Skid Plates are Damaging Your Vehicle!? 4Runner Overlanding Build

[@leftystrat62]

Wyoming Jeepers brought me to your channel for tips on driving; I stayed and subscribed for the "ball busting". I had 28 yrs in one of the busiest fire houses in New England; you guys are the closest thing I've ever seen or heard to remind me of all those fun years & memories I had spending time with the boys. I sure miss that, and hope to get a Jeep someday for just these kinds of shenanigans:) cheers

[@OverlandPNW]

Love those guys at Woyming Jeepers. Thanks for checking us out. We definitely don't take ourselves too seriously and like to have fun along the way. Sure hope you get that Jeep...so much fun!

[@allentisthammer4763]

Thanks for repairing the trail and resetting the rock. You guys sure have some fun! Good video.

[@aired-downoverland9239]

We certainly appreciate that people find our fun entertaining. Thx for the support 🙌

[@RevN3]

You guys always seem to have the best time. Great video as always. I'm running an ARB skid plate that I dislike because of the form factor (it reduces my clearance by 2 inches) and because I have to remove two sections when I change the oil. But I'd rather have that than the thin stock aluminum one on the Tacoma

[@OverlandPNW]

Yeah I noticed the ARB skid plate in your oil change video. It is definitely a good plate but the 2 inch loss....hmmm, you're going to have to get 38 inch tires. There ya go...problem solved ha ha! Just kidding of course. I'd run the ARB over the aluminum for sure!

[@TrailTape]

That snow at 9:53 is so pretty! And funny that your night of "no precipitation" had more snow than my home has gotten in the last 3 years combined! I'm jealous that you get to play in all that pretty white snow. We just have orange mud down here. :P

[@OverlandPNW]

True but we don't have the Topless in Cheaha event here. Maybe I should organize something like that ha ha!

[@TrailTape]

@@OverlandPNW If you do, make sure you explain it well in the description. Otherwise your brother may show up shirtless haha. I'm sure going "topless" is fun but when we hit the dusty spots I was sure glad to be able to seal up all my glass with a few button presses... Gotta love that 4runner rear window!!

[@wyomingjeepers]

Glad you covered skid plates... I know there are times I wish I had them! Hard crunch at 6:55

[@OverlandPNW]

Yep, that was a hard smack on a big rock! I remember that day well. The whole trail was a Pacific Northwest proprietary blend of slippery clay, mud, rocks and transfer case oil from guys like me trying to go up the trails.

[@TheUnexpectedOffRoad]

Skid plates are a great investments to protect your truck!! Looks like a fun trail to!!

[@OverlandPNW]

Totally agree and love those rock lights on your H2!

[@TheUnexpectedOffRoad]

@@OverlandPNW thanks!!!

[@scottalpine]

Very good points on the skid plates. One unseen obstacle or an unexpected slip on a trail can lead to a very expensive repair and a poopy weekend. I always bring an electric saw but gas is still champ. Electric saw is quick and easy but if I think there’s going to be a lot of trees down like after a storm I bring the gasser. The steaks looked fantastic and that fire was almost big enough.

[@OverlandPNW]

I totally agree about the electric/gas saws. I also totally agree that the fire was "almost" big enough ha ha! Great comment!

[@waikarimoana]

Awesome points and great amount of info, excellent video and thanks for taking us with on this trip, thumbs up and greetings from faraway land,, Tony.

[@OverlandPNW]

Many thanks!

[@sanjuan4942]

I’m patiently building out my 5th gen - hope I run across you all out there someday Another great vid!

[@OverlandPNW]

Thanks man! Flag us down if you see us!

[@furious7515]

Great video! Just found your channel. I wish I would have seen this a few weeks ago when I was going back and forth trying to decide wether or not to get skids for my Jeep. Ultimately, I did order some, and this video makes me feel even better about my decision! You have a new subscriber!!

[@aired-downoverland9239]

You won’t regret your choice

[@OverlandPNW]

Yes to skids! Ours have so many dings, bangs, dents and scratches. I'd hate to have had all those impacts connect directly to the undercarriage. And huge thanks for the sub!

[@TZG32]

This helped alot. I am building my 1st outlanding rig. I was in the edge of do I really need them but then the dude smoked that massive rock trying turn. This just solidified that I need some. Will be going with some Aluminum ones as that's all I can find as of now for the Outback Wilderness. 😅

[@OverlandPNW]

Skid plates have definitely saved my bacon more than once. Aluminum is a good choice!

[@davesantimaw5413]

Very helpful video. I have a FJ Cruiser with OEM aluminum skid plates that I intend to change out with RCI plates. Thanks for sharing!

[@OverlandPNW]

RCI skid plates are a good choice!

[@Tomalexi]

thank you for documenting your scientific research

[@OutOfOfficeCamping]

I didn't hear any mention about stick bugs only mud in skid plates...LOL. Another very informative video. What a great idea with the steaks. Buy one for every buddy and call it a cooking competition. So you don't have to cook them all. But you can taste each one. I like the way you think. Just like the chain saw competition. 🤫 When running rocks what do you like to air down too with the Method rims? I have 4 bead grips on order. All our Taco friends love them. Can't wait! 🙂 Mark (& Teresa) Hampstead Maryland Ford Ranger - GFC Camper V2 #1919

[@OverlandPNW]

The steak cook off was a lot of fun. There will definitely be a rematch ha ha. With the method rims, we go down to 10 PSI. Those bead grips you have on order will be amazing!

[@OutOfOfficeCamping]

@@OverlandPNW Can't wait for the rematch! While your at it could you please ship us some snow. We haven't seen any all season. 😮‍💨 So much for getting our snow blower all ready for the season...lol Thank you for the info on the PSI. Nice to see what others have successfully aired down without issues. Method doesn't really make any mention with the bead grip. I've only seen a fellow on YT go down to 8 psi with some major rock crawling. I really loved the pattern with the black outter and the gold inner spokes. -M

[@UrbanOpsOffRoad]

I built my own Tacoma skid plates for engine(video in my channel), transmission, transfer case and lower control arms. I have never ever ever overheated engine or transmission. Used on all terrains and different ranges of speed. Cheers guys! Keep up the good work!

[@OverlandPNW]

I watched your video, left a comment and subscribed to your channel. Very nice job on the skid plates you built! Impressive!

[@UrbanOpsOffRoad]

@@OverlandPNW it means so much to me. Thank you! 🙌🏻

[@protivnik1000]

Привет! Классная собака👍👍👍Интересное хобби, нас тоже вчера носило по лесным дорогам, были и непроходимые участки.

[@NasTimeAdventures]

Great fun covering a great subject. Well done buddy. I am on my second set of skid plates. I've used them for skidding down hills too often. They do need good maintenance. But I would never go offroad without them.

[@OverlandPNW]

Thanks 👍. Those Pak Offroad jack bases from your last video are must have items! Lots of other uses for them too like leveling your vehicle for camping.

[@NasTimeAdventures]

@@OverlandPNW Agreed and best of all. It's a quality local made product.

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

My Neibor and his brother built their Jeeps like those you saw with custom Dana 80 differentials . Crazy rock crawlers

[@OverlandPNW]

Dana 80s....now that's legit as it gets!

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

@@OverlandPNW they both spent big bucks built frames and 4 link suspension systems just like the ones you saw there. But kept their Jeep body’s complete

[@SeanStewart88]

Pre heat the pan, you know he’s serious! As always looks like a good time to be out and exploring. Thanks for the ride along!

[@OverlandPNW]

Right? He is definitely the master chef in the family. Don't get him started on Traeger cooked tri-tips ha ha!

[@LionRunner]

@4:42 "Even if you're a soft-roader atleast consider some aluminum skid plates" exactly what I did you my 4R TRD Pro first. Every damn skid (from front arms to rear diff) and sliders. I have hit my a-arm skids on trails that I never expected to use any of my skids. Maybe due to experience driving lifted 4Rs and my TRD Pro is stock with stock size tires. So glad I protect mine with skids before other mods. With dog and new baby I consider myself soft-roader now. As for heating concerns I have scanguage and I haven't seen anything over 200F here in CO mountain highways. As for claims for skids been heavy my TRD Pro (stock Fox shocks + stock size Duratrac tires) with every damn skid (aluminum) and rock sliders are at 5000lbs vs my Limited with just Ironman FCP lift + standard load 285/70R17 tires is at 5060lbs. No skids or sliders.

[@OverlandPNW]

Great comment packed with info! Thanks for sharing it!

[@jonnyhalo1041]

Man you guys are set up well, I like the rigs and information on the skids. I'll be getting some soon

[@WW-wf8tu]

Grinding metal on rocks. Thanks for making hair on my arms stand up. And neck for that matter lol. I could have lived w/out that sensation. I have used my bash plates often. Oddly enough, in the early days, I did not have bash plates or rock sliders and never had an issue. Smashed through the same trails even harder back then and nothing broke. Still, knowing what I know now and having the $ for it, I would take bash plates over not. 1st added item to my 4R TRD were rock sliders. I don't know how much grief they have saved me from, but they certainly have been used. Even as a jack point. Bashed the front plate a few times in "soft" trail conditions because you think the terrain is level and low and behold a dip takes you down hard. lol

[@OverlandPNW]

My first 4x4s didn't have them either. Maybe they just built them like tanks back then. I've definitely been surprised how often the skid plates on my new rigs have taken one for the team.

[@EatCarbs]

A lot of really good information on skid plates. Thanks for the video.

[@OverlandPNW]

Glad it was helpful!

[@emzie_toyadventures7247]

Great video. The camping ⛺️ and cooking part was fun!

[@OverlandPNW]

Thanks 👍

[@Wheel2LiveOffRoad]

Awesome points. There is nothing like running bare and hearing crunchy stuff under your truck. Amazing what you can’t see until parked on it. 😂. Great video.

[@FreeSpiritsDubai]

Informative as always 👍🏼

[@OverlandPNW]

Thanks! 👍

[@DonatoXlll]

Just downsized from a 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon to a 2024 CrossTrek Wilderness. First mod will be skid plates. During my research phase, I noticed many popular skid plates are large, restrictive panels with poor ventilation and rather thin aluminum. I feel like skid plates have become more of a cosmetic trend than a form of protection. It’s becoming increasingly more rare to find a solid, functional plate with minimal branding.

[@OverlandPNW]

Well said!

[@adventuretrails1ato]

Great video! You're skid plate info was spot on. Good entertainment with electric chainsaw. Verses gas. Steak cook off was great.

[@OverlandPNW]

Steaks and chainsaws....that's a good start for any trip ha ha!

[@GOATHartt90]

Great video guys! new here to overlanding/trail cruising. currently building up a 2022 SR5 Taco. This answered a lot of questions i didnt know i would have. Thanks!

[@OverlandPNW]

Big thanks for that comment! The Taco is such a great overlanding platform. Definitely one of the best there is. Let us know if you start posting any overlanding content and we will sub. Cheers!

[@northcoastoutdoorchannel]

That was some good information! I never thought about a lot of this before. I am glad I have some skid plates. I enjoyed the driving footage! Nice snowy camp also!

[@OverlandPNW]

Thanks! Loved your Winter on the Oregon Coast Video!

[@devondrayton4006]

You should do a video about pulling people backward in snow. I see a lot of videos of people doing recoveries in snow and the person being pulled out of say, a ditch, always faces their wheels like they are going to turn the back of the vehicle back on to the road. When in reality, since they aren't directing the back of the vehicle anymore, they need to face their wheels toward where they WANT the front to go. Like a rudder. It's seems counter intuitive for the driver but from the perspective of watching them be pulled out, its always obvious that they are doing what looks like the wrong thing. Maybe you could try both scenarios. Put the car in a ditch and pull backward with the front wheels facing on to the road and facing towards off the road (which is what most people seem to do).

[@OverlandPNW]

Totally agree that would be a great video. It is counter intuitive put spot on 100% correct. I will add it to the list. Thanks for the tip!

[@AZOverland2017]

Great video as always! A few things: -Do you prefer Steel or Aluminum Skids? -What breed is your pup? -Yes, always preheat the pan! -Would love to see a video of yours and your bro's rigs and how you set them up -Thanks for making me laugh

[@OverlandPNW]

A lot of people do builds without paying attention to their GVWR. All the steel adds a lot of weight. Light is always good in off-roading. So, most overlanders should consider aluminum. If you like to play hard, then think about steel. I went with steel. It was the right choice for what we do. I've had hits so hard, even my steel plates are deformed, dented and banged up. I'm getting close to needing a new set or having my brother rework the set I have. My pup is mostly Australian Shepherd. She has some Bernese Mountain Dog and some Poodle mixed in. Her dad was an Aussiedoodle and her mom was a Bernedoodle. Thanks for watching and love the Tacoma you got!

[@AZOverland2017]

@@OverlandPNW Thanks, I appreciate the feedback

[@scoobysid04]

@@OverlandPNW one thing I’m concerned about are the wields on steel vs aluminum. I’m in cycling industry and people use aluminum frames over any other material because a wield is a wield 🤷‍♂️

[@OverlandPNW]

@@scoobysid04 Yeah, that's the eternal debate alright: steel welds vs aluminum welds. The choice of material always depends on the specific application and its requirements. While aluminum welds may not match the raw strength of steel welds, aluminum's lightweight nature and exceptional corrosion resistance make it preferable for applications where weight reduction and protection against corrosion are crucial, such as in the aerospace industry...and of course cycling (one of my passions!). When it comes to skid plates, aluminum plates have held their own especially in the overlanding world. We do not subject our skids to the impact levels that competition rock crawlers do. So, I'd say aluminum is just fine!

[@scoobysid04]

@@OverlandPNW I gotcha, thank you for your knowledge as I’m new to the overland world. Happy Friday and thank you for all the videos.

[@deborahlewis9128]

I have just found your channel and you are so helpful! Thank you so much. Will you continue to make videos?

[@OverlandPNW]

Yes, we will continue to make videos. Just had a short break. Thanks!

[@gooddayinbali]

Nice sharing my friend. Keep it connected

[@grandeoverland6787]

Most things have a risk, but good bash plates have to be a must if someone is truly off roading...at least in my opinion. Usually smart to wear protection in risky situations ; )

[@OverlandPNW]

Very true! Your Half Moon Creek video was great! 100% my kind of trip...trails, fishing and fun.

[@kennethburton9165]

Although I don't see myself doing much rock crawling, my plan is to go with a full length steel skids from RCI on my 2021 4Runner later this year. Until then I'll stick to good roads.

[@OverlandPNW]

That' a great plan. I have full length steel skids from RCI as well. Cheers!

[@rj12345rj]

@@OverlandPNW I have a Tacoma with all RCI aluminum skids. Did I make a mistake going aluminum?

[@OverlandPNW]

@@rj12345rj Naw...unless you are doing some hardcore rock crawling, the aluminum will be fine.

[@mtl98-n9g]

Do you have a video of your build? Suspension lift if any tire size etc…? I like that your runner doesn’t seem too extreme.

[@OverlandPNW]

We do not have a build video but it is on the list to do this summer.

[@mtl98-n9g]

Be interested in that. Your 4runner seems to include the real world need to have and not all the bling and junk you don’t need.

[@aired-downoverland9239]

Another great production with useful information and plenty of fun. And I want a steak cook-off rematch 😆

[@OverlandPNW]

I want a re-do on the steak cook off as well. My goal is to just get 1 vote ha ha!

[@aired-downoverland9239]

@@OverlandPNW How’s that possible when I plan to get all the votes 😆

[@dynamicphotography_]

You had me at "STEAK COOK-OFF"!!!!!!!! Yum!!! 😯

[@OverlandPNW]

Just saw your hook in the eye short...ouch! The field surgery was seriously hardcore!

[@dynamicphotography_]

@@OverlandPNW Yeah, it was crazy! Luckily, I cleaned it out fast and thoroughly and avoided possible infection.

[@tire26]

That looks like a lot of fun. I need to make some friends that do that sort of thing.

[@SandyCats]

Great vid. Gotta disagree with you on one point though… overheating transmissions. Unfortunately some top name manufacturers don’t design with airflow in mind for 4R. Then add their bumper that blocks the transmission cooler section of the radiator and the bumper flows right into the skid so more airflow blockage. But even an excellent skid will slow down hot air movement on slow heavy hill climbs or crawling. This of course only applies to a full skid system (I saw your running stock front skid).

[@OverlandPNW]

Good points! Your video on 4R transmission cooling is excellent.

[@basmo6803]

what skid plates are you using?

[@aired-downoverland9239]

Jon’s running RCI and I’m running CBI; both are reputable brands

[@pennmikael]

What are your thoughts on the oem 4Runner front skid and fuel tank skid?

[@OverlandPNW]

They are good for what they are. So, they will serve if you are into soft roading and driving forest service roads. If your style of off-roading is more hardcore, then you will need to upgrade.

[@OneFlewOver1776]

Great fun...was wondering I have the same Tacoma as Sam and does he have skids? ..and if he has full skids did he op for moving his exhaust?...I have front steel.

[@adventurelifesam9357]

No skids for me on the tacoma. I don’t really intend to use it for rock crawling since it’s such a trail limo. I use more for softroading, camping, and hunting.

[@OneFlewOver1776]

@@adventurelifesam9357 ..Thanks Sam for commenting..

[@LikeOnATree]

Love your videos, you guys look like you are having a great time! Thanks for bringing us along!

[@OverlandPNW]

Thanks for that comment! My brother and I are lucky now to live close to each other. For many years, we lived in different parts of the country.

[@MudducksTouringAustralia]

Great clip as always. I love a good steak. Skid plates are a must. Cheers Steve

[@OverlandPNW]

Thanks! I liked your Roses Reserve campground video. Great trail down to the river!

[@jwmmitch]

What if my vehicle came factory with skid plates (flimsy ones), and I just upgraded?

[@OverlandPNW]

That's what i did. I went with RCI skid plates.

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

I never hear that in the mall parking lot 😁

[@OverlandPNW]

You need to find the really bid speed bumps and go over them real slow ha ha!

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

@@OverlandPNW 😁👊🏻

[@stonewp]

All good points, but the biggest hinderance for these two 4Runners is all the extra weight that they are carrying around.

[@pavelviktor75]

Great video. I think I'll stick with gravel roads lol

[@jaykanngiesser3454]

I carry an infrared heat gun and shoot my hubs, brake rotors, oil pan, transmission and transfer cases (doubler) as well as the diffs from time to time. This serves several purposes: 1) gives a baseline for what is normal, gives warning when bearings and so on start to get tired, and also becomes part of my rig walk around to spot potential issues.

[@OverlandPNW]

That's a great idea! You can diagnose a lot with an infrared heat gun.

[@rogueyota]

Really enjoyed your video. I’ve been running without my skid plates after doing some work on my 4Runner. Same hazards as always, but the driver’s fun factor goes down worrying more than normal. My rig is older than yours, so I’ll have to re-tap those rusty threads after this weekend’s adventures around Sisters and Bend before bolting my skids back on.

[@OverlandPNW]

Thanks! I've had my fair share of those re-tapping projects over the year as well. If the project is under the vehicle, it usually involves at least one bump on the head ha ha!

[@rickdougherty1371]

Funny! Do you not feel the need for rear end protection, the pumpkin and drain plug are all I've hit so far.

[@OverlandPNW]

Good point!

[@Jayda08]

Skid plates aren't designed for cooling or with cooling in mind, they are designed for protection. Most vehicles come with "splash guard" or "splash shield" from factory, which have far more air restriction under the vehicle than any skid plate on a market. Having that said, many people have made their own skid plates at home and had zero cooling issues. If you have tools and skill, it could be better than buying a brand name one.

[@TheAngryCamper]

Finally got all my skids on my Tundra, boy it feels nice ha ha ha

[@TheAngryCamper]

You guys have such fun when you camp, love it!!

[@OverlandPNW]

Yeah so nice to have the skids on and know the undercarriage isn't going to get torn up!

[@arefeshghi]

Interesting topic! Haven’t watched the full video yet, but don’t assume ChatGPT gives you correct answers. It’s not a research tool! It just gives you a summary of what it has read (or fed- generally speaking) before. You have to find out the source and its reputation.

[@OverlandPNW]

I agree about ChatGPT and always have it supply its reference materials. I don't rely on it as an authoritative source and have only used it occasionally. It is more of a curiosity to see what it will come up with. With respect to this video, the information ChatGPT gave was generally correct but was also what I would call surface level information. So, independent research is important.

[@Energine1]

Our ranch is off grid in Mexico where we prefer Hilux trucks... Large river crossings just to get there etc... plates are a nice to have but definitely not a need to have. My mom is older than you and forges rivers hundreds of times a year. Snorkels and tires is all you really NEED out there.

[@OverlandPNW]

Yeah no need for the extra weight of skid plates if they are not required by the terrain. River crossings are one of my favorite thing to do. I watched the video on your channel of the creek. That was a great looking spot! You should film mom crossing one of the rivers! She would be a KZbin star for sure!

[@Energine1]

@@OverlandPNW Oh you looked at my video 😆 thats actually a creek in the back of the ranch. We just pushed through with a back hoe for that one. The main river crossings are large 🤠

[@scoobysid04]

Steel bumpers , steel rock sliders, aluminum skids 😎

[@saltii2]

all i know is if i didn't have skid plates- my maintenance bill and vehicle would be looking a lot worse. if you plan to do any technical off roading, get skids

[@OverlandPNW]

Well said!

[@ridefreeordie]

Clearly there was no loser.

[@chopperskier]

SO basically skid plates ARE good, and are NOT damaging your vehicle. Ya just have to follow directions and keep her clean...

[@OverlandPNW]

Yes, you are correct! The need for skid plates really just depends on your off-road driving style. If you are rock crawling...they are good to have. If you prefer soft roading, they really are not a necessity.

[@jason7231]

Anyone driving a modded t4r gives no thought about mpg. Lol

[@aired-downoverland9239]

And that is a fact! When you start with crap MPG, you just give up right from the start 😄

[@OverlandPNW]

So true...ha ha!

[@brettferguson6954]

Do you have a down vest for your dog?😂

[@OverlandPNW]

Yes, but she refuses to wear it. She only likes her Carhartt vest ha ha!

[@brettferguson6954]

@@OverlandPNW Where did you find it? I need to get one for my furless dog 😁

[@OverlandPNW]

@@brettferguson6954 The Charhartt vest we found in a hardware store. I'd bet you can find them on line. I definitely need a better assortment of vest for her for next winter.

[@doncline3386]

Minimum tire size you should have for trails like those should be a 37" tire with 488 gears, and at least a locker in the back

[@overlandready]

Simple things about skid plates, is: If you have a road vehicle that can go off road, have skid plates. If you have an off road vehicle that can go on road, don't bother, With the LAnd Rover, everything is fairly well up out of the way and I've never done any damage to the transmission, you're doing well to even get anything up that high. Most things are protected by the axles and chassis. I think there are 2-3 companies that make plates, but no one ever bothers with them. literally nothing hangs below the chassis rails so why bother?

[@OverlandPNW]

Well said.