LFD vs RCI vs Coastal Offroad Skid Plates

[gimlithepirate]

My next mod is probably going to be skid plates. I was noticing the armor thread sticky is not particularly detailed on this account, probably because they are (relatively) simple.

Main ones I'm considering are LFD, RCI, and taking the plunge and welding the coastal offroad ones myself. I noticed that the RCI and coastal offroad options have a drop pocket for the front diff. Does this increase the overall clearance of the skid plate (except in that place)? Also, do any of these have problems with exhaust rattle? I was noticing that the exhaust hangs low behind one of the cross members.

From looking at pictures, the RCI option seems to have the best clearance/coverage, but any opinions/experiences are appreciated.

I just wish RSG made more armor for the 4th gen. I love their rock sliders!

 

[BendRunner]

I'm currently running the RCI skids front to back (minus gas tank) and love them. They've saved me from quite a bit of damage and have held up great. I opted for the powder coat, and the finish turned out great. I occasionally pull them and just spray them with flat back Rustoleum. You can get them for 20% off every couple of months.

 

[montijo505]

My Coastal Off-road ones took a lot to fit the rear one on my V6. I think they used a V8 to model them and therefore the skid was too long and holes didn't line up with the crossmember. Had to cut about three inches off and notch for the bolts.

Also the front allows no room for a sway bar. I would definitely check with them to see if they've made the necessary adjustments, if not buy somewhere else.

If I could go back I'd spend the extra on RCI and not have to mess with them.

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[gimlithepirate]

I'm currently running the RCI skids front to back (minus gas tank) and love them. They've saved me from quite a bit of damage and have held up great. I opted for the powder coat, and the finish turned out great. I occasionally pull them and just spray them with flat back Rustoleum. You can get them for 20% off every couple of months.

Any issues with exhaust rattle on the RCI? V8 or V6?

I nearly pulled the trigger on the tax day sale. I'm thinking about catching the next one.

 

[Caldizzle]

Any issues with exhaust rattle on the RCI? V8 or V6?

I nearly pulled the trigger on the tax day sale. I'm thinking about catching the next one.

RCI skids on my V8. Had a small amount of contact on the drivers side skid further back causing a rattle. Cutoff wheel and problem solved. I like them.

 

[mysticz]

Running full set RCI 1/4 5052 Aluminum no issues.

 

[gimlithepirate]

RCI skids on my V8. Had a small amount of contact on the drivers side skid further back causing a rattle. Cutoff wheel and problem solved. I like them.

What did you cutoff? I am no stranger to the magic of the cutoff wheel. It's how I got to my fuel pump in my Isuzu with a full tank of gas xD

 

[montijo505]

What did you cutoff? I am no stranger to the magic of the cutoff wheel. It's how I got to my fuel pump in my Isuzu with a full tank of gas xD

I also, like to live dangerously.....

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[BendRunner]

Any issues with exhaust rattle on the RCI? V8 or V6?

I nearly pulled the trigger on the tax day sale. I'm thinking about catching the next one.

I have a v8 and no rattles or trimming needed. Running everything but the gas tank skid.

 

[Terminator03]

After much research I settled on the RCI mainly because of many very positive reviews on fit, finish, and durability, but also because they offered them in 1/4” aluminum, which I wanted for both weight savings, as well as lack of rust. I also opted for the black powdercoat, which was awesome, and the bumper filler plate. I don’t do a lot of off-roading, but it’s nice to know I have the protection if needed. My vehicle had the factory one missing when I bought it, and having a real plate just made sense when pricing out a factory replacement, which is just stamped sheet metal. Fit and finish are perfect. The only real issue I had was that I had to drill out where the original bolts had been sheared off and re-tap the holes to be able to install the RCI. I coated the hardware with anti-seize so hopefully I’ll be good to go from here on.

 

[Drift Monkey]

My Coastal Off-road ones took a lot to fit the rear one on my V6. I think they used a V8 to model them and therefore the skid was too long and holes didn't line up with the crossmember. Had to cut about three inches off and notch for the bolts.

Also the front allows no room for a sway bar. I would definitely check with them to see if they've made the necessary adjustments, if not buy somewhere else.

If I could go back I'd spend the extra on RCI and not have to mess with them.

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Hmmm...I was pondering the Coastal set, I have the V8 so it should line up, but I'm curious on the sway bar clearance. Would it fit with some grinding?

RCI makes the cheapest gas tank skid I can find so it'll probably be that out back.

 

[montijo505]

Hmmm...I was pondering the Coastal set, I have the V8 so it should line up, but I'm curious on the sway bar clearance. Would it fit with some grinding?



RCI makes the cheapest gas tank skid I can find so it'll probably be that out back.

I honestly don't know, it tucks so tight. I had a guy message me about having trouble on his GX with the V8 and the sway bar. I took my sway bar off a while ago so no issues.

It might fit with modification, but I can't say whether it will or won't for sure. May be worth a shot to message them and ask.

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[Drift Monkey]

I honestly don't know, it tucks so tight. I had a guy message me about having trouble on his GX with the V8 and the sway bar. I took my sway bar off a while ago so no issues.

It might fit with modification, but I can't say whether it will or won't for sure. May be worth a shot to message them and ask.

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I reached out and was told they will fit with stock sway bar mounting. I run the drop spacers so his recommendation is to space the front of the mounting point up front around the same height of the drop spacers in order to clear the sway position.

My thought is to just notch the skid where there is interference, seems easier if it's possible. I emailed him back with the followup question so we'll see.

 

[montijo505]

I reached out and was told they will fit with stock sway bar mounting. I run the drop spacers so his recommendation is to space the front of the mounting point up front around the same height of the drop spacers in order to clear the sway position.



My thought is to just notch the skid where there is interference, seems easier if it's possible. I emailed him back with the followup question so we'll see.

Notching should work, its gonna depend if it hits on articulation or not. Report back if you end up getting them. They are BEEF thats for sure.

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[0verland]

Full RCI skids front to back... Front, Transmission, Transfer Case, Rear Differential, Fuel Tank, A-arm, Lower Link skids and Rock Sliders. Everything bolts up with no issues and great fitment, currently running DT headers, stock y pipe and Gibson Side Exit Exhaust.

Highly recommend!

 

[Caldizzle]

What did you cutoff? I am no stranger to the magic of the cutoff wheel. It's how I got to my fuel pump in my Isuzu with a full tank of gas xD

Sorry, long weekend... just a little piece off the drivers side that was making contact with the exhaust. Honestly it was a piece about the size of the tip of my pinky finger, so not big at all, but others do not seem to have the issue. The rattle was exaggerated with the AC on, just so you know. YMMV

 

[MY06T4R]

Lfd

I am running the LFD, no trimming or any rattles, looks great. I have the steel skid plate. Note if you are running a diff drop you will need additional spacers or a bigger spacer than what it comes with in order not to install. I just had my 4Runner serviced and got no complaints from the tech at the dealer about accessing the filter or plug. I am very satisfied. I am going to be painting it this weekend.

 

[BottomDwellingT4r]

I honestly don't know, it tucks so tight. I had a guy message me about having trouble on his GX with the V8 and the sway bar. I took my sway bar off a while ago so no issues.

It might fit with modification, but I can't say whether it will or won't for sure. May be worth a shot to message them and ask.

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So do you think the coastal has more clearance since it’s tucked so tight. That’s more important to me than the sway bar. It was coming off in a month or 2 anyway. Thanks

 

[montijo505]

So do you think the coastal has more clearance since it’s tucked so tight. That’s more important to me than the sway bar. It was coming off in a month or 2 anyway. Thanks

I think so, just don't know how much because I've never run any other brand. The lowest point on the skid is a little pan/pocket for the front diff. Although I assume that's the lowest on most skids.

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[yourfriendcasey]

Lost my OEM skids yesterday... anyone have one they could let go of?

So i had 3 of my 4 bolts break that held my oem front skid plates on. I had it held on with zipties temporarily as I was planning on retapping the holes out while changing my oil today. Of course, the day before I had plans to do this I guess I had too much fun in the snow. When I went to change my oil and retap the holes, the skid plate was gone.

I really don't feel like spending a few hundred bucks on an aftermarket front skid when the oem works well enough for me. I have a long list of other upgrades I would much rather spend money on than a front skid- I was about to buy a nice set of sliders but that will have to wait now.

So.. has anyone upgraded their skids recently and happen to have an OEM theyd be willing to part with? I will pay for shipping and everything of course. Pretty bummed on the timing of this- Front skid is a pretty essential part for me as I wheel pretty hard every weekend.

Appreciate any recommendations on where to find a cheap used OEM, or a decent aftermarket part that won't cost me $400+.