GX460 Skid Plates (4 Viewers)

[Reed CA]

Hi Fellow 460 GXers,
Has anyone found a skid plate that you do not need to remove for an oil change? Seems like an easy option to build with a large enough access panel, maybe I'm missing something.

Thanks

 

[giovanni]

I have the CBI front skids, and the access plates built into them work great for oil changes.

 

[deftnleft]

Victory 4x4 and RSG Metalworks both make what you are looking for.

 

[r2m]

I believe most manufacturers have that feature in their skid plates. Find one you like and ask if that option is available!
It would seem silly not to have an access port for the oil pan plug.

 

[Acrad]

Check out Budbuilt

Budbuilt 460 skids with useable oil filter access panel

https://budbuilt.com/Complete-Armor-Systems_c_459.html I should be getting the first set. Tank skid is the same as their 4R and you can order that now. If you do you own oil changes you will appreciate the load bearing access panel door for the oil filter. Apparently many revisions to...

forum.ih8mud.com

Complete Armor Systems

 

[jlficken]

Does anyone know the net weight gain/loss from the OEM skid plates?

Say I go to the aluminum CBI or Budbuilt skids...will I have to upgrade my suspension from OEM if that's the only added weight to the vehicle?

Do I want to powder coat aluminum skid plates as I live in the rust belt?

Does the CBI front plate have as good of access to the oil filter as the Budbuilt?

 

[Acrad]

I don't know the weight loss/gain ... but I can say I don't notice the difference on mine with my Budbuilt and I am on stock suspension.

- MPG same
- I did get my steel power coated
- Budbuilt oil filter access

RCI

2010-2022 GX 460 Accessories | RCI Metalworks

RCI Metalworks provides Lexus GX 460 off-road accessories to protect your undercarriage and prevent damage. Click here and shop online now.

rcimetalworks.com

 

[jlficken]

Cool, thanks!

I can't seem to find a CBI picture anywhere to see the oil filter access but I'll keep looking.

 

[Acrad]

LFD

Shop | Apex Overland | Off-Road Part Accessories

Shop for all things for your overland rig. Roof racks, storage solutions, bumpers, recovery gear, suspension, air, fuel and power solutions. Camping gear, front recovery points, lighting, Armor, skids plates, sliders and more!

www.apexoverland.com

 

[Acrad]

https://truckbrigade.com/products/cbi-offroad-front-skid-plate-lexus-gx460-2010

CBI

 

[Acrad]

My GX was one of the test mules for skid and maintenance ease. I was impressed a company on the east cost would leverage someone on the west coast. They sent out a few different sets at times. I told them oil maintenance was important to me and to this day believe Budbuilt skids are one of the most custom to the 460 and not simply reutilized 4R designs.

Just my $.02 and opinion

 

[jlficken]

My GX was one of the test mules for skid and maintenance ease. I was impressed a company on the east cost would leverage someone on the west coast. They sent out a few different sets at times. I told them oil maintenance was important to me and to this day believe Budbuilt skids are one of the most custom to the 460 and not simply reutilized 4R designs.

Just my $.02 and opinion

It does look like a great solution. I'm just trying to due my due diligence for my needs.

I'm thinking it'll be Budbuilt or CBI at the moment but I'll keep researching.

Do you know how much ground clearance you lost with the Budbuilt by chance?

 

[Acrad]

I never measured but had to be fairly minimal with factory bolt up. I'm only doing 1/8" steel on mine.

 

[jlficken]

Good to know...thanks!

 

[jlficken]

I'm going to go with the Budbuilt and am thinking I'll just get the front plate for now.

I need to decide stainless or aluminum though by the end of the month since prices are going up.

If I go stainless for the front plate I'll j7st get aluminum for the rest.

 

[r2m]

Does anyone know the net weight gain/loss from the OEM skid plates?

Say I go to the aluminum CBI or Budbuilt skids...will I have to upgrade my suspension from OEM if that's the only added weight to the vehicle?

Do I want to powder coat aluminum skid plates as I live in the rust belt?

Does the CBI front plate have as good of access to the oil filter as the Budbuilt?

1. You may be able to ask the vendors what the approximate weight is of their products, the steel and the aluminum.
2. No need to upgrade your suspension if all you're doing is adding skid plates. You may reconsider that if you're adding front and rear bumper with a winch!
3. Absolutely go with the aluminum. Aluminum does not need any surface treatment (paint or coating) and will not rust. It will oxidize but you'll be having other parts of your rig falling off before those aluminum skid plate are a problem. Also, it sounds like if you're not adding suspension and bumpers that your off road adventures will be on the mild side, if so, the aluminum will be more than enough for anything you do. I have aluminum and do serious off roading, just shy of rock crawling and although I've banged them a few times, they've held up great. And no, I don't recall whose they are. I'd have to look.
4. I believe all the skid plate manufacturers provide access to maintenance areas. But it's a simple answer if you call them.

 

[jlficken]

1. You may be able to ask the vendors what the approximate weight is of their products, the steel and the aluminum.
2. No need to upgrade your suspension if all you're doing is adding skid plates. You may reconsider that if you're adding front and rear bumper with a winch!
3. Absolutely go with the aluminum. Aluminum does not need any surface treatment (paint or coating) and will not rust. It will oxidize but you'll be having other parts of your rig falling off before those aluminum skid plate are a problem. Also, it sounds like if you're not adding suspension and bumpers that your off road adventures will be on the mild side, if so, the aluminum will be more than enough for anything you do. I have aluminum and do serious off roading, just shy of rock crawling and although I've banged them a few times, they've held up great. And no, I don't recall whose they are. I'd have to look.
4. I believe all the skid plate manufacturers provide access to maintenance areas. But it's a simple answer if you call them.

Thank you very much for the detailed reply!

You are correct that I won't be doing much off-roading. I really am only looking for a way to avoid removing the skid plate in its entirety to access the oil fiter.

 

[xychromosome]

I'm going with the approach of steel front skid, since it will likely bear the brunt of most impacts on the trail, and piecemealing the remaining skids over time out of Al for weight savings (and as budget allows). LFD confirmed that they have an oil filter access door with a welded backing plate (looks similar to what budbuilt offers) for their front skid. I will provide a review once received and installed.

 

[jlficken]

CBI is out. $320 to ship the front skid plate from them and $31 to ship from BudBuilt

I think I'll just get the stainless from BudBuilt since it's the same cost as the aluminum and that's what Bud actually recommended too as it only weighs 9lbs more than aluminum.

I'll then go aluminum for the rest of the skid plates eventually.

 

[xychromosome]

CBI is out. $320 to ship the front skid plate from them and $31 to ship from BudBuilt

I think I'll just get the stainless from BudBuilt since it's the same cost as the aluminum and that's what Bud actually recommended too as it only weighs 9lbs more than aluminum.

I'll then go aluminum for the rest of the skid plates eventually.

Sounds good. Budbuilt offers quality products, I'm sure you won't be disappointed. Plus a stainless steel option is great. Do you plan on painting it or leaving as is?