Talon Cat Shield and TRD Off-road factory engine skid

I have a 2021 TRD Off-road with the factory black engine skid plate and planning to get the Talon cat shield (transmission and transfer case plates). Does Talon’s transmission plate overlap the factory engine skid plate? Reason I ask, each time I perform an oil change I want to make sure I don’t have to remove Talon’s plate as well.

@Talon2006

 

I'm pretty sure you would need to remove the factory skid completely in order to install the Talon skids.

 

Does that mean the factory skid overlaps Talon’s? I just want to avoid having to remove the factory and Talon’s skid each time I perform an oil change.

 

False

They won't overlap

 

For installation, you'd remove the factory skid permanently than install Talons shield in it's place.

Talon's shield has cut outs for easy access to make oil changes easy without having to remove the plate.

 

Even if they did overlap, which they don't. Your factory skid would be the outer "shield" and you would have to remove that no matter what for your oil change, the cat shield would remain in place without the factory shield installed for your oil change.

Here you can see the factory skid and then the gap to the cat shield. Different brand cat shield but same footprint, I'd also buy from @Talon2006 if I was currently in the market for a cat shield.

 

He would need to remove the factory skid though, right? I'm thinking he's asking for purpose of installing Talon's skid on over the factory skid

Edit: D'oh! I was thinking only the engine skid

 

Based on his verbiage, I don't believe he intends to buy the engine cover from Talon, just the other 2.

If he buys the engine skid replacement, your statements are correct. I thought he just bought the 2 cat plates not all 3.

 

You're right, I misread it and was thinking engine skid

 

50-50 he got all of them. Either way we have provided enough information that he should have his answer either way

 

Correct, I am not going with Talon’s engine plate, only the transmission and transfer plates.

 

x2 on buying Talon's. If I were to do it over again, I'd but the entire package from @Talon2006

 

Sounds like we got your answer. I would go with the Talon engine skid over the Pro Skid if I did it again.

Being able to just open the access cover during an oil change (especially if doing yourself) is just so convient. Its more money but have all 3 as a continuas shield is also nice. With the factory engine skid, the bolts for the front cat shield are easily accessible, with the Pro skid or Talons there really is no access to the back side (why Talon has the nut plate that he includes since its hard to get a wrench on the back side with all 3). I like the piece of mind that all 3 bring, but it is another ~270 if you buy all 3 at the same time verse just the 2 cat plates. I ran the 2 cat plates with the stock skid for a few months before I was able to replace the engine skid.

Just providing more info for you. Take it how you will.

 

How is access/ cutouts to the drain plug and the filter on Talon’s engine skid? Seems kind of tight.

 

Take this for what it's worth since I don't have it. But looks like there should be plenty of room especially if you go with the Fumoto drain plug valve (highly recommend) since then you just attach the hose, flip the valve to open and let it drain. Makes the whole process easy. I do like that his engine skid extends to protect around the drain location, my Pro skid leaves that exposed. Hasn't been an issue but the added protection seems nice

For the filter, his opening looks about the same as the Pro skid opening, and once you remove that cover you are basically using extensions on your ratchet anyways so you don't need much room.

 

If you have a drain valve with a nipple that you can use to control the oil, it should be great. I would put a rag or two under the oil filter to catch any oil that comes out there as well.

The Tundra has a oil drain plug that points straight down. I am still willing to bet the initial splash you get removing the oil plug will make a mess if you don't have a drain valve. Also note, if you do make a mess our engine skid plate is also a 2 piece design. Not only does that increase strength by having a heavy duty mount bracket on the front area, but it also lets you remove just the engine area with 4 bolts if you need more access.

I will bet that the Tundra is going to be easier to change then the F 150. The oil drains on that truck point out the side and will shoot 4-5' upon removal of the plastic plug.

 

A little before and after with the engine plate in place VS removed.


Picture of the fumoto valve style I recomend.