Skid plate help

[jstanwood]

I've had my 4R for a few weeks now, and I'm taking care of the issues i knew about when I bought it. The next one to tackle is skid plates.

I am an urban crawler*, admittedly. I do like to play in the snow, and I have dreams of hitting some trails, so I want something under there. I have no plans for a lift or serious wheeling. I'm not trying to be cheap, but I'm not looking to overdo anything, either.

IMO, buying another OEM front skid is silly, when I could get a good aftermarket one for less. I'm planning to get aluminum RCI ones.

I know the front skid plate is missing. Here's what's left:

Here are the front mounting screws. Of course, what's left of them is still there. boo!

So I'm wondering what I really need and where I might have conflicts.
If I get the front skid only, will I need to remove the transmission one and that plastic thing that are there in order to install it? If so, I assume I should pony up for a transmission skid, too. That would be the first 2 of the 3 from RCI. Is the plastic thing supposed to protect the transfer case?

Another way to ask is, does the RCI front skid replace item 12, item 12 + 13, or 12 and the front part of 13?

* Our local mall is empty

 

[robtmc]

RCI replaces 12 and 13. One long plate replaces both. uses the front bolt attach and the rear ones. Number 12 on mine was rusted through and junk. 13 was fine, but obviously of little protection. #14 is sort of an afterthought that hangs off #13. It goes away with 13.

Being a hater of corrosion, I got stainless bolts from Lowes rather than use the steel bolts that come with the kit. The aluminum plate fits great and is easy to install by your self.

 

[robtmc]

Depending on your climate, you might want to spend some time with a wire brush removing that loose rust on the cross member and suspension member and applying some rust proofing. It will only get worse.

I did a POR15 job on mine, being a rust nazi...........

 

[robaroni]

Group buy discount at RCI right now!

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/general-discussions/175990-rci-metalworks-toyota-4runner-discount-codes-august-18-sept-1-2014-a.html

 

[jstanwood]

RCI replaces 12 and 13. One long plate replaces both. uses the front bolt attach and the rear ones. Number 12 on mine was rusted through and junk. 13 was fine, but obviously of little protection. #14 is sort of an afterthought that hangs off #13. It goes away with 13.

Being a hater of corrosion, I got stainless bolts from Lowes rather than use the steel bolts that come with the kit. The aluminum plate fits great and is easy to install by your self.

Thanks for the help! So does the aftermarket front skid totally replace 12 & 13, or does that mean I need to buy a trans skid, too?

Corrosion is one reason I plan to get aluminum.

Depending on your climate, you might want to spend some time with a wire brush removing that loose rust on the cross member and suspension member and applying some rust proofing. It will only get worse.

I did a POR15 job on mine, being a rust nazi...........

This was a Chicagoland vehicle, and I live in MI, where we get plenty of lake effect snow and salty roads. It's a losing battle. Plus, two little kids=little time to work on vehicles. If I'm lucky, I'll attack it while I do the rusted bolt removal and skid install.

Group buy discount at RCI right now!
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/general-discussions/175990-rci-metalworks-toyota-4runner-discount-codes-august-18-sept-1-2014-a.html

That's why I'm asking.

 

[MarkinWMich]

Looking at the RCI web page, 2003-2009 4Runner it would appear that what you would need is at least the first three pieces (bumper to engine, engine to trans, transmission). Give them a call before purchasing if you have any other questions.

My question would be regarding the clearance and any longer bolts that may be needed when using a differential drop kit.

Being a fellow Michigander (Byron Center...just south of Grand Rapids), it is a constant battle against the crappy roads, stone chips, and salt corrosion. In Spring, and in Fall, I am underneath my vehicles with rust converter paint and high-gloss enamel. I know what you mean about the 4Runner skid plates...I think I've got an 1/8th inch of high gloss paint on the darn things (exaggerating) and rust is still creeping through. I am about ready for the RCI units once the budget allows for it.

 

[jstanwood]

Thanks to all for your input. I had email RCI yesterday, but got impatient, so I called today. I spoke with Josh and he cleared things up a lot.

Josh suggested I go with the front one only at this time. Of course, I can always add more later. It's always nice to deal witha vendor that listens to what the customer wants, rather than pushing more.

My understanding from the conversation is the RCI "front" skid will replace the OEM one, with the exception of the plastic "flap thingy" that is under the transfer case, which to me, seems more like a mudflap for the 4X4 actuator, than anything else.

The GB was great timing, because "winter is coming", and I want to be confident blastic over the mound the plow leaves at the end of the driveway.

Also, [MENTION=110272]robtmc[/MENTION] and [MENTION=112471]MarkinWMich[/MENTION], thanks for the tips on dealing w/ the rust under there. I haven't cared about that much with our previous cars, but I like this one a lot more, so I might try to keep things protected.

 

[gagoose]

Thanks for the help! So does the aftermarket front skid totally replace 12 & 13, or does that mean I need to buy a trans skid, too?

Corrosion is one reason I plan to get aluminum.



This was a Chicagoland vehicle, and I live in MI, where we get plenty of lake effect snow and salty roads. It's a losing battle. Plus, two little kids=little time to work on vehicles. If I'm lucky, I'll attack it while I do the rusted bolt removal and skid install.


That's why I'm asking.

My front skid plate is fine, but 2 bolts are missing. We put on some wire to hold it in place, but would love to put bolts in. I can find the part, but bolts are not listed separately. So you remember the size bolts you bought?

 

[gagoose]

My front skid plate is fine, but 2 bolts are missing. We put on some wire to hold it in place, but would love to put bolts in. I can find the part, but bolts are not listed separately. So you remember the size bolts you bought?

 

[dta1984]

My front skid plate is fine, but 2 bolts are missing. We put on some wire to hold it in place, but would love to put bolts in. I can find the part, but bolts are not listed separately. So you remember the size bolts you bought?

Just did this. I used M8 x 1.25. 20mm long.

EDIT; They were 20mm long. My bad.

 

[4Rnr4Evr]

I use M8x1.25 20mm JIS class 10.9 - McMaster 95735A421

https://www.mcmaster.com/#95735a421/=1a9qm0v