Running Without Skid Plate?

[Auntie Soshul]

I bought my 2013 new, and to my knowledge, haven't NEEDED a skid plate in the past 7+ years. I don't off-road, although I do go on dirt roads occasionally. I've changed my own oil since the two free ones, and I'm trying to make the task easier. I have a Fumoto valve, a Motivx oil drain tool, and an oil canister wrench. What are the negatives of just removing the engine skid plate and the air deflector in front of it and leaving them off? My alternative is to buy an aftermarket skid with oil filter and drain access, but I'd like to avoid that expense if possible.

 

[NW.OH.T4R]

I bought my 2013 new, and to my knowledge, haven't NEEDED a skid plate in the past 7+ years. I don't off-road, although I do go on dirt roads occasionally. I've changed my own oil since the two free ones, and I'm trying to make the task easier. I have a Fumoto valve, a Motivx oil drain tool, and an oil canister wrench. What are the negatives of just removing the engine skid plate and the air deflector in front of it and leaving them off? My alternative is to buy an aftermarket skid with oil filter and drain access, but I'd like to avoid that expense if possible.

On many vehicles, it would mean worse fuel economy and possibly more road noise, both related to underbody aerodynamics. Since these trucks love fuel and are relatively noisy, those reasons are out. Really you just run the risk of hitting something on the road and causing damage your skid would otherwise protect.
Not sure where you are located, but I’ve hit pretty moderate sized pieces of ice on the highways.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Mutant138]

You will be opening up your engine and trans pan to road debris. You hit a bolt going 65 and fling it into your pan you are gonna wish you left them on.

I imagine you are struggling with the forward most skid (where the oil filter sits). You can trim those god forsaken tabs that hook into the radiator support. That will make getting that skid off easy peas.

 

[Finslayer83]

You need basic protection from road debris.

I got tired of taking off the TRD skid so ended up with one from LFD off road.

 

[<<<<]

Well said earlier about road debris and water/salt in the winter will get in places and cause major rust issues. Stock plates are well designed for these things and not much else. Serious off roading calls for something beefier than stock. but in your case I'd keep basic OEM plates. You won't gain anything by removing them.

 

[RichinRidgewood]

If you don't re-install your skid plate on your 4R you could grow a second scrotum and two testicles on your forehead. Thats what I read on another forum. ymmv

 

[JLTD]

I've had good success in oil changes by having the front end up on ramps, removing the bolts and letting the skid plate hang down. (Ideally after disconnecting the pushpin that holds the skid plate to that front plastic valance panel.)

Up on ramps, there's enough room to get everything done without actually having to remove the skid plate from the vehicle.

 

[gp55445]

The TRD skid plate is better than stock for removing and re-installing, however there are better after market models that have an access panel for the filter.