Skidplate Volunteer Needed!

[teotwaki]

I talked to the folks at BudBuilt today and they are working on FJ Cruiser skidplates and belly pans as well as for the newer Tacomas. They know that a 4th Gen 4Runner would not take much more effort but need a local volunteer to use for fit tests. That volunteer would get to keep the first unit that would result.

If you are near Morgantown, North Carolina just give them a shout.

http://www.budbuilt.com

 

[mikestang]

I've been eyeing that and wondering what it would take to get it to fit our trucks. I sure hope they make them for us, would be sweet.

 

[Mr. Lambdebois]

Dang wish I was closer. Someone has got to be able to do it.

I'd almost consider the drive and drop it off and fish for a week or so while they fit one. hmmmm :awais:

If no one takes them up in a week or so I may try and work it out if the offer is still available.... :bigok:

 

[toybox]

That one piece skid plate would make it a big PIA to do an oil change on the V8. Too many bolts to undo.

 

[teotwaki]

That one piece skid plate would make it a big PIA to do an oil change on the V8. Too many bolts to undo.

So, call them up and share your concerns! They are probably only thinking of the V6 right now because of the similarities to the FJ Cruiser gear they are working on.

 

[4RunnerRon]

I agree about the pain it would be to remove the whole thing. Perhaps they will make a small, removable piece big enough for access to just the drain plug. We won't know until they start fitting one on a 4th Gen.

 

[mikestang]

I agree about the pain it would be to remove the whole thing. Perhaps they will make a small, removable piece big enough for access to just the drain plug. We won't know until they start fitting one on a 4th Gen.

It's not the drain plug, it's the filter that's the problem. A removeable front portion would be ideal.

 

[jharris2]

It's not the drain plug, it's the filter that's the problem. A removeable front portion would be ideal.

Not a problem for the V6 -- the oil filter is easily accessible in the engine bay.

 

[mikestang]

Sorry, I should have included "v8" in my post. And :xnuts: v6 for having an easy-reach oil filter! :biggrin2:

 

[Bluto]

That one piece skid plate would make it a big PIA to do an oil change on the V8. Too many bolts to undo.

Looks like a two piece. Depending on the design, it may make the filter acessible from the wheel well. I have a Fumoto drain valve. I could use a hose to drain oil, no access needed.

 

[vegask]

I have that setup for my 3rd gen. The belly and skid plate are two pieces. To do an oil change its 3 bolts in the front, 2 in the center, and 2 at the belly pan. With a rolling floor jack you can have it off in 5 minutes.

If thats to much work,
One of those quick release drain plugs and a tube to divert the oil flow + an oil filter relocation kit and you would never have to take the thing off.

 

[teotwaki]

I have that setup for my 3rd gen. The belly and skid plate are two pieces. To do an oil change its 3 bolts in the front, 2 in the center, and 2 at the belly pan. With a rolling floor jack you can have it off in 5 minutes.

If thats to much work,
One of those quick release drain plugs and a tube to divert the oil flow + an oil filter relocation kit and you would never have to take the thing off.

How is the quality, fit and durability of the hardware that you have on your 3rd Gen? How do you feel the price was versus the value?

 

[vegask]

Its a very tight fit on my truck. The hardware that bud supplies is great but you have to re-use the stock front 3 bolts. I've since upgraded to some grade 10 bolts. The allen bolts in the center of the front skid are also recessed so you dont shear them off on a rock. Its well thought out and Bud purposely does not put a hole in it for an oil drain.

Durable? I like to use the word bullet proof. The front skid is 3/16" and you can get the belly in 3/16 or 1/8". I went for the 1/8 on the belly pan for the weight savings but it is by no means weak.

Price..
At first I was a little mad that I spend that much money on it. But now that I look at all the scrapes on it and I realize its saved me a ton of money on repairs. That and I have a co-worker that got his front skid, trans skid and belly skid for his toyota and paid a lot more than me and he still had fitment issues.