ok to leave skid plate off?

[digi]

I'm so tired of (*#&@$(*#&ING with the skid plate just to do a (*@&#$ing oil change every damn time. Is it ok to leave it off?!

 

[having fun]

I'm so tired of (*#&@$(*#&ING with the skid plate just to do a (*@&#$ing oil change every damn time. Is it ok to leave it off?!

As long as you are using as a DD, YES.

 

[digi]

As long as you are using as a DD, YES.

yep, daily driver, thanks.

 

[81runner]

I'm so tired of (*#&@$(*#&ING with the skid plate just to do a (*@&#$ing oil change every damn time. Is it ok to leave it off?!

If you don't take it off road, not a problem. If you do take it off road, not advisable

 

[rwh963]

i assume you have a v-8? i have a 6 cyl, and don't need to touch the skid plate for oil changes. here in the northeast, the plate is important to keep snow and winter junk from flying up into the engine bay. and any time of year it deflects branches and rocks, etc.

 

[digi]

i assume you have a v-8? i have a 6 cal, and don't need to touch the skid plate for oil changes. here in the northeast, the plate is important to keep snow and winter junk from flying up into the engine bay. and any time of year it deflects branches and rocks, etc.

yep, v8. It's onroad to work 95% of it's time, the only other time I have it "offroad" would be muddy roads during the winter/hunting season.

 

[Billynath1988]

It does help channel air to cool off parts of the engine and drive train.. however.. on the road its fine.. ive driven around without it plenty... I would retap the holes and get a replacement for piece of mind though

 

[rdruss]

Have an '03 V8 LTD and mine's been off for 3 years, no problem. I'm all highway though, if I was an off roader would have to have one.
Removed mine because it was a rusted/rotted out pos. Same with gas tank skid but I did replace that w/RCI.

 

[techno]

Is there any reason you couldn't cut a 5in dia hole in the skid plate directly below the drain plug? That's what the V6s have so shouldn't be an issue....?

 

[RonJR]

Is there any reason you couldn't cut a 5in dia hole in the skid plate directly below the drain plug? That's what the V6s have so shouldn't be an issue....?

There already is a nice large hole to access the drain plug. That's not the issue. The problem is that it is impossible to change the oil filter on the V8 without removing the skid plate.

I put mine back on every time - it keeps glop out of the engine compartment and provides a bit of protection. If I offroaded the '06 seriously, I'd get an aftermarket skid plate. The OEM one is pretty wimpy and not smooth at all on the bottom, so it's more of a "catch on the rocks and get destroyed" plate than a "skid" plate.

 

[TheHennDoggg]

My V8 front skid rusted off and could not go back on, I drove with it for about a year off until I bought a v6 skid plate from the junkyard. Absolutley no issues in that year!

 

[techno]

There already is a nice large hole to access the drain plug. That's not the issue. The problem is that it is impossible to change the oil filter on the V8 without removing the skid plate.

Good grief! With not having any experience with the V8, I just assumed it had a remotely mounted filter like the V6. Now I understand the scope of the issue and feel sorry for you 8cyl owners (but still slightly jealous), hahaha.

 

[jcaino]

Replaced the factory skids with a set from RCI. Took an old windshield washer fluid gallon jug and more or less cut it in half (leaving the handle on) and it works perfect to slide up under the filter to remove it and catch the oil that drains - without having to remove the skid plate.

 

[BR06run]

I'm so tired of (*#&@$(*#&ING with the skid plate just to do a (*@&#$ing oil change every damn time. Is it ok to leave it off?!

2007 2wd Tundra didn't even come with one from the factory. Makes it easier to change oil too.

 

[That_Titanium_4RNR]

I took of my front skid when I first got my runner. It was rusted and only being held on by zipties (previous owner). I then proceeded to drive multiple times on the beach at stock height with no issue other than getting sand stacked all in my mid skid plate that covers the trans. Its still off now and it's been almost a year. You'll be fine but don't go bashing it on rocks.