CBI Skid Plate Installation (3rd Gen 4runner)

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*PLEASE READ THIS VIDEO DESCRIPTION FOR HELPFUL INFORMATION*
In this video, we show you how to install a set of CBI Skid Plates on a 3rd Gen 4runner. If you plan on taking your rig off-road, a set of heavy duty skid plates to protect your vital drive train components is a good idea.
The CBI Skid Plates do work with a 1" differential drop. With the 1" diff drop, there is still clearance between the bottom of the differential and the front skid plate.
Aftermarket skid plates do give you the benefit of extra protection but they are more difficult to maneuver due to their heavy weight when you're removing them to perform maintenance to your rig like oil and fluid changes. A hydraulic floor jack is an essential tool to assist you with the removal and reinstallation. Also due to their heavy weight, you might experience a slight decrease in gas mileage because you're carrying them around all the time.
Another benefit to having aftermarket skid plates that was mentioned by somebody commenting on the video is it works as a deterrent for catalytic converter theft. The rear skid plate would make it harder for somebody to steal your catalytic converter(s) and inspire the thief to move on to somebody else's vehicle.
*PARTS*
CBI 3rd Gen 4runner Full Skid Plates (Front and Rear)
cbioffroadfab.com/product/3rd...
*HELPFUL TOOLS*
If you're looking for other tools not used in this video, check out Timmy's Master Tool List.
www.amazon.com/shop/timmythet...
*Dewalt 1/2" Drive Impact Gun - (used to remove steering rack bolt and nut)
amzn.to/2M2Y9J1
*Dewalt Batteries
amzn.to/2urcx59
*Dewalt Battery Charger
amzn.to/2Ud8RlY
*1/2" Drive Flex Head Gear Wrench Ratchet - (used to tighten steering rack bolt and nut. This ratchet is super functional due to the flex head capability and the 120 points of engagement)
amzn.to/2Wnbq2r
*1/2” Drive 6 Point Deep Metric Socket Set
amzn.to/330QjGh
*CDI 1/2" Drive 30-250 Foot Pound Torque Wrench - (used to torque steering rack bolt and nut. CDI torque wrenches are well-built and affordable)
amzn.to/2UPhyjK
*Harbor Freight 2000 lbs Transmission Jack - (really nice jack that's relatively affordable. I've used this jack for many different jobs and not just for supporting a transmission and transfer case. I've used also used this to support aftermarket bumpers so we could have an easier time getting the bumper into position.) www.harborfreight.com/automot...
*Flex Head Box End Wrench Set - (used to assist tightening skid plate bolts/nuts)
amzn.to/31x8BOo
*1/4" and 3/8" Flex Head Ratchet Set - (I would used a 3/8" ratchet with the SAE allen head sockets instead of using a regular allen wrench. These ratchets are super functional and will make your wrenching life easier) amzn.to/2ql8nNA
*SAE Allen Head Socket Set - (better than using a regular allen wrench for tightening the bolts and nuts for the skid plates) amzn.to/346IVt8
*Thread Restorer Kit - (nice set for cleaning up male and female threads)
amzn.to/33HdFRo
**As Ebay Partner Network members, we earn commissions from qualifying purchases.
**As Amazon Associates we earn from qualifying purchases.

[@MrDmitriko]

Thank you for detailed video! Great job!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You're welcome. We're glad you like.

[@Todd_Monson]

Great video. Appreciate all the detail.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Thanks, glad you like it.

[@hoathbill]

Another great video, thank you! If you get time a wheel bearing video would be great. Thank you for all your work!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Hey Bill, glad you like the video. Our manual hub conversion video basically shows you how to do a front wheel bearing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iouVpIKci9ehnrc But, I plan on doing a manual hub conversion on my 98 soon and it will be a little different than the video we did because I will be swapping over the manual hub parts to my 4runner knuckles because I want to retain ABS function. The Tacoma knuckles don't have ABS ports. We will make a video of the press work for this project and it will hopefully give you everything you'll need to do the wheel bearings on your 3rd Gen.

[@RotoRCol]

hahaha love the funny part at the end running over people. excellent videos as always thank you Timmy, forgot to mention all this extra weight is going to decrease your mpg and more in California emisions it can affect the inspection, lucky I am in Texas

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You make a good point about the extra weight penalty. I added this note in the video description. Hopefully no smog check dude is going to say I need to remove the skid plates so he can get a better look at the underside of my rig but you never know. California emission laws are definitely a pain to deal with especially for anyone who's doing a motor swap. You would think the main thing is what's coming out the tail pipe but the stupid visual inspection is why a lot of people fail. Who cares if the motor has headers. Does it pass the emissions test or not?

[@TheKapplebee]

I have another brand on my Seqouia to deter the catalytic converter thieves when the wife goes to the big city. This looks really nice. I may have to get this set for my 01 4runner. I use the Fram Ultra filters and only pull the plate down to change the filter at 15k (@5k oil changes). The ultra's are a great filter unlike the reg orange can. Great vid!!!!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You know, I didn't even think about the catalytic converter theft deterrent. They probably won't bother with my 1998 now with the skid plates in the way but they can easily cut the ones out on my 2000. They could still get the catalytic converter out, but with the skid plate in the way, they would most likely just move on to somebody else's vehicle that's easier. If somebody damages your exhaust and wiring cutting out your catalytic converter, it could easily cost you $1500+ in parts and labor. You know, I just might add these skid plates to my 2000 as well just for that reason. At first when I heard about catalytic converter theft, I thought it was just somebody needing a catalytic converter for their 3rd Gen. But then after talking to some people about it and doing some research online, they are stealing them for the recycling money. They get pretty good money for them at a recycler because of the precious metals inside the catalytic converter. And, they target trucks and SUVs because it's easy for them to slide under the rig with a cordless reciprocating saw and cut it out. Wow, 15k filter changes. That's something to think about. I have been doing it old school with 3k oil and filter changes using OEM filters and a Castrol partial synthetic oil. I've done a Blackstone oil analysis on my oil at 3k and I could have ran it much longer based off the additives still left in the oil. I'm going to do another oil analysis at 5k and see what the results are. I'm probably going to switch to full synthetic and just do my oil and filter changes every 5k. I don't know if I'd feel comfortable going 15k for filter changes. Do you have anything I can read up on that did an analysis of the oil filter after 15k, like showing one of these filters cut open to see how much the filter material was blocked up?

[@TheKapplebee]

I guess the thieves get good $$$ for the toyota ones. I just don't want the wife with the kids getting stuck or stranded do to some thieves. So it was worth the money to me. Go over to bobistheoilguy.com/ into the forums then the oil filter section. Tons of cut open pics and great reviews. The filters are now rated at 20k! They are built like tanks, silicone anti drainback, steel center tube, wire backed synthetic media and do not drain back or tear like purolators. Some youtube videos on em too! 99% at 20 micron while the OE Dealer ones are like 50% at 30 microns. My previous blackstone analysis' showed negligible iron and metals and was well in spec with the average on the side of the report. I do all my vehicles @5k miles or 1yr whatever comes first. In your area thats easily doable on the no drama 5z engines. Give the Castrol Magnatech Synth a go.. You can read up on it in the oil analysis area there too. It's a great oil at a great price!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Awesome. Thanks for sharing all this info with me. I'm going to do some reading. Sounds like those filters are legit. I think I'll give that Castrol Magnatech a try too. With more infrequent filter changes, maybe I will invest in one of the Fumoto oil drain plug valves so I don't need to drop the skid plate every 5k.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Yeah, I'm still thinking about it. I'm also worried about the fact something could hit that lever and then I burn up my engine.

[@yvettematias8266]

Looks very similar to my BudBuilt

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Yeah, I think they are similar. I went with CBI because I was already buying a ton of stuff from them and it just made sense to buy from them so I could save on shipping. And, it ends up it was a good decision because the skids are very well built.

[@matthew1992ya]

Nissan seat belt bolts are m9 x1.25

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Interesting.

[@JA-xr6gr]

Timmy any ideas on how to protect the catalytic converter if skid plates are not worth the money for city driving. I have a 1999 4Runner sr-5 rear wheel drive.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Some people paint them with a bright high temp paint to deter theft. Some buy aftermarket devices to deter theft but I don't know much about them. Some add an addition to their aftermarket skid plates to deter theft. I haven't done anything to any or my rigs to deter theft. For my 98 4runner with aftermarket skids, I might weld on an additional side plate. For my 2000 that has OEM skids, I don't know what I'd do for it. I suppose you could also put some type of blocking plate to get them to pass on your rig and go for something easier.

[@JA-xr6gr]

@@TimmyTheToolman When you get a chance can you make some content on how you would protect your 2000 that has OEM skid plates. With the rise of catalytic converter thefts across the country, the 3rd Gen Toyota 4 runner community would appreciate the content. For us average Joe’s something bolted on as opposed to welding would be awesome.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

@@JA-xr6gr Yeah, I'll document it if I do it but it's not going to be a plug and play thing. This is going to be something each person is going to have to fabricate themselves. Welding will most likely be involved. Whatever I come up with, I'm not going to mass produce them and sell them. It will just give people an idea of how to go about it.

[@anthonym844]

Hey Timmy the tool man on a 3d gen runner have you come up with a security system for the cats ? I am thinking skid plates but not sure what to do. Any ideas Thanks Tony

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Thought about it but haven't tried to fabricate anything yet. I have skids on my 98 that would hinder thieves a little, but if they want it bad enough, they'll get it.

[@TNThornhill]

A Fumoto Valve would make sense here to ease the changing of oil. They just replace the OEM oil drain plug and then it's easy to turn the flow on and let the oil drain. No tools needed.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Hey Ted, thanks for the suggestion. I did hear about the Fumoto valves and I considered buying one. But, I do like to get the skid plate out of my way for the oil filter replacement. Some guys take it out via the driver side wheel well. They just reach in there with a plastic bag around the filter to catch the oil as they unscrew the filter to reduce the mess. Since I have that transmission jack, removing the heavier aftermarket skid plate is really not any harder than removing the OEM one.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Another person commenting said you can get away with 15k oil filter changes by using Fram Ultra Filters. I'm now considering one of those Fumoto valves. I remember there was different models of these valves. Do you have one you would recommend?

[@TNThornhill]

This is the one I have goo.gl/B33MPL I also use the Mobile1 extended performance oil filters. They're good for 1 year or up to 20k miles. But I'd never let it go that far. I still can't sleep well if I don't change it at least every 10k.

[@Terry-ww9tr]

you would want to check whats happening under your car from time to time thought. leaks , bad bushings, they might go unnoticed causing more damage if you cover everything up. BTW whats the total extra weight you are carrying with all these skids ?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You make a good point. Part of the benefit of regularly getting your skid plates dropped is to do a visual inspection of how things are looking. I never weighed them. I do know they are really heavy because they are made of 3/16" steel. I'm sure CBI knows the weight but I have a feeling this isn't something manufacturers of skid plates want to advertise because it's probably going to do nothing to help their sales. But, I'm sure if I call CBI, they'll tell me how much they weigh. Once you get into the aftermarket craze of adding heavy duty bumpers and armor to your rig, you pretty much have to accept you're going to take a hit in your mpg and be ok with it. So for me, I don't really care how much they weigh because I want the protection when I'm 4wheeling. When I picked up my CBI order from the freight company, it came on 2 pallets. The order was the front bumper, rear dual swing out bumper, rock sliders, skid plates and a Warn M8000 winch. The shipping papers said it was 550 pounds. Subtracting the weight of the pallets and packing material, I'm guessing when I have everything on my rig, I will have added around 500 pounds. The winch is the last thing I need to install. So, it's like i'm carrying around 2 big adults all the time or 3 average sized adults all the time.

[@goobesoft7927]

How have the skid plates held up over time? Great video by the way.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

They are holding up very well but I haven't slammed them a bunch either. I have scraped them many times and they have protected my undercarriage well.

[@Patrick.Weightman]

What would you say is your preferred skid, Tim/Sean?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

hard to say, lots of great options out there. The CBI skids are pretty good, but what brand were you thinking of going with?

[@Patrick.Weightman]

@@TimmyTheToolman I was thinkin CBI as well or maybe 4xInovations, just askin around to see what everyones first choice is!

[@tylaroverturf]

My rear skid plate didn't come with the fender washers. I emailed them and they said they don't come with them. They sent me the parts list and I noticed that 2 of those black spacers are supposed to come with the rear one also. My transfer case rubs against my skid plate so I wonder if those spacers are meant to fix that. I'll probably be ordering some of those spacers to fix it.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

So you didn't have the same hardware that I had?

[@tylaroverturf]

@@TimmyTheToolman Nope. I didn't have the big fender washers. I don't know why they don't ship them with it anymore. "We do not include strut washers in the 3rd gen skid kits. Sorry about that!" That was CBI's words.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

@@tylaroverturf That's too bad they don't include them. I think the fender washers are definitely needed.

[@tylaroverturf]

@@TimmyTheToolman I agree. I think I found some on amazon that might work so I'll give them a try and see if they work.

[@duongtran7890]

Hi Timmy, great video like always. Anyway, do you have any issues with vibration with this set? I have a bud built that’s the same exact setup but have recently removed as I’m trying find a result to solving my vibrating issue.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Duong Tran No vibration problems at all.

[@biff1tannen]

Another sicmods from Timmy The Toolman and🎬📽️ Sean. I belive this upgrade is legal in Norway🇧🇻, as long as you dont run over people🤪🤣🤣

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Yeah, the authorities usually don't take too kindly to people running over other people with their trucks and SUVs just so they can show off their sick mall crawling mods.

[@rallypoint1]

I would think there are more people to run over at the mall rather than the trail. Nice smooth skids...shouldn't hurt much.lol

[@tylerwallace8414]

Did your rear skid plate have contact with your transfer case

[@TimmyTheToolman]

No. I did remove the small OEM skid plate from the transfer case though.

[@tylerwallace8414]

@@TimmyTheToolman I did as well but still have contact

[@TimmyTheToolman]

@tylerwallace8414 Something isn't right then. Maybe share some pics with CBI and see what they say. Or, stick a piece of high density rubber at the contact point and live with it, I guess.

[@kentuckianahunter7194]

I have a stock 4th gen with xreas. Will the weight of the skid plate change my ground clearance?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Kentuckiana Hunter the difference would be negligible

[@noahthorin2476]

Looking to put some skids on my runner and I am currently looking at either costal off-road or this cbi skid. Do you have any insight as to either of those choices?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Both are great choices. Take a look at how they mount. That might sway your decision

[@JakeSnk321]

Hey Timmy, can you see any downside to cutting a small hole in the middle skid so transmission fluid can be drained easily (much like the oil drain hole)? I would think this would be a feature in the RCI skids but there’s obviously a reason why they didn’t include a hole there. Any insight?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Jake Lessie You would be fine cutting a hole for access to the transmission drain plug. You just wouldn't want to make it so big that a sizable rock could bounce up slamming your oil pan and possibly piercing it.

[@Fernandezalex666]

Think it's worth the money just for city driving just for the astetics ?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

No, not worth it.

[@Fernandezalex666]

@@TimmyTheToolman what I thought I think its just like 200 for the front skid plate

[@olympicblackpowderrifles3155]

Will this fit a 95 toyota t100? Also how similar are the vehicles? Will your videos cover alot for the t100?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

I don't know if it will fit a T100. You would have to contact CBI and ask them. As for our videos, a lot of them will translate to your T100, especially since the T100 has the 3.4 liter V6 engine just like our 3rd Gen 4runners have.

[@ponyboyack00]

Anyone know what skid plate would serve as a deterrent from catalytic converter theft? Happened to me a few years back, and now its been happening a lot in my area.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

I don't think there's any aftermarket skid that will prevent it completely but the CBI ones I installed on my 98 would certainly deter would-be catalytic converter thieves. It basically makes it harder for them to get in there with a reciprocating saw to cut the exhaust to get it out. I'm pretty sure a thief seeing the skid plate in the way would just move one to another vehicle that's easier. They do make some anti-theft devices but they aren't cheap and look like a pain in the butt to install.

[@joeldiaz853]

How much weight did you add with all the plates?

[@codyjepsen2031]

I just did mine and I would guess somewhere between 70 and 100 lbs. CBI sells aluminum versions if you're concerned about weight.

[@Gettinbentoffroad]

Planning on buying this kit within the week. Do you think I will have any problems installing it with a 1inch diff drop?

[@Gettinbentoffroad]

Looks like you have a diff drop installed

[@TimmyTheToolman]

@@Gettinbentoffroad You won't have any problems. I do have a 1 inch diff drop on my 98 3rd Gen.

[@Gettinbentoffroad]

@@TimmyTheToolman heck yea thanks for the fast reply. buying mine today for my 97 thanks again!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Good choice. You'll like them.

[@fatdudefoshizzle]

Does this skid plate fit with a 1 inch diff drop installed?

[@GXKid06]

In remarks to the catalytic converter, I know on my 00 I have 2 small cats where my dads 98 has one large one. I don’t know off the top of my head where they are placed but it might be better. Also do you think with the added aerodynamics you will see better gas mileage?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Hey Jax, maybe the later models with two catalytic converters would make the installation of that one bolt and nut easier. I guess you could say it's more aerodynamic under the rig now but I'm sure there will be no gain in gas mileage. If anything, you might see a decrease with the added weight you're carrying around all the time.

[@GXKid06]

Yeah the weight was my next thought. If only the made them in a thin light plastic for the mall crawlers out there. With the tires I have I get about 11 to 12 MPG. Anything would help at that point.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

These rigs do not do well with around town driving. They don't do too bad on the highway though. I replaced my 02 sensors and my mpg improved somewhat.

[@GXKid06]

Timmy The Toolman I do mainly city driving and it sucks. I will look into the 02 sensors. Is it serious gains or just one or two MPG?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Probably around 2 mpg. It's really hard to know for sure because it's difficult to match the driving situations perfectly. Before the 02 sensor swap, the best I saw was 15.4 mpg with a mix of City/Hwy. After the swap, my first tank got 16.7 mpg with mixed driving but mostly highway. With strictly highway driving, I got 19 mpg.

[@bdb1183201]

Nube here. Looking to buy my first 3 Rd gen. I've been going through the bottomless pit of videos and articles on what to look for and also what too walk away from. Have you done any videos on what too look for?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

No, we don't have a video for this but here's some advice. 1) Don't be in a hurry to buy. The market for 3rd Gens is way overpriced right now. If you're patient, you'll find a better deal for yourself. It took me a year of searching to find the 98 I bought at the beginning of this year. 2) Use Auto Tempest for your searches. You can search multiple Craigslist areas at the same time based off how far you're willing to travel. 3) Look for vehicles that have a single owner because then you'll get a better vehicle history. 4) With used vehicles, service records are super important so you know the vehicle was well taken care of. A CarFax report will show some services but not all depending what shop the owner used for servicing or maybe they did their own work. 5) Do a thorough inspection of the vehicle. See what the engine oil looks like. See what the trans fluid looks like. Are there any major oil leaks. Is there any body damage. If you are in a part of the country where they salt the roads, check the undercarriage for significant rust. If the frame is rusted really bad, don't buy it. 6) Definitely run a CarFax report to make sure there's nothing wrong with the title, there's no accidents that they didn't already tell you about and if there's signs that they are trying to scam you. Odometer fraud is pretty common. Look at the mileage it was last smogged or serviced and see if that matches with what you're seeing on the odometer. 7) Take if for a test drive and see how it runs and drives. Do a brake check and see if it pulls one way or the other. Does the transmission shift ok? Are there any weird sounds or vibrations? If it's a 4wd model, try it out in a parking lot somewhere and make sure it shifts into 4high and 4lo. If it has the locking rear differential, put it in 4lo and push the locker button and make sure it engages. You'll hear it and see the light on the dash. If the light is flashing, it's not engaged. The light will be solid when the locker is engaged. 8) Make sure everything works. The power windows. The moonroof. The sideview mirrors. Stereo. Air conditioning. Power seats. Front heater controls. Rear heater controls. Cruise Control. Head lights, turn signals, brake lights, hazards, etc. 9) if the vehicle is close to where you live and you have a shop that you trust, maybe they can do an inspection for you. I hope this helped you out. You got me thinking though, this might make a good video. Good luck with your search.

[@bdb1183201]

I appreciate your fast response. Thanks for taking the time to share some knowledge and wisdom.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You're welcome. Hope you find a good 3rd Gen 4runner.