Who’s here using skid plates? (19 Viewers)

[ASFIR 4X4]

Whats up, friends?
Wed love to hear your thoughts on skid plates- do you think its a must have?
Are you familiar with our skid plates?
And whats your take on steel VS aluminum? Which ones your go-to?

photo of our aluminium skid plates on a 100 series for some attention

 

[ClassyJalopy]

I have them. The fitting is not great, not bad. Service access is really bad - you need to take them off for most services - especially the middle one.. And heat management is non-existent. Some have cut holes near the catalytic converters to relieve some heat build up.
Wish I hadn't wasted my money on these and am saving money to buy a replacement.

Thread 'Need ASFIR Alternative Skid Plate'

May 24, 2025

Looking for a new metal skid plate for the 100 Series. I'll be replacing an ASFIR that has gotten ratty.

Are there any metal skip plactes available?

This is from when it was new. It has been slotted now.

• OwnerCS
• Replies: 10
• Forum: 100-Series Cruisers

 

[Frogg420]

I would like to second @ClassyJalopy. Fitment leaves alot to be desired with using a 4th less attachment points due to overlappimg plates or non exsistent holes. And that center bolt needs to recessed

Ventilation and drainage. I have to drop the plates to get mud and sand to clear.

Most access is Atainable, even radiator drainage.

Allumninum makes it easier.

They have held up great. Mine have battle scars of rock gardens, high centers and parking lot obstrctions. Based on my limited exposure, I am very pleased, just minorly annoyed from time to time.

Wish the gas tank skid had its own attachments vs. Exsisting tank skid.

 

[2000UZJ]

I second @ClassyJalopy. I removed mine for service, and I left them off for now. I'm unsure if I'll put them on. On my 2006, almost every hole is misaligned a little, making installation a total pain.

 

[Trapper50cal]

I have the Bump-It Offroad trilogy. They are HEAVY and have taken some huge hits which is obviously a good thing, but the weight makes it hard to get them off and back on when needing to get to something they cover. My suggestion is sort of a small one but all skidplates should come with "ramp" washers that protect the bolt heads from dragging across rocks. Also, as mentioned, the bolt holes should be oblong to assist in alignment when reinstalling.

 

[Bisho]

I like my ASFIR skids. Not perfect, but I think the best value out there. Mine are beat up pretty good, but that’s why they’re there. I don’t like the center bolt / sleeve. It focuses any hit on a very small spot, and easy to crush the recessed washer and bolt. I stopped using that bolt, and instead put an 8” length of 4x4 in there, that I thinned a bit, but it’s wedged in there tight. I can now jack up on that spot if I want to.

 

[efjayatee]

For the stuff that we do on our FZJ80, the aluminum plates does not "glide" onto rocks vs steel. The ASFIR plates gets hung up more do to friction. For "overlanders" that does fire trails is good enough as a security blanket but once you wheel them, it's.......

Sorry but i prefer steel plates.

 

[hotdawwgman]

I have them. The fitting is not great, not bad. Service access is really bad - you need to take them off for most services - especially the middle one.. And heat management is non-existent. Some have cut holes near the catalytic converters to relieve some heat build up.
Wish I hadn't wasted my money on these and am saving money to buy a replacement.

Thread 'Need ASFIR Alternative Skid Plate'

May 24, 2025

Looking for a new metal skid plate for the 100 Series. I'll be replacing an ASFIR that has gotten ratty.

Are there any metal skip plactes available?

This is from when it was new. It has been slotted now.

• OwnerCS
• Replies: 10
• Forum: 100-Series Cruisers

Well, if no changes are made, I think I should look else where.

 

[Kabanstva]

Are aluminum welds more prone to cracking during hard impact VS. steel? I've had welds crack on mine multiple times, no ASFIR brand but another popular US-based product.

 

[Frogg420]

Are aluminum welds more prone to cracking during hard impact VS. steel? I've had welds crack on mine multiple times, no ASFIR brand but another popular US-based product.

No issues here. 3yrs so far

 

[JOSHD]

I have the front and transmission skidplates. Mine fit exceptionally well. I have no misaligned holes as others have stated. I've had them on and off a couple of times for various repairs and upgrades and don't really find them that difficult to reinstall.

I would love to try out the transfer case skidplate and the gas tank skid but the shipping costs make them not as attractive any more.

Edit...I see that there is Free Shipping right now. Hmm...

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Also consider supporting local, US based products with your money.
It is hard to agree with the moral compass of some foreign businesses at the moment.

 

[TexLXCRZR]

Also consider supporting local, US based products with your money.
It is hard to agree with the moral compass of some foreign businesses at the moment.

totally endorse supporting local US made

not sure you can put the politics of the host country on the business based there... slippery slope and some may not agree with moral compass of many US policies right now.

 

[MongooseGA]

I've had a full set since shortly after they came out. I liked them for the 'coverage per dollar', so to speak.

I've bent the transfer case skid supporting arm several time. The aluminum with the cut out for the exhaust in that location just isn't strong enough to be much more than a brush shield. Fuel tank skid is great. I agree with all of @ClassyJalopy 's assessment from his first post and like @2000UZJ I tend to leave them off between trail runs. I will say, with a Fumoto drain valve and a form-a-funnel, I have tool-free, drip-free oil changes without having to remove anything.

 

[TRDdrew]

I run the front one only and its "ok" bang for your buck its a good option. I've bent the thing to hell but that's what it is there for, usually with a bit of heat and a hammer i can massage it back into shape. i will say the center support bolt design on the front skid plate is horrible, its actually denting the crossmember on the frame. I'm in the process of building a new support that will take the impacts and distribute the load much better across the entire width of the plate instead of just one point (similar to what @Bisho did )

also good points made by @ClassyJalopy and @MongooseGA
@Trapper50cal makes a great suggestion as well