120 Series ARB Skid Plates

[bravoleader]

I have a 2006 GX470 with KDSS, and have installed the 150 series ARB skid plates. Unfortunately ARB does not sell any hardware separate from their kits so I could not source the appropriate 120 series hardware. The only issue I haven't resolved is the spacer for the front two mounting bolts, can someone who has the 120 series kit measure the height of the spacer? And if its not too big of an ask take a picture?

 

[bravoleader]

Does anyone at least have a picture of the way the front of the front skid plates mounts?

 

[bravoleader]

Does anyone at least have a picture of the way the front of the front skid plates mounts?

 

[GXMac]

Looks like it uses the stock skid mounting points. Hope the 2nd pic isn't too distasteful but it does a good job of showing the skids (I think the guy who posted it on the GXOR page said no one was hurt, if curious).

 

[bravoleader]

Thank you GXMac. Wow that is quite the accident!

 

[Bluetribal]

Did the rear suspension cause the accident? Or just a result of the accident? For those of us not on FB.

 

[GXO]

He got clipped/cut off

 

[GXMac]

This is from the post "Woman on her phone swerved into my lane. I couldn't decide to speed up or brake and couldn't miss her. She hit the drivers side rear wheel, right before the qtr panel, and kicked my rear end out. landed sideways and over I went."

BTW, I don't have facebook either (I wear a hoodie when I lurk on there 'cuz I like to get in character ) but Dan Kunz was nice enough to make the group public so everyone can view the posts and comments. Lots of good info on there.

 

[GXO]

Yep! Public for you non-Facebook folk!

 

[Tips Up]

I installed ARB Skid Plates Toyota Prado 120/150 & 4runner/FJ Cruiser w/o KDSS, 5421100 today.

Existing plates were pretty beat up; missing half their hardware, bent out of shape (by me...), 2 bolts were snapped off deep in frame holes (not by me). That took the most time. Tried to tap them and back them out, eventually had to drill them out. Took my (long long) time, didn't F up threads too bad.

RCI looks like burly top of the line. Aluminum would be nice, for light weight. Went with ARB because it was 1/2 the price and thinner steel than RCI. $389 from Jeep Parts, Jeep Accessories & Soft Tops for Jeep Wrangler – CJ & Jeep Cherokee Parts by Morris 4x4. Got here in a few days. Gray powdercoat had a few cuts and nicks on arrival. I thought about spray painting them, but figured put em on for now - still might in the future if it seems like a rust growing hole.

Installation was a pain. Took longer than it should have. If I had to do it again tomorrow, it'd be done in half the time. Most of the pain came from drilling out the bolts. Looks clean. Had to use the 2 spacers in the front. More than enough hardware was included. Heat shield, rear bracket and rear of the rear skid plate were the biggest pain but it all fit together eventually. Did it solo. It'd be quicker with a lift but got it done.

ARB skid / Stock skid (weight in pounds)
front: 14.73 / 13.20
mid: 12.24 / 5.93
rear: 16.62 / not there
t guard: 2.09 / .71
rear bracket: 2.07 / not there
hardware: 1.83 / ? (.82 used, lots unused)
TOTAL: 48.57 / 20.85 removed
Net gain: 27.72 pounds

 

[subspd]

So what's the word on these vs aluminum from ASFIR? These are cheaper but which is stronger the thin steel or the thick aluminum?

 

[Infinity00]

Can you get to the oil pan and filter w/out taking the skid plates off?

 

[Tips Up]

Oil changes was one of my concerns w the ARB skids but there are big cut outs right under the oil plug and transmission plug. Oil filter is accessible up front. Don’t know where that rumor came from, because I thought I read that too, but it looks good. Haven’t done an oil change w it yet but shouldn’t be a problem.

Drove with it today. Thought I may have heard some road noise and noticed on ramp acceleration to 75, but then never thought about it again. Thumbs up from me. Hopefully get to the desert soon and bash em up.

 

[YT301]

Oil changes was one of my concerns w the ARB skids but there are big cut outs right under the oil plug and transmission plug. Oil filter is accessible up front. Don’t know where that rumor came from, because I thought I read that too, but it looks good. Haven’t done an oil change w it yet but shouldn’t be a problem.

Drove with it today. Thought I may have heard some road noise and noticed on ramp acceleration to 75, but then never thought about it again. Thumbs up from me. Hopefully get to the desert soon and bash em up.

How are they working out?
I just recieved my ARB skid plates and realized they reuse the factory bolts in the front. My GX470 didn't have any skids when I got it. Now Im waiting for bolts to arrive.
Any tips for installing?

 

[Mahalol]

How are they working out?
I just recieved my ARB skid plates and realized they reuse the factory bolts in the front. My GX470 didn't have any skids when I got it. Now Im waiting for bolts to arrive.
Any tips for installing?

Just take your time and lay all the hardware out first. The instructions aren’t very helpful but it’s pretty straightforward.

There are captive nuts that need to be installed on the inside of the skid plate that snap into place. I wasn’t familiar with them and initially installed them the wrong way. Instructions didn’t say which way they go.

I also had a hard time getting all of the bolts to line up on the transfer case. Ended up not using 1bolt.

 

[YT301]

Just take your time and lay all the hardware out first. The instructions aren’t very helpful but it’s pretty straightforward.

There are captive nuts that need to be installed on the inside of the skid plate that snap into place. I wasn’t familiar with them and initially installed them the wrong way. Instructions didn’t say which way they go.

I also had a hard time getting all of the bolts to line up on the transfer case. Ended up not using 1bolt.

Success! I realized after laying it out that there are enough bolts/washers/lock washers to mount it. I'll switch out the bolts in the areas that said to use original bolts when the OEM bolts arrive. The instructions are difficult to follow. But, I'm happy it's on. Another set of hands would make it easier.
Thanks!

 

[YT301]

Does the factory guard that fits inbetween the bumper cover and the skid plate still fit with the ARB. My gx didn't have it before the skid install. It looks like it would be good to have to protect the radiator/ ac evaporator.

 

[TnTnola]

Yes it does fit.