Installing RCI Offroad Front Skidplate | 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner

[@AbeC116]

How is it while performing an oil change with the plate ?

[@hashieshhashiesh8552]

You should mention in the beginning or even in the description that you are using the KDSS version. The NON KDSS version, which most of us have, does not remove the front tube supports.

[@SnailTrail4x4]

That's a good suggestion, I'll remember that for next time

[@randyrowland9881]

Appreciate the video(s) - I just installed the full set on my T4R and the video prepared me for each step. I did it solo and used a floor jack to hold up the first (largest plate). Also appreciate the torque spec as that was not in the info provided by RCI.

[@btr7638]

2:38 stock supports - this part of the video threw me off and made me think the stock supports needed to be removed, as they’re missing in the next shot, after you first you say the new skid bolts where the stock support is. It wasn’t until I found your first video on this install today that I understood the stock supports were previously removed for your TRD Pro skid, and you reused spacers and other hardware from the Pro skid, eliminating the need for the stock supports. You may have gathered I was replacing a non-Pro stock skid plate (on my KDSS 4R ORP). I did remove the stock supports based on my interpretation of your video, but figured out the oem supports needed to be reinstalled as the new skid bolts into the stock supports. Just a heads up that this video misled me during my install two days ago.

[@darynanderson3103]

My question is several years after your video. I just ordered and received my RCI skids in bare raw aluminum. You mentioned clear powder coating. I did not see clear powder coating as an option, only black. Is there a risk of corrosion to bare aluminum since I did not get powder coating? Thank you!

[@jonathandearth4865]

Yes. If you don’t hose them off from time to time but you would have to just completely neglect them. Good practice is to drop the skids every other oil change and clean them up. If you’re worried, clear coat them.

[@Idahoffroad]

Hey fun fact you don’t actually remove the tube supports for the KDSS version, there’s no physical way to attach the front supports without those tubes in there. Must have cut that section out of the video, but for anyone else who is struggling to get those front bolts installed put the tube supports back on. Once again, literally the only way to do it.

[@TrailTape]

The RCI instructions call out torquing to 30 ft/lbs, not 22. But thanks for making these videos.

[@trailrunnah8886]

Good video! I have a set of Steel rci's to install on my 13 4Runner, and I've watched a few of these videos, but you're the first one to thoroughly go over where the bolts go. Unfortunately, since I bought mine used, the factory skids are missing and the bolts are snapped off in the holes, so I have to deal with that first.

[@SnailTrail4x4]

Bummer, that's not going to be fun, get some easy outs, and PB blaster

[@stevemustard1889]

Looks great and functional. Need one for my Tundra.

[@SnailTrail4x4]

Might I suggest the Steel version for the Tundra, those trucks are very heavy and you need the extra strength.

[@nickc3856]

Can you link to the tools used?

[@ras4756]

Can you jack up the vehicle from the skid plate?

[@TimAldredge]

Did you have to remove the two braces (at 2:30) to install the skid plate?

[@SnailTrail4x4]

Yes, you utilize those holes when installing the skidplate

[@jayb7796]

No don’t remove them, just remove the one bolt at the front. Don’t listen to the guy that made the video his a dumbass

[@hashieshhashiesh8552]

@@jayb7796 He has the kdss version which he conveniently waits until the end of the video to tell you...

[@jayb7796]

@@hashieshhashiesh8552 KDSS or not you don't remove them. I got KDSS on my rig.

[@ericksimms8147]

Great video. What font bumper and wench setup do you have, it looks nice yet functional. Thanks

[@AG4runner]

Can you jack up the front of the 4runner directly on the rci front skid plate?

[@twotechs05]

Any update on this? Able to do the first oil change?

[@SnailTrail4x4]

No, actually the runner doesn't have a long commute. But you shouldn't have to remove the entire skid to Change the oil. There is a little opening for the oil drain.

[@twotechs05]

@@SnailTrail4x4 thanks for the response. Love your channel and blog. Thanks

[@jasonboyd3619]

I thought you could change oil with the skid on?? Also, did RCI do the clear powder coat? It's not an option on their website, only black powder coat. Thanks!

[@randyrowland9881]

@@jasonboyd3619 I just installed the same set on my T4R and there is a hole to access the drain plug. I installed a fumoto valve to make it even easier.

[@crbourret]

Is there an access panel for getting to the oil filter or do you still have to drop the whole skid plate to get to that?

[@joshuayoung4442]

why do you replace an aluminum skid plate with an aluminum skid plate? can you provide comparisons to understand why someone would be better off with the RCI aluminum? if the answer is "it looks cooler" that's fine but wondering if RCI is thicker or better aluminum or something. if you really need beefier skid plates why wouldn't you go with steel?

[@SnailTrail4x4]

Joshua, that is a great question. The Biggest difference is the RCI Skid plate covers more area underneath the vehicle. It goes farther back then the stock one and replaces two section for the one RCI skid plate. This is also a series and we will be placing all the RCI skid plates onto the vehicle for the best protection possible.

[@henryman4643]

Do you know if this 4Runner had a diff drop installed? Did it interfere at all with either the TRD skid plate or the RCI? Thanks in advance!

[@SnailTrail4x4]

It does have a diff drop, and we used the spaces to clear the skidplates.

[@jonathandearth4865]

According to rci metalworks website these skids are designed to work with a diff drop and do not require spacers.

[@Squirt668]

Do you need to remove the tube supports when installing this skid plate ?

[@tedwarkentin2211]

I have an Icon Stage 2 kit installed with the TRD skid. I have dealt with this rubbing noise my guess is between the drivers side member brace and sway bar even with two spacers per member brace bolt point. Does this skid plate do away with the two member braces? I didn't see them when you installed RCI skid. Thanks!

[@SnailTrail4x4]

We haven't had any rubbing issues since we put them on. RCI has done some thorough testing

[@glenngamboa9224]

Preferably TRD skid plate Fine why change it?

[@SnailTrail4x4]

So we could have the same system all the way through

[@cra2cra226]

@@SnailTrail4x4 Isn't one of the benefits with the RCI that you don't have to remove it for oil/filter changes? Many complaints on the forums about the TRD plate having to be removed every time and eventually the bolts stripping.

[@Matt-wr7kp]

@@cra2cra226 How often are you changing your oil? Just be careful when removing and replacing bolts.

[@jonathandearth4865]

The bolt holes for the TRD pro skid always get grime and dirt from the top and always need chased with a tap. This eventually wears them out. With the rci skids you would ideally run the full 3 plate set and enjoy full protection without having to remove the bolts to change oil. Significantly reducing the number of times you’ll be running bolts through those threads over the life of the vehicle. My dealership never cleaned the threads on the front bolts when they’d change oil and they were so bad the m8 didn’t hold anymore. Had to drill and tap to m10. Now I do my own maintenance.

[@renk5000]

Just to confirm, you didn't need to remove those support braces towards the end of the video? Thanks again

[@itzMendoza]

So did you put the tube supports back in or not needed?

[@tomc8115]

Great video. Thanks! Does installation of the full RCI package reduce the ground clearance? It also seems that installing a Fumoto valve along with the RCI is the way to go?

[@SnailTrail4x4]

I do not think it lowers it any at all. I don't know what a Fumoto valve is

[@theirthereandtheyre2947]

I just installed my skid plate today. Plenty of room for my Fumoto drain valve AND my Baxter oil filter adapter. I’m so pleasantly surprised !!

[@jdestremps]

Brass bolts? Really?

[@jonathandearth4865]

They’re most likely yellow chromate coated zinc plated steel bolts in this video.