Full Skid plate Recommendations (1 Viewer)

[khalid7412002]

Hey yalls, recently took my 2023 Luxury with off-road package, so have some factory plates, on a trail and they got a little beat up so looking a complete skid plate system. I don't plan to lift or maybe a modest lift in the future but for now no plans so I am looking for stainless steel for extra protection. I am also planning to get rock sliders at the same time.

I'm looking to buy around black friday later this year for some deals or at least free shipping.

I see a package 5 piece package from Budbuilt for Stainless Steel 3/16" (4.76mm) thick painted black that comes out to $3,000 shipped.

• BudBuilt Rock Armor Stage 2 (5 pc)
• Front, Mid, Transmission, Crossmember and Fuel Tank (however, does not come with Differential Skid Plate, additional $600 with shipping so $3,600 for everything stainless steel colored black
• If I get the same package but NOT in stainless steel, just regular steel powdercoated black, total comes out to $2,700 shipped.

I see RCI has individual skid plates in 3/16" Steel - Black Powdercoat (however, not stainless steel like budbuilt so not sure if rust will be an issue as the powerdercoat wears off)

• Piecing together the same package as budbuilt 6 piece package, (Engine, Transmission, Transfer-Case, Fuel Tank, Rear Differential) total comes out to $1,533 shipped

I see Victory 4x4 has some steel plates for a 3 piece that comes out to $1200 shipping. I don't see a gas nor a rear diff plate.
I see CBI package for $1400 shipped, but I think it only has two piece, from and rear skids. No gas or rear diff, transfer case.


Is there any value to buying Budbuilt in either stainless steel coated black or regular steel coated black over RCI plates when it's more than $1,000 more and A LOT more for the stainless option?

Are these any location shops in Los Angeles that sell RCI or other plate system that I can get locally?

 

[Littlehouse]

Is there any reason you don’t do aluminum? I’m going with a full set of aluminum skids from RCI. Budbuilt stainless would be the best, but I’m too poor for that.

 

[xychromosome]

Look at where your factory plates got beat up and go from there. You may not need full steel plates since most hits are likely upfront. My approach was to get budbuilt steel up front, with the convenience of oil filter access, then a mix of Aluminum plates for transmission and t-case (talon's garage) and a full metal skid for the gas tank, courtesy of a take off from a 4runner, on fbook marketplace (only $50). Cuts down on cost and also weight.

 

[r2m]

Hey yalls, recently took my 2023 Luxury with off-road package, so have some factory plates, on a trail and they got a little beat up so looking a complete skid plate system. I don't plan to lift or maybe a modest lift in the future but for now no plans so I am looking for stainless steel for extra protection. I am also planning to get rock sliders at the same time.

I'm looking to buy around black friday later this year for some deals or at least free shipping.

I see a package 5 piece package from Budbuilt for Stainless Steel 3/16" (4.76mm) thick painted black that comes out to $3,000 shipped.

• BudBuilt Rock Armor Stage 2 (5 pc)
• Front, Mid, Transmission, Crossmember and Fuel Tank (however, does not come with Differential Skid Plate, additional $600 with shipping so $3,600 for everything stainless steel colored black
• If I get the same package but NOT in stainless steel, just regular steel powdercoated black, total comes out to $2,700 shipped.

I see RCI has individual skid plates in 3/16" Steel - Black Powdercoat (however, not stainless steel like budbuilt so not sure if rust will be an issue as the powerdercoat wears off)

• Piecing together the same package as budbuilt 6 piece package, (Engine, Transmission, Transfer-Case, Fuel Tank, Rear Differential) total comes out to $1,533 shipped

I see Victory 4x4 has some steel plates for a 3 piece that comes out to $1200 shipping. I don't see a gas nor a rear diff plate.
I see CBI package for $1400 shipped, but I think it only has two piece, from and rear skids. No gas or rear diff, transfer case.


Is there any value to buying Budbuilt in either stainless steel coated black or regular steel coated black over RCI plates when it's more than $1,000 more and A LOT more for the stainless option?

Are these any location shops in Los Angeles that sell RCI or other plate system that I can get locally?

Have you poked around this sticky post on the top of the main forum page? Guide to GX 460 Builds and Aftermarket Products
You may find some more vendors there.
Good luck!

 

[khalid7412002]

Is there any reason you don’t do aluminum? I’m going with a full set of aluminum skids from RCI. Budbuilt stainless would be the best, but I’m too poor for that.

I figure since Im not doing a lift any time soon, it's better to have steel instead of aluminum as I will be banging on them more often. I've heard on steel, rocks slide whereas with aluminum, it will gouge into the metal. I've read from people that they wish they had steel plates, at least for the front.

Look at where your factory plates got beat up and go from there. You may not need full steel plates since most hits are likely upfront. My approach was to get budbuilt steel up front, with the convenience of oil filter access, then a mix of Aluminum plates for transmission and t-case (talon's garage) and a full metal skid for the gas tank, courtesy of a take off from a 4runner, on fbook marketplace (only $50). Cuts down on cost and also weight.

from my recent trip, the front got pretty bang up, and then there are rock marks along the underside at various places. Thanks for the suggestions on other brands, were they easy to match up to the budbuilt front skid?

Also, the 4runner metal skid worked on your GX? What year is your GX and did you have to do any modifications to get it to work on yours and also with the rest of the skid parts?
I see 4runner parts all the time on the various selling boards, just not sure what would work with my 23 GX luxury trim since it has air suspension.

Have you poked around this sticky post on the top of the main forum page? Guide to GX 460 Builds and Aftermarket Products
You may find some more vendors there.
Good luck!

Thank you for that link. That's what started my initial search and then googling for feedback on the various brands. I just want to know if people more experienced than me can explain the vast price difference between RCI plates and budbuilt and if I should spring for the extra cost on my forever car if the value is there with budbuilt. Hopefully they run some sales between now and blackfriday.

 

[xychromosome]

The 4runner full length gas tank skid bolts on directly with no mods needed, it's just a larger version of what the GX comes with.

The budbuilt front cover only covers the very front of the engine and meets up directly with the OEM skid plate that covers the rest of the engine including access to the oil drain plug. Other after market brands have engine covers that cover the entire engine. From there you need a transmission and t-case cover before hitting the fuel tank.

 

[BigSwede]

The Budbuilts are very good but $$. I was looking at their SS skids, but in the end I just installed Victory engine, trans, and t-case skids in powder coated steel, it is a nice smooth surface underneath with little to "catch" on, unlike my previous skids, and they were a lot less than Budbuilts since the powdercoat was included and so was shipping.

I have an Asfir aluminum gas tank skid. Nothing says you can't mix and match.

IMO you don't need a diff skid. I have wheeled pretty hard for 20+ years and never had a diff skid. Yes I have hit it more than once but since the third member is basically a big chunk of cast metal no harm done.

 

[suitcase]

I have the front and rear CBI skids in aluminum (and the CBI front bumper) and aluminum RCI fuel skid. The rear CBI skid covers the transfer case. I had lots of internal discussions with myself on steel vs aluminum or a mix. Ultimately decided on all aluminum for the weight savings and what I realistically planned on doing. I think Budbuilt is the only one that comes with a reinforced center section to serve as a jack point, but the Budbuilt was going to cost a lot more. I haven't had a problem placing my jack on the CBI skid even though it doesn't have a reinforced center section. My OEM skids got a bit banged up, but that was before I had a lift. So far the aluminum skids have held up well, but I'm also not seeking out rock gardens.

 

[Acrad]

My 460 was one of the BB test mules. Correct that it does support OEM jack point and at this point..IMO.. best option for oil filter access.

 

[Roody]

You didn't mention it, but check out Talon's Garage. Have them on my GX and they're pretty solid.

 

[volklflip88]

The ARB skids are a good deal. Been happy with them but they are not for rock crawling; just a better plate (double thickness) vs the OEM sheet metal. You get more coverage too as there's a long transmission plate included. Much lighter too than the other brands mentioned (except aluminum ones).

 

[OCGX]

You're in SoCal, why are you worried about rust? Like others have mentioned, I have a mix of steel and aluminum. I've installed both RCI and Victory skid plates, and I don't like how RCI bolts to the radiator support brackets. These get smashed, I've gone through a few. Victory skids eliminate these brackets. However, mounting the transmission and transfer plate skid is easier with RCI.
If you never want to go underneath your vehicle and touch up surface rust, go with the stainless.

 

[khalid7412002]

You didn't mention it, but check out Talon's Garage. Have them on my GX and they're pretty solid.

This wasn't listed on that page with all the various companies and products. But I just looked at their package for 3/16" steel black powdercoated and added the gas thank and it comes out to roughly $1,250 shipped which is pretty great deal.

Do you have any issues with doing oil changes? I don't do my own and am wondering who easy it will be for shops to do oil changes and other work. They say there is access but wondering about any direct feedback.

You're in SoCal, why are you worried about rust? Like others have mentioned, I have a mix of steel and aluminum. I've installed both RCI and Victory skid plates, and I don't like how RCI bolts to the radiator support brackets. These get smashed, I've gone through a few. Victory skids eliminate these brackets. However, mounting the transmission and transfer plate skid is easier with RCI.
If you never want to go underneath your vehicle and touch up surface rust, go with the stainless.

I plan to keep this car forever and might do cross country trips or even move somewhere else. I'd like to buy stainless just to not worry about doing touchups and things like that, my energy for doing things myself is completely gone while dealing with health issues.

Do you have any experience with Talon's Garage skids? While not stainless steel, the overall package is at a great price point for full coverage skids

 

[Acrad]

If a shop drops the front skid to change oil filter at no extra cost probably not a big deal.

If you do your own though… most skids are simply 4R versions. Oil filter orientation and location are not the same between the 1UR-FE and 1GR-FE.

I haven’t checked in the last few years what vendors have specifically engineered for 460s other than BB

Even if you don’t use it… If it doesn’t have the jack reinforcement of the OEM skid I’d say not a comprehensive development.. just my opinion

 

[r2m]

If you never want to go underneath your vehicle and touch up surface rust, go with the stainless.

Or, aluminum. Aluminum is great for general trail use and the rare rock or tree stump, but as noted, not for serious or constant rock crawling.
Have had my aluminum under armor for 7 years now and have banged it a few rock gardens several times but it's still in great shape.

 

[Bang Bang]

I went Bud Built full steel raw version. I painted them myself with spray paint and just touch them up from time to time. Absolutely no regrets.

 

[khalid7412002]

I went Bud Built full steel raw version. I painted them myself with spray paint and just touch them up from time to time. Absolutely no regrets.

That's what I am leaning towards. The full stainless steel package powder coated black. Mainly for ease of use for oil changes, from feedback from others, it provides more coverage than other brands, and the stainless aspect will help prevent long term rust.

Yes, it's a lot more money but added all together, it might make sense to get that package and just call it a day. Ill open a new credit card to get a sign up bonus to make it hurt less. haha.
Im just waiting for a promo code or free shipping deal to pop up and then im getting them.

Next up is sliders, those I can choose RCI or another brand. If I could get free shipping from Budbuilt, I'd buy the full package from them and call it a day.

Actually one question for those that have bought the full package, when I get the stainless steel option, are are 5 pieces in the package stainless steel or is that only for the front?

 

[llm]

This wasn't listed on that page with all the various companies and products. But I just looked at their package for 3/16" steel black powdercoated and added the gas thank and it comes out to roughly $1,250 shipped which is pretty great deal.

Do you have any issues with doing oil changes? I don't do my own and am wondering who easy it will be for shops to do oil changes and other work. They say there is access but wondering about any direct feedback.


I plan to keep this car forever and might do cross country trips or even move somewhere else. I'd like to buy stainless just to not worry about doing touchups and things like that, my energy for doing things myself is completely gone while dealing with health issues.

Do you have any experience with Talon's Garage skids? While not stainless steel, the overall package is at a great price point for full coverage skids

I have the Talon trans skid/ cat protector. it has held up to my mild off roading. it's a large flat piece with 90 degrees bent up sides- there is no internal reinforcement. I dont know if it would be able to carry the weight of the gx, or use as a jack point.

I just smashed in my oem plates this weekend and will likely get front + mid Budbuilt based on recommendations. Based on photos, the Budbuilts cover the same area as OEM, so it includes the KDSS drop brackets. The RCI and others are narrower and do not offer protection. Whether that area needs protection is unknown, but my OEM skids too a direct hit right under the bracket and no doubt protected the clamp from damage.

 

[BigSwede]

That's what I am leaning towards. The full stainless steel package powder coated black. Mainly for ease of use for oil changes, from feedback from others, it provides more coverage than other brands, and the stainless aspect will help prevent long term rust.

Yes, it's a lot more money but added all together, it might make sense to get that package and just call it a day. Ill open a new credit card to get a sign up bonus to make it hurt less. haha.

You can powder coat them if you want, but if you actually grind them on a rock it will strip the powder coat right off. I would just paint them, so you can touch them up with a rattle can if you scratch them.

 

[BigSwede]

Im just waiting for a promo code or free shipping deal to pop up and then im getting them.

BudBuilt doesn't really play those games, you might be waiting a long time.