OEM Front Skid Plate

[SoCalDom]

Does anyone know what this foam piece is for on the stock skid plate and if it is necessary. I would like to remove it if it's not needed. Thanks!

 

[aging fleet]

My guess is that it was originally intended to keep air flow going through the radiator instead of escaping underneath it. What I know for sure is that in the rusty/wet regions of the country, the foam holds water and helps rust out your skid plate (probably not a concern in So. Cal.).

I'm sure Mr. T put it there for a reason, but I've gone without the foam for over 6 years with no ill effects.

 

[Porter]

Wow, foam on the skidplate- a distant memory from 15 odd years ago. Just keep the foam around the radiator, that is all.

 

[DuckLN]

Why remove it?

 

[YotaWagon]

Here is a discussion on this foam: Is this necessary- Skid plate foam pad?

Basically it directs airflow over the radiator, prevents the skid plate from cracking by reducing vibrations, and possibly prevents some dirt from getting into the engine bay.

I recently replaced my skid plate with a new OEM unit and also added the foam back in. Something worth noting is the foam comes with a sticky side. I was searching high and low on the adhesive I should buy to apply it to the skid plate but I didn't need anything... It's Toyota part #88578-60100

 

[Kabanstva]

I bet that foam hold a ton of moisture and creates rust underneath that radiator crossmember. What a stupid design. There are other ways to create a seal and direct airflow without using foam for material.

 

[SlowBuild]

Why remove it?

Because:

that foam hold a ton of moisture and creates rust underneath that radiator crossmember.

Or, it will just remove itself once the skid is rotted away.

 

[SoCalDom]

Why remove it?

It has become quite brittle and part of it is no longer sticking to the skid plate. I'm just debating whether to remove it completely and thoroughly clean the skid plate before reinstalling, keep it on and let it possibly fall off on its own, or get a new one.

 

[SoCalDom]

Thanks for all your feedback on this! I plan on removing it later this week. I assume all the aftermarket skid plates (which I plan on getting eventually) also don't have this.

 

[toyuda]

Another possibility is noise control at speed. I am presently driving around with my front skid plate/brush guard removed and definitely notice a change in wind noise. I can imagine that at certain higher speeds something with an opening at that location could--if things were right-cause a whistle or whoosh. Just speculating. But considering all the other efforts they took to address noise like harmonic dampers on the OEM muffler and under the passenger chassis, this foam could be another example.