RCI Offroad Skid Plate Install (Toyota 4Runner & Toyota Tacoma)

[@HarleyRunner]

I have a trail gear front steel bumper. I got the cbi for a 3rd gen and needed to cut the front lip off to fit.

[@bradshutler9356]

I installed RCI engine and trans skid plates on my 95 Tacoma 3 years ago. At that time they did not have a t-case plate and still do not, so I used a Skid Row skid plate. They do their job very well having taken several hard hits and scrapes. They fit well but it's still a pain to drain the fluids and that's OK considering the protection they offer.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Yeah, that's a bummer they haven't made a skid for the transferase on Tacomas yet, but thanks for sharing your experience with your set! - Sean

[@benzoil0453]

I've been undecided on which skids to go with and now im sold on these. Very nice, good job Sean!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

These are a solid contender and ultimately the choice I went with when considering many options. It would be good to jump on getting some soon, they have a sale going on for the holidays right now! - Sean

[@benzoil0453]

Just might have to. Thanks again Sean

[@stevenisacoolname2]

These RCI skids look legit! Another great install tutorial 👏

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Glad you like them! Thanks! - Sean

[@rushthezeppelin]

I've had my RCI skids for almost a year now (was the first armor I got for my 3rd gen). They have worked great. My only complaint is that I wish there was an oil change hatch on them instead of just that small hole. It works fine if you are just keeping the normal drain plug and willing to probably make a mess with oil changes but I'm using the valvomax system which requires me to get my hand up there to get the hose on there. Been thinking about cutting the hole just a bit bigger so I can actually fit my hand up in there and not have to drop the skid to do oil changes.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You make a good point. Have you considered swapping your drain plug out for the Fumoto Valve they offer? Might be helpful for quicker oil changes with less mess. The one thing I always have a hard time even with my stock skids is controlling the oil filter spillage. - Sean

[@efil4kizum]

​​@@TimmyTheToolman Sean, it's just a small drippy drip for the 5VZFE?

[@on-site4094]

U gotta love California rust free vehicles. That’s a great fit & installation instructions & best of all. easy access for oil changes

[@TimmyTheToolman]

We are spoiled in Cali, that's for sure! - Sean

[@21jimmyo]

Nice! I made skid plates for my 3rd gen out of some stainless steel from an old gas grill and some road signs. The price was right and they do the job.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Right on! We like to hear how people DIY. Sometimes though, it's nice to pay the professionals and get a quality product that will last the life of your truck. - Sean

[@Wolfgang51501986]

Great video showing all the deets on how the plates mount up and interface/overlap one another. I think RCI also makes them in 1/4” aluminum for weight savings… but pricey!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

They do make aluminum versions for other platforms, but for the 3rd Gen 4Runner, they only come in steel. - Sean

[@christophergoodwin6846]

Sic skid plate mods bro! Skid plates are one of the first mods I recommend for people doing more than fire road trails 💯

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Even fire roads can get technical right? - Sean

[@brendon3386]

Those looks like a great fit! Now go put some love marks on them. Another sick mod!!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

That's the plan! One rock at a time. - Sean

[@ponyboyack00]

Any catalytic convertor theft protection on these? If not anyone know of a good kit available.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Skid plates like these offer some protection from theft but a determined thief will still be able to steal your catalytic converter(s). We don't know of a kit.

[@tytycascadia]

Would it be possible to keep the stock engine skid plate and install the RCI Transmission skid plate with it?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

It would overlap awkwardly so I wouldn’t recommend that. The stock skids would spill onto the trans skid, and they would then share mounting locations, which could get interesting.. they are running a sale right now for the holidays. Check out their website. - Sean

[@supitown6013]

Love mine for the GX470. Prior to getting them, I trashed my factory engine skid plate. The RCIs are way beefier.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

We installed a full set on a 4th gen 4runner and our buddy with a 5th gen has a set installed as well. Everyone has been happy! - Sean

[@Live_from_Commiefornia]

I need one of those 😮

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Once you get your 4th gen Tacoma, this is the first thing we are installing on your truck. - Sean

[@SnowboundCustoms]

Those bolt protector rings look beefy. Whoever is doing their welding is doing a great job

[@TimmyTheToolman]

My thoughts exactly! - Sean

[@theboatyboat]

Is it just me or is the front skid missing corner protection on the radiator? I finally did my stocker in today so its down to RCI and 4x4 Innovations. The corners sticking out is an odd feature... is that an optical illusion?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

@theboatyboat It would be very rare for any object to come from the side at an angle to damage the radiator. The potential for damage comes from below, from hitting big rocks your vehicle isn't tall enough to clear.

[@theboatyboat]

@TimmyTheToolman I have that kind of luck LOL. Wish it would let me post my logging video. Picked a dead log out of the grass, went thru one sidewall, thru the inner sidewall, between frame and bed. Then pulled it out and picked up another on 30 feet down the road found the one nail to kill my spare. I overall like the skids though, I wish there was a transfer case/belly pan skid for Tacos however. Relentless Fab bumper here and they discontinued their skid package.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

@@theboatyboat Well yeah, there are freak accidents for sure. You can always try to fabricate your own skid plates, but that takes some additional skill and tooling.

[@romeezee]

Would the stock transmission skid work with the RCI engine skid?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

I don't know. We haven't tried it.

[@OGRadRC]

Nice 👍🏾

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Thanks for watching!!

[@ihbase]

Front driveshaft called. Asked for grease in 2024.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Must have missed that call. I will call back in 2025. - Sean

[@ihbase]

@@TimmyTheToolman Ha. Thanks for posting the install video. That thing is super clean.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

@@ihbase 💪🏼

[@Bluecollar_armorer]

Just FYI to any of you with a 1st gen 4cyl reg cab like myself, this skid plate will NOT fit confirmed by RCI - though they didnt really give me a good explanation as to why. Just said " V6 only."

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Good to know, thanks for the share! Hopefully it helps someone out in the future if they look at this video. - Sean

[@Bluecollar_armorer]

@@TimmyTheToolmanno problem! I got a response from BudBuilt after ordering their skid instead and they told me the fitment issue is the oil pan hole location is what the issue is between 3.4 vs 2.7. Essentially if you’re willing to bore out a new oil pan hole, the actual mounting bolts will still work across manufacturers (according to BudBuilt).

[@richardzollinger4750]

Garvey!!!!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Steve?