What to protect and what is safe?

[SendInTheCavalry]

I went wheeling for my first time in my stock TRD Pro and had a great time! It’s amazing how capable they are bone stock.

Anyhow I used to have the “lift it and big tires” idea but now I am rethinking everything.

I want skid plates! Then maybe the max lift for the stock Bilsteins (1”-2”?)

I’d like to hear from you guys that regularly off road what is critical to protect and what would be a waste of money?

Obviously a fuel tank skid, what about Stock integrates mid plate and a transfer skid? Or rear diff slider? Beefier lower links?


Thanks guys!

 

[Runn4est]

The only reason I have a fuel skid now is because the LE had a 1/2 plate. I would say sliders are the first upgrade because everything else is at least protected by a stock skid. Then upgrade as needed. That's what I've done on my 4th gen and so far the stockers have done their job when asked. I will eventually add the transfer case skid on my 4th gen, and I wouldn't mind some shin guards for my shocks and lower links.

 

[SendInTheCavalry]

I got in on the C4 group buy a while ago. I was inspecting them and they definitely saved my butt.

My fuel tank skid also took a slight hit

 

[techno]

It's always tough to decide what to upgrade first, it really comes down to cost, type of terrain you encounter and personal preference.

However, keep in mind that if you add a lift kit first, you will likely clear lots of the things that skids and sliders would otherwise hit....

 

[Lindenwood]

If you are sticking with those forest-road type trails, indeed lifting will uncrease clearance pretty dramatically. I recently went from 3" of lift down to about 1.75-2", and have scraped my front bumper / skid a couple times doing stuff I hadn't before.

That said, yup your stock pro front skid is pretty solid, so next I might do gas tank of you were really concerned. Otherwise Id imagine approach and departure angles will be more significant challenges to address.