Skid Plate / Front Undercarriage Bent and Beat Up (with pictures)

[limited05]

Today I was off-roading when I accidentally went over a large rock that caught the front and bent the "skid plate" I am assuming this is the correct word, and it bent. I stop as soon as I realized I had gotten hung up and backed up; so the point of impact was limited to the one area that is in the pictures.

The ground is wet, so I am not sure (and will check in the morning to confirm) but it does not appear anything is leaking, and the car drove normal and I did not hear anything abnormal. In the picture the area of impact appears to be wet, but this is just where I had been running my hand over it. Also, that thing that looks like it is dangling in the pictures is just a stick on the ground.

My question is, is this anything to worry about, or suggest correcting?

Also, how would you guys suggest correcting this issue? Thanks!

These might be dumb questions, however, I am new to 4runners and am still learning about them.

Thanks for the help and any input is appreciated!

 

[Desert Fox]

Contact Josh at RCI and get some real skid plates. The sheet metal things that comes from the factory will get you in trouble.

 

[RunnerAK]

That doesn't look like it bent up far enough to hit anything important, I wouldn't worry about it if it is driving normally. As far as how to correct it, you could remove the skid plate and try bending it back to shape, buy a new one (there should be a surplus of them on here from people who have put on aftermarket ones), replace it with an aftermarket one, or just leave it as-is since it looks to be just cosmetic damage.

 

[sonerick]

It's just a skid plate, so no harm done. It looks like it did it's job! I suppose you could unbolt it from the truck and beat it back into shape with a hammer, but I wouldn't worry about it too much.

 

[limited05]

Contact Josh at RCI and get some real skid plates. The sheet metal things that comes from the factory will get you in trouble.

What is RCI, do you have a link to check it out by any chance?

 

[ddnww]

Ahhhh, the joys of off roading

 

[ebg18t]

What is RCI, do you have a link to check it out by any chance?

RCI metal works. I run their aluminum plates front and middle, steel rear plate. Lite and strong.

2003-2009 4Runner

 

[having fun]

RCI metal works. I run their aluminum plates front and middle, steel rear plate. Lite and strong.

2003-2009 4Runner

And on occasion, you have to take them off and seriously take a BFH and bend them somewhat strait.

 

[HokieRunner]

Yep. Skid did it's job. I run RCI aluminum engine and steel mid and transmission skid too and highly recommend them. Great customer service and product. Josh @ RCI goes above and beyond.

 

[Chuckles89]

Since the stock "skid plate" is so wimpy, I have decided to call it a "gravel guard" :becky:

 

[Desert Fox]

RCI Metalworks is one of our supporting vendors.

 

[robtmc]

Depending on how old your truck it, amazing it is not rusted out.

Mine was, replaced it with a RCI aluminum one. Still thinking on the "filler" plate they sell to close off the gap in front of the radiator. The engine plate they sell does not extend as far forward as the plate you bashed, but does replace the rear engine cover plate (the rear plate).

 

[amartin4410]

Just put my Rci skids on this week. Great product and finally done with the clanking noise going over bumps no actors skids were staring to rust through

 

[swanny]

This thread is inspiring me to finally pull the trigger on a new engine skid. Curious why everyone went aluminum over the steel? Just because of weight?

 

[Jagerzel]

Aluminum is lighter than steel? Also 1/4" is thicker than 3/16"? My question though is why is the package deal the same price as buying the 3 plates separate? Maybe someone who knows these guys could start a group buy - I'd for sure get at a minimum the front skid.

 

[robtmc]

Curious why everyone went aluminum over the steel? Just because of weight?

I went with aluminum because it was far cheaper to ship to me. Josh could ship it USPS to Hawaii for an acceptable price. Steel would have had to go UPS for a fortune.

Steel does have the advantage of being possible to beat out a dent. It does rust though and needs care for that. Aluminum will oxide over and needs no care.

 

[josephah2000]

This is less expensive or in the same price range as on OEM replacement. Since my 4 runner 03 runner was missing one when we purchased it, I'm going this route.

 

[robaroni]

Use coupon code T4R when ordering for a forum discount! :whoo:

 

[swanny]

I ordered mine from RCI Monday and should have it Friday. This is even with a shipping address mistake on my end. Super impressed!

 

[swapmeet]

I have the complete RCI skid package (minus A-Arm skids) in 3/16" steel.

They are very beefy and plenty for my needs. That means, I plan on beating the crap out of them and they have held up outstanding. The fit and finish is fantastic. And i'm picky.

The down side is they are quite heavy. I do have the complete setup, (~175lbs) but I noticed a significant performance hit when I installed them.
I'm still happy that I got steel, as Aluminum can drag where Steel will slide. But for a soft-roader (vs off-roader) I would suggest you consider the aluminum option.