KAON Skid Plates

[OverlandusMinimus]

Hey everyone - I've owned my 2019 GX460 for three years now and have finally started doing some OEM+ style mods for moderate off-road use here in Washington State. I got some Metal Tech rub rails and have the CBI front bumper purchased and ready to install soon. I want to get some armor and am looking at everything including RCI, ASFIR (aluminum) and most recently, KAON. KAON seems to have a stelar reputation for the PRADO 150, and these new X700 guards look awesome. The steel they use looks lightweight and strong, and well suited for my needs. Check out the videos at the bottom of their page here Link . I know the shipping from Australia is cost prohibitive, but the AUD to USD is good (about $705 now) and I could bundle this with the an interior roof shelf. Has anyone else looked at these? A good discount code or sale might get me to pull the trigger on these.

A quick note about RCI - I think the steel option is too heavy for my needs, and the front skid is a PITA for oil changes/service. If I go aluminum, ASFIR is my top choice.

 

[Littlehouse]

I honestly have’t noticed the weight on my steel RCI skids, at least when driving. “Full set” Putting them on was a bit rough, and yes, you need to pull the skid to change the oil.

 

[xychromosome]

Suggest looking at steel for front skid, since that's where more impacts will be and Aluminium for rest of skids to save on weight. Budbuilt has probably the best front skid steel option that also includes access to the oil filter. It's a perfect fit and lines up well to my aftermarket front bumper (victory 4x4). from their you can choose the rest of your skids, e.g. budbuilt or other manufacturers. I went with talons garage for the aluminum trans skid with wings to protect the cats. To save some $, look at 4runner fuel skid take offs. I found mine on FB marketplace. Perfect fit for the GX at a fraction of the cost of an aftermarket skid.

 

[Hiluxforever]

If steel rci plates are too heavy, consider ARB

 

[OverlandusMinimus]

Suggest looking at steel for front skid, since that's where more impacts will be and Aluminium for rest of skids to save on weight. Budbuilt has probably the best front skid steel option that also includes access to the oil filter. It's a perfect fit and lines up well to my aftermarket front bumper (victory 4x4). from their you can choose the rest of your skids, e.g. budbuilt or other manufacturers. I went with talons garage for the aluminum trans skid with wings to protect the cats. To save some $, look at 4runner fuel skid take offs. I found mine on FB marketplace. Perfect fit for the GX at a fraction of the cost of an aftermarket skid.

Thanks for the suggestions. I contacted KAON and they can't even guarantee the skids will work for the transmission on the GX, so this was another rabbit hole I can say I've explored. I've priced out Bud Built, and might have to look at doing a Frankenstein version with different manufacturers. I already sort of started that with my Metal tech sliders and CBI Bumper. Part of the appeal of aluminum is no rust - since I am in the PNW with all the rain. Doing the front skid in steel does make sense, especially with my plans to do either zero or minimum lift. Thanks again.