Skid plate really necessary?

It has 2 hook that you install first then all you have to do is push it up and install bolts.

 

Yessir, just grab a socket extension and loosely thread them in and then go back over them to tighten. Takes 5 minutes even with the drop diff.

 

I keep my skid plate on and just change the filter every other oil change.

 

Was looking on Toyota dealerships part websites and turns out they don't call it a "Skid plate" but rather call it a "Splash guard"

Gives you a good idea what Toyota had in mind when they put the thin metal skid together. Mine has definitely taken light hits and prevented damage from road debris and held up, but I'm probably gonna upgrade to like an RCI Skid here soon.

 

I did this to my skid plate. Eezee peezee:

https://www.tundras.com/threads/the-hooks-on-the-front-skid-plate.53944/

Dan

 

I like that idea Dan.

 

I've had mine off for maybe 2 oil changes because I've had enough of it . Messing around getting dirt and shit in your eye while trying to put bolts in that previous owner took to shop they broke one off and the threads are the best. Going to buy metal and make my own similar to the rci in the fact that it will have a oil door . Also wanting to build a trans and fuel tank skid and coat it with por 15 . I'll be sure to post when I do it

 

The skid plate is there to protect you from road debris you usually don't notice thanks to the skid plate, and IMO driving without it is like riding a motorcycle without a helmet, you may ride for years without needing it, but if you don't have it that one time you do need it and that carriage bolt that would have bounced off your helmet sticks in your forehead instead, and causes you to crash, you will spend whatever is left of the rest of your life wondering why you just didn't wear the helmet that day, the same way you will feel when a screwdriver or a tire iron bounces into the engine compartment and tears up everything that would have been protected if you had just reinstalled the skid plate.

 

Put skid on. I dint know i would ever need a trans skid, let alone cared for the front skid until i had to traverse over mounds of dirt on a dirt road while hunting. Because of the long wheelbase of the tundy and lower height, my tranny was getting contact, luckily it was muddy and ground was soggy.

Bought full rci front/trans skid afterwards

 

Unfortunately when I bought mine, the previous owner had taken it off and I actually wanted it. Will have to buy an RCI skid at some point

 

I finally reinstalled the skid plate. I removed it when I replaced the timing belt. It was full of grime and took me about an hour to clean it up. Apparently the previous owner had it serviced they probably just left it on when changing the oil filter and let the oil just drain over it. Despite it having the the two hooks to "help" reinstall it, it nevertheless was a big PITFA reinstall it when just lying under the truck. I may decide to permanently remove it at the next oil change. I really don't want to deal with it again. It doesn't really look like it protects the oil pan that much on a 4.7.

 

Lmfao

 

That does look so nice its on my list along with all the other skids , i currently toke my oem one off do to no longer having the oem bumper seems like a wind catch issue an didnt look right with some extra zip ties to help keep the front flush...

But its on my soon list plus i dont know if im crazy but i think no skid plate cause weird drag under the engine while driving giving poor fuel economy

 

I removed mine and cut a new door into it. Large enough to get access w/o removing the entire plate. I closed the opening up with a heavy piece of metal w/ 4 screws, one in each corner. Works great.

 

I think making you own door is a great idea. I'd probably end up butchering it if tried doing it myself though. Why didn't Toyota di this in the first place? Even the lowly POS GM S10 Blazers had them on theirs.

 

Remove the plate, mark off the area to cut, use a metal disk on your grinder, galvanize metal (hem the edges) and use 4 each self tapping screws on each corner, piece of cake! Paint the cuts after to keeping from rusting. I use a drill to remove three of the screws, twist the door out of the way. It makes changing the oil much easier.

 

Unfortunately because of my tremors, I don't have steady enough hands to use my angle grinder and make a neat job of it.. I'd bodge it up real bad.

 

Sorry to hear that Bleach. We can only do what we can do. Wish I was closer I'd take care of it for ya.

 

I appreciate that anyway. I'm not really asking for someone to do this for me. I can still do most things. Inserting bolts can sometimes be a challenge in some instances. Stick welding is also a PITA for me.

 

Stick welding is a PITA for a lot of people, practice practice. Watch that puddle, make a small letter "e" pause on both sides and the middle will take care of it's self. Good Luck!

 

I first learned oxyacetylene and then arc welding. It was the only equipment I've owned. I used to be able to make some nice even welds up until about 10-15 years ago. I can't anymore. I did try a wire-feed about 10 years ago that someone had. It seemed pretty easy. Even with my shaky hands I was able to make some nice welds. I don't know about now. I don't have access to one anymore. I doubt I would weld enough to justify the cost of one.

 

My biggest problem is seeing up close. I had Lasik done several years ago and still 20/15 but I need reading glasses up close and makes it a bitch to weld. My friend and landlord just bought an old Wards 230 arc welder this past weekend. I plan on fabbing up my own RTT bed frame. That will be interesting. Materials estimated to be around $200. I will get it done one way or another. I'm more comfortable with a wire welder but learned on a stick. Guess I need to make some practice welds first.

 

I would..Hit a semi tire at around 75 mph on the highway. Luckily I had the TRD skid plate. All it left was scuff marks.

 

Another plus for the splash guard/skidplate:
It’s pretty thin and the edges could be sharpened for a self defense tool during the zombie apocalypse.

 

I use mine as a kite on windy days........

 

Could probably work as a sled, in a pinch. I remember using a shovel....

 

Could be used as a shield to protect our planet in case of a large asteroid hit..............