4 racing & rock buggies use them. Much lighter than aluminum and just as strong. If it's good enough and strong enough and light enough for a rock buggy I think it will work for you. You can buy it in sheets and cut it yourself.

 

[Doc2012]

I have another option for you. You can make your own out of the HDPE. High density polyethylene. It's pretty much a thick durable plastic polymer. Quads, dirt bikes, side by sides, and ultra 4 racing & rock buggies use them. Much lighter than aluminum and just as strong. If it's good enough and strong enough and light enough for a rock buggy I think it will work for you. You can buy it in sheets and cut it yourself.

Not a good idea.

Can't handle the heat from the motor/exhaust. It warps.



Ask me how I know......

 

[Chill will]

How do you know, and did you get a cheap replacement product or a thin cut?

 

[snivilous]

I have another option for you. You can make your own out of the HDPE. High density polyethylene. It's pretty much a thick durable plastic polymer. Quads, dirt bikes, side by sides, and ultra 4 racing & rock buggies use them. Much lighter than aluminum and just as strong. If it's good enough and strong enough and light enough for a rock buggy I think it will work for you. You can buy it in sheets and cut it yourself.

Are you sure about that? Aluminum is over 7x stronger but less than 5x denser, so it has a higher strength/weight ratio. I've never seen anything except maybe a light weight ATV using plastics as a protective piece.