'06 4Runner Question

[cybler]

Took my new '06 out last night for supposedly scenic trip. Truck ran great, but got hung up once climbing down a pretty rutted slope. Not much of any damage except for a dent in the fuel tank skid plate.

So my question is, anyone dinged up one of these plates on a newer 4Runner? The tank seems to be fine, no fuel leaking. Anyone ever take this plate off? I was thinking about banging the dent out a bit, is that possible, advisable? My concern is the dent pushing into the fuel tank.

Let me know what you think:

 

[FirstToy]

that is nothing. its a composite tank. you can smash it up level to the frame rails ans only worry about loosing capacity

the metal skid is good to minimize possible puncture,imo

 

[bulldog-yota]

As James said you can bang up the skid good without worrying about puncturing the tank. MIne has been bend and banged in all sorts of shapes. Pretty much get used to it, my other skids have been banged up as well.

There are 5 bolts holding it in place, so you can just take it out and drop the skid (use a jack or support to keep it in place till all the bolts are out). Beat it in shape and spray it. It is a bitch to get back n though, especially the bolts on the center side of the 4R.

Your still looks good, so wait till it has more miles on it before worryin about it. THere are a number of people loking at soem beefier skid plates for the 4R, nothin yet to be honest, but work in progress.

Here are pics of my touch ups on my skids after 3 years of use (abuse).

My skids are getting end of life though as the are tearing now afer a few hammeer repair sessions.

 

[cybler]

Cool, thanks guys, only had the truck a week...grin.

Do you guys know of any more good 4Runner forums? I looked around Toyota120.com after checking out the skid plate pics.

Thanks

David

 

[robinhood4x4]

www.yotatech.com