Media LC 250 & GX550 Picture Thread (24 Viewers)

[LCQ]

Can post some "side shots" of the skids?

It's been bothering me how it looks like the 250's skids hang much lower (aft of the engine cradle) than how they were on the 200. I'm wondering if the engine cradle was lowered vs the 200s.

Here are some side shots. Tucked up as much as makes sense to me. There's a bump down for the SDM that's a little unnecessary but I hope that's something to add down the road. The skids directly bolt to the two crossmembers. Crossmembers look low from the side, no changing that for me. Trans pan tucked up high (which I like).

 

[LCQ]

Kinda look like ARB skids from the finish and stamping. Where's the oil filter and drain? Looks like a PITA for oil changes, unless there is room to run a fumoto valve or use a vacuum pump from the top.

Maybe? Does ARB manufacture stateside?

Haven't changed oil yet, but I think oil changes will be easy. You will have to drop the front skid for oil plug and filter. That's not bad imo. There are two bolt notches that hold it up in place till you're ready to slide it over and take it down. I prefer it this way to take an unobstructed look around the engine bay during oil changes. I didn't weigh it but the parts counter guy said 25 pounds for front and 20.2 lbs for transmission skid, so fairly manageable to handle alone.

Oil filter is tiny. I don't design oil filters so I'll give Toyota the benefit of the doubt here. It's easy to get to and in a simple location to drain from. I think it's the same on the Tundra and all of the newer Toyota's in general. Oil pan plug is easy to get to also.

 

[LCQ]

Truck is coming along great! Do you have any suspension plans?

x2 on the oil filter/drain location.

Thanks! Simple stuff so far, my intention for now is to keep it mostly stock, just adding more protection for the neighborhood roads (San Juans, Moab, and SE Utah). No suspension plans for a year or more. I'm installing the Front Runner Slimline II roof rack soon, and I'm gonna be about maxed out getting her in the garage. The tires added 7/8" and I think I'm happy with that for now ground clearance-wise. See last post for oil stuff.

 

[Jeremy556]

Maybe? Does ARB manufacture stateside?

Haven't changed oil yet, but I think oil changes will be easy. You will have to drop the front skid for oil plug and filter. That's not bad imo. There are two bolt notches that hold it up in place till you're ready to slide it over and take it down. I prefer it this way to take an unobstructed look around the engine bay during oil changes. I didn't weigh it but the parts counter guy said 25 pounds for front and 20.2 lbs for transmission skid, so fairly manageable to handle alone.

Oil filter is tiny. I don't design oil filters so I'll give Toyota the benefit of the doubt here. It's easy to get to and in a simple location to drain from. I think it's the same on the Tundra and all of the newer Toyota's in general. Oil pan plug is easy to get to also.

Based on some of the stuff I heard about the ARB parts on the Tacomas, seems possible, but I am just guessing. The finish and stamping look sorta similar to ARB's Prado 150 skid plates, which I had a long time ago. Very happy to see they have changed back to a spin on filter, I hate the stupid cartridge filters they were doing for a while. Even has a nice little funnel molded around it to direct the oil into one place.

 

[Fort9378]

Local dealer had an unsold 1958 come in. Hasn't even been prepped yet. Will be interesting to see how long it lasts at MSRP.

Ignore the unfortunate looking tree sap drip on my window.

 

[LCQ]

How was the install? Looks pretty straight forward, just some bolts? Looking at the discount parts wholesalers online vs the MSRP + labor quote my dealer gave me, I think it might be fun to try to add them myself. Need anything more than a ramp and a torque wrench (and maybe a friend)?

It's simple - you've got it @TrailWhale. Just bolts. No friend needed. You shouldn't pay a dealer to install it. Message me if you need more pics or anything. Ramps make it easier to crawl under. You might be able to squeeze around under there without 'em. Torque wrench is optional, but I like using one. I think the sheet said 21 ft lbs. Snug, but not grunting.

The trickiest part is transferring the plastic air dam from your old skid plate to the new one with two clips here. The metal piece (lower in the picture) comes with the new front skid plate. The plastic piece is the one on top.

 

[LCQ]

Do those plates cover the cats? If so, that would serve double duty!

I'd say it's a non-issue. The single cat is tucked up next to the engine. I'd post a pic but I don't want to help some nefarious POS out.

 

[ryanjl]

Based on that diagram, the embossed part in the red circle is a jacking point. Handy.

 

[LCQ]

Based on that diagram, the embossed part in the red circle is a jacking point. Handy.

Yes it is - see E in the instructions and diagram. They went into detail on that one and not the air dam piece. Kinda funny.

 

[TrailWhale]

It's simple - you've got it @TrailWhale. Just bolts. No friend needed. You shouldn't pay a dealer to install it. Message me if you need more pics or anything. Ramps make it easier to crawl under. You might be able to squeeze around under there without 'em. Torque wrench is optional, but I like using one. I think the sheet said 21 ft lbs. Snug, but not grunting.

The trickiest part is transferring the plastic air dam from your old skid plate to the new one with two clips here. The metal piece (lower in the picture) comes with the new front skid plate. The plastic piece is the one on top.


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Thanks! That’s helpful. Does the transmission skid also have the “installation feature” holes (D on the diagram) to slide it onto while mounting?

 

[LCQ]

No, it has 2 tabs/clips that slide into holes that hold it on the front end. Slide it in there, then thread a bolt in at back end.

Ignore my finger pointing. That is for the front skid slotted bolts. You can see those tabs here and the cross member bolt locations.

 

[carboncycles]

Nice...that is a total plug and play setup!

Lexus supposedly has one for the 550 but my sales guy is having the worse time finding it for me. Maybe @OGBeno may know?

 

[Phillyd2]

My guess: ARB designed. Toyota approved. Stamped locally using imported materials.

 

[OGBeno]

Nice...that is a total plug and play setup!

Lexus supposedly has one for the 550 but my sales guy is having the worse time finding it for me. Maybe @OGBeno may know?

I really haven’t been following any of this in all honesty. It’s all kinda boring.

 

[Brown98LC]

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Square lights looks better and more proportionate than round lights.

Round lights works better on 70 series than the Prado.

 

[flyfish4life]

Square lights looks better and more proportionate than round lights.

Round lights works better on 70 series than the Prado.

Thought exact same side by side. Round looks great on the 70.

 

[Adver]

Picked up mine yesterday and drove it home 140 miles. Very pleased with it. At MRSP. Booked a couple months ago.

 

[ZRTactical]

Picked up mine yesterday and drove it home 140 miles. Very pleased with it. At MRSP. Booked a couple months ago.

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Your 1958 came with those tires or the dealer added them?

 

[ryanjl]

The Nitto tires are a factory option. Seems like a lot of the east coast deliveries are coming with them.

 

[Adver]

Your 1958 came with those tires or the dealer added them?

I had the dealer install these Falken Wildpeak A/T 4 Ws prior to pickup. Transforms the vehicle.