UPDATE: I just published a new video that has a follow-up to this project. Often the back bolts won’t thread in all the way so they need to be tapped. Check out this video for how-to instructions: th-cam.com/video/cUPUzN7h9zU/w-d-xo.html
After 21 years and 210,000 miles the motor in my Expedition died. I am planning on searching out a 2021 TRD Off Road next week. I agree that it is the sweet spot in the lineup . Thanks for the vids. New tires and the recovery points will probably be my first mods.
Hey, uh Jason, can you stop stalking me? I have been subbed to your channel for a year or more now and every time I start a project I hop online to see if there's any guides or anything. I JUST bought a skid plate and was gonna watch a vid or two to make sure I didn't do anything wrong and you were my first search (probably weighted by the fact that I sub to you). I clicked, not realizing it was you, and blam. Keep up the good work my man.
@@JasonExplainsThings Yeah, I'm currently converting an S5 in to a TRD Offroad, fully aftermarket. Might be what gets me in to shooting youtube videos. Have you ever done a video on your set up? (camera, mic, etc?) your videos always look really sharp.
@@BartonHNewell I did one camera video a LONG time ago. I may do some behind the scenes stuff like that in the future. I use Sony cameras and lenses (A7siii, A7iii), Rode mics mostly (Rode Wireless Go, VideoMic NTG).
Just bought a 2020 4Runner SR5 premium last week. Your videos are helpful and fun to watch. Thanks bro. I’m going between a couple of roof rack options but really like the one you have. Keep them coming. Your helping a guy like me out
Glad I found your channel just as you are starting your 4Runner build! I'm very excited to see the future of this SUV. I have hopes of one day owning a 4Runner!
Currently own a 2021 4runner, i love the style so much, not alot of “boxy” vehicles left (wranglers, 4runners and the new bronco, is all i can think of) meanwhile most vehicle companies are taking the “rounded” route. Edit: oh and the defender
Totally agree. All those trucks have a very timeless look. I recently saw a new Defender, same color as my 4Runner. Very nice in person, even better than in photos.
I just purchased a 2022 TRD Off-Road with the XP Predator package. Gave me lots of extra goodies, but there's still a couple of things I'd like to do to it. TRD Skid Plate, Basket style roof rack.
Nice video Jason! Yes the recovery hooks have to be red or else they dont work hahaha. I did watch the Mt St Helens video and it is definitely worth a watch! Also more videos about the ol' Dodge please!
@@JasonExplainsThings Sweet! I'm super excited! I've been working on my 1987 W150 recently but there's still a ways to go getting her 100% so I'm always looking to learn more tips, tricks and how to's!
I JUST put he Apex recovery points on y SR5P!! I painted mine green though to go with the color theme I have. Figured having recovery points is important in general, but also, I'm in an organization that does mountain vehicle recovery. Was pretty shocked that the 4 Runner has no proper recovery points and just tie downs. I also got the green lamin-x covers for my fogs when I learned you couldn't just change the bulb. Earlier 5th gens lets you change the bulb for the fog lights, but not on the 2021 at least.
Good point. You can do it before or after. Only real issue is if you accidentally have hardware fall into the skid plate and get stuck. Definitely didn’t happen to me! 😅
Dude you are costing me money!!! Thank you for your oil change video Bought the wrench set from that Now this. I have a 2021 white TRD ORP with pullout cargo rack in the back and with black over lay emblems (and limo tinted windows) Plastic dipped the grey front and rear bumpers black I have that skid plate too And now apex!!! I even got the bottle opener🤣
I installed both recently. Have you tried to use the recovery points? Shackles don't fit well with the factory tie downs in the way, and are probably too sharp for soft shackles. I ordered some sleeves for the soft shackles so hopefully they won't shear. Apex should round the edges, or extend them forward about 1.5 inches. On the skid, no need to tap the rear bolts, they are fine. You do need to clean them very well. I used a pistol bore brush and wd40 and they were fine.
Hey there, I did use the recovery points a few times with soft shackles. I agree they are likely too sharp. In the year since I've upgraded to a CBI covert front bumper with D-Rings. But for occasional use they're fine. Gotta say my experience was those rear bolts did need to be tapped. I cleaned them just as you suggested before shooting this video back in the day. Makes it easier to use longer bolts, but to each their own.
The recovery brackets would not be compatible with Fox 2.5 resi shocks as the spacers needed to clear sway bar may interfere. It could be modded, but won’t bolt straight on.
In other videos it seems like the skid plate gets dropped every time for oil changes, is that right? Seen a few reproductions of thr TRD skid plate that add an access cover, and then most aftermarket ones like RCI and others seem to also have an access door
Yes, very true. You have to remove it for oil changes. An access door would be great. I may switch to a CBI front skid for this reason eventually. Other than that the TRD skid is great... and has held up to some pretty substantial abuse. :-)
I did the TRD skid plate on my 2018 Limited but don’t see the point of those recovery plates when there are factory recovery points already welded to the frame front & rear ?
Sure… the stock front ones are technically tow points. The larger ones are rated/tested recovery points designed for being winched out or being used for kinetic recoveries.
Great question. I have a video on exactly this topic for my Tacoma… but it’s relevant in this case too. The TRD skid retains some important steel braces that many aftermarket front skids say you need to remove. I had a nice aftermarket skid on my Tacoma that got bent beyond repair because those steel braces weren’t there. So in that case I went for a TRD skid that keeps those. I wish the 4Runner TRD skid had an oil door though. In short… I think the TRD skid is the best value and protects very well. Here’s a link to the whole video: th-cam.com/video/0_mebxQ5uBg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=CbSisfgiEvdfd5kn
@@JasonExplainsThings yeah, I watched that video. I don't know why the 4runner trd skid doesn't have the oil door like the Tacoma skid does. I know Catrihome trd skid plate has the oil door but it's a knock-off version.
Hello, great video, question thanks regarding the Apex Recovery Points, the website says the part number you shared cannot be used with the KDSS suspension that your vehicle (I have the same one) cannot be used? Did you have any issues? Thanks
Does the new skid plate make changing the oil filter easier? I have a 2020 Limited for my wife and hate removing all the factory skid plate (covers). Thanks
I'd say it's exactly the same. I have a video on the channel about doing an oil change with this skid plate in place. I kinda wish it had an access plate like the Tacoma has, or some aftermarket options.
I actually just finished installing a CBI covert winch bumper on this 4Runner. The video for that will likely be in May 2022. I decided to do a version of that bumper without the bull bar because I didn’t want it to obstruct a front camera I installed on the 4Runner. FYI, the front camera install is covered on my channel.
Jason- I got these and on installation every single crush washer failed long before I reached the specified torque setting. Additionally I noticed that the washers on the 17 mm bolts are smaller than the OEM washers. Wondering if you had any issues as well. Thanks
Im installing a TRD replica from cartrimhome and am having a devil of time getting the bolts closest to the letter started. Any tips on how you got those bolts started?
Hey there. I talked about this a bit in the recovery point section. No KDSS. On TRD Off Road’s it’s an option. There’s a KDSS version of the skid plate and recovery points. 👍
@@JasonExplainsThings I put fluid film on my 2018 silver off road. Power wash it when it gets dirty and it still looks new. I thought dirt locks in moisture and salts. Well either way enjoy the trails,outdoors and the 4runner.
UPDATE: I just published a new video that has a follow-up to this project. Often the back bolts won’t thread in all the way so they need to be tapped. Check out this video for how-to instructions: th-cam.com/video/cUPUzN7h9zU/w-d-xo.html
After 21 years and 210,000 miles the motor in my Expedition died. I am planning on searching out a 2021 TRD Off Road next week. I agree that it is the sweet spot in the lineup . Thanks for the vids. New tires and the recovery points will probably be my first mods.
TRD is overpriced. stick with the regular 4runner trims.
@@itsme6026 The TRD Pro is overpriced the Off Road is worth it for people the need a locker.
Did you get one?
@@jpjp3873 Yes I did, I got it at the end of June.
@@JohnQuincy1776 Awesome ! We just picked up a venture edition. Which did you get?
Hey, uh Jason, can you stop stalking me? I have been subbed to your channel for a year or more now and every time I start a project I hop online to see if there's any guides or anything. I JUST bought a skid plate and was gonna watch a vid or two to make sure I didn't do anything wrong and you were my first search (probably weighted by the fact that I sub to you). I clicked, not realizing it was you, and blam. Keep up the good work my man.
Great minds think alike! That's hilarious.
@@JasonExplainsThings Yeah, I'm currently converting an S5 in to a TRD Offroad, fully aftermarket. Might be what gets me in to shooting youtube videos. Have you ever done a video on your set up? (camera, mic, etc?) your videos always look really sharp.
@@BartonHNewell I did one camera video a LONG time ago. I may do some behind the scenes stuff like that in the future. I use Sony cameras and lenses (A7siii, A7iii), Rode mics mostly (Rode Wireless Go, VideoMic NTG).
The car legit looks sleek af. Loved the video as always. Leaving this comment to please the algorithmic overlords.
All hail the ALgoritHM!
Yeah google NEVER shows me these vids. I even have the bell pressed...
Awesome video! We are glad you like our recovery points!
thanks for the video. I just installed the TRD skid plate on my 2021 TRD off road
Just bought a 2020 4Runner SR5 premium last week. Your videos are helpful and fun to watch. Thanks bro. I’m going between a couple of roof rack options but really like the one you have. Keep them coming. Your helping a guy like me out
Great! I’ll have a follow-up roof rack video soon. I’m installing the LFD side rails and a few more crossbars.
I have lifted 2021 4Runner TRD Off Road with this skid plate and it looks badass.
Do more off roading, camping, hiking, 4Runner things. Great video
On it! With the price of lumber, home improvement stuff is going to be spread out a bit. Time to have some fun after last year. :-)
Thanks friendo! Appreciate it
Best 4Runner channel I've found!! Got a sub from me!
This is awesome! Just got my trd off road and live near there, going to have to do this trail and mods.
thank you for including the torque specs. rare these days.
Glad I found your channel just as you are starting your 4Runner build! I'm very excited to see the future of this SUV. I have hopes of one day owning a 4Runner!
Currently own a 2021 4runner, i love the style so much, not alot of “boxy” vehicles left (wranglers, 4runners and the new bronco, is all i can think of) meanwhile most vehicle companies are taking the “rounded” route.
Edit: oh and the defender
Totally agree. All those trucks have a very timeless look. I recently saw a new Defender, same color as my 4Runner. Very nice in person, even better than in photos.
@@JasonExplainsThings that’s the word i was looking for “timeless” love em’ old school
Good job on the video and install instructions. The list of mods for these things is limitless. Have fun and keep the content rolling.
Woohoo time for some recovery points for me too. Before the snow flies. Nice fitment tips thanks !
Hey fellow Washingtonian! Great Video! I installed my Apex overland recovery point today!
never miss a vid!
Thanks Joseph, appreciate it.
Might look for fog light covers for my RAV4! Looks easy enough! FOR WAFFLES!
Yeah they're super easy. I'm a fancy fog light poser.
I just purchased a 2022 TRD Off-Road with the XP Predator package. Gave me lots of extra goodies, but there's still a couple of things I'd like to do to it. TRD Skid Plate, Basket style roof rack.
Nice video Jason! Yes the recovery hooks have to be red or else they dont work hahaha. I did watch the Mt St Helens video and it is definitely worth a watch! Also more videos about the ol' Dodge please!
Will do!
But for real... the next video will likely be a dodge video... that teases several other dodge videos.
@@JasonExplainsThings Sweet! I'm super excited! I've been working on my 1987 W150 recently but there's still a ways to go getting her 100% so I'm always looking to learn more tips, tricks and how to's!
Always fun to install upgrades, looks great 👍😁
Great vid! Keep the mods coming!!
I JUST put he Apex recovery points on y SR5P!! I painted mine green though to go with the color theme I have. Figured having recovery points is important in general, but also, I'm in an organization that does mountain vehicle recovery. Was pretty shocked that the 4 Runner has no proper recovery points and just tie downs. I also got the green lamin-x covers for my fogs when I learned you couldn't just change the bulb. Earlier 5th gens lets you change the bulb for the fog lights, but not on the 2021 at least.
Good stuff! Why didn't I think of a Baja Designs sponsorship? Lol
🤞
Nice upgrade Jason.
Not sure I would describe a big piece of mud as a rock !
Hoped that joke is obvious to everyone. :-)
Jason Explains Things. I watched it again and sure enough I was being stupid. My bad ! All the best.
Where did you find truck climbing mountain sticker above TRD off road emblem on side?
Good vid!
Still wondering!😊
Are you going to do a lift or leveling kit on your 4runner in the near future?
Not sure when, but definitely going to happen.
It's so much easier to install the recovery points _before_ the skid plate.
I actually took mine off and it made the process much easier.
Good point. You can do it before or after. Only real issue is if you accidentally have hardware fall into the skid plate and get stuck. Definitely didn’t happen to me! 😅
Excellent Video! Thanks So Much!
great stuff bro!! Tnx. can you put a d shackle on without the factory tie down getting in the way?
Yep. I've definitely done that.
Dude you are costing me money!!!
Thank you for your oil change video
Bought the wrench set from that
Now this.
I have a 2021 white TRD ORP with pullout cargo rack in the back and with black over lay emblems (and limo tinted windows)
Plastic dipped the grey front and rear bumpers black
I have that skid plate too
And now apex!!!
I even got the bottle opener🤣
Nice! And I’m sorry. New video on Monday to sell you on more parts! 🤪
Only here for 4 Runner content
Happy Binging!
Great vid - love the new skid. Does it leave a large gap by the front radiator where the plastic cover was?
No, not really. The TRD skid plate is larger and fills that gap nicely.
Great vid man! Any idea if this will fit the 2022 Off Road's? Cant find much info on skid plates for any 4runners past 2021.
It’ll definitely fit. 👍
I installed both recently. Have you tried to use the recovery points? Shackles don't fit well with the factory tie downs in the way, and are probably too sharp for soft shackles. I ordered some sleeves for the soft shackles so hopefully they won't shear. Apex should round the edges, or extend them forward about 1.5 inches. On the skid, no need to tap the rear bolts, they are fine. You do need to clean them very well. I used a pistol bore brush and wd40 and they were fine.
Hey there, I did use the recovery points a few times with soft shackles. I agree they are likely too sharp. In the year since I've upgraded to a CBI covert front bumper with D-Rings. But for occasional use they're fine.
Gotta say my experience was those rear bolts did need to be tapped. I cleaned them just as you suggested before shooting this video back in the day. Makes it easier to use longer bolts, but to each their own.
Here's the covert bumper video: th-cam.com/video/znK7ZqeHNR4/w-d-xo.html
The recovery brackets would not be compatible with Fox 2.5 resi shocks as the spacers needed to clear sway bar may interfere. It could be modded, but won’t bolt straight on.
True.
Can you link me to where you bought your black sticker that goes above the TRD off road badge? the one with the 4runner climbing up the badging
Thank you
Sorry if I missed this but do I need a 3/8 drive or 1/2 inch for the torque wrench?
In other videos it seems like the skid plate gets dropped every time for oil changes, is that right? Seen a few reproductions of thr TRD skid plate that add an access cover, and then most aftermarket ones like RCI and others seem to also have an access door
Yes, very true. You have to remove it for oil changes. An access door would be great. I may switch to a CBI front skid for this reason eventually. Other than that the TRD skid is great... and has held up to some pretty substantial abuse. :-)
I wish they made a version of the skid plate that works with KDSS……
Yeah I thought they did. Bummer
I did the TRD skid plate on my 2018 Limited but don’t see the point of those recovery plates when there are factory recovery points already welded to the frame front & rear ?
Sure… the stock front ones are technically tow points. The larger ones are rated/tested recovery points designed for being winched out or being used for kinetic recoveries.
I tapped the rear threads to fit the TRD skid plate on my ORP
Thanks for the important tip Brian!
@@JasonExplainsThings Need a 10mm x 1.25 tap, T -handle tap wrench, tap magic and some lock tight
Did you have to replace the bolts on the sway bar ? Or did you use the factory bolts?
Did the skid plate not interfere with the KDSS system? That has been my reason to not get an official TRD one
Yeah looks like it would need to be modified: trail4runner.com/2017/09/20/5th-gen-4runner-trd-skid-plate-install-kdss/
Where can I get the mountain emblem on the off road logo? Thank you.
Pavement is Lava! 8:11
Preach Brother Niles! :-)
@jason - where did u buy that mountain vinyl sticker
Are the trd skid plates better than after-market ones? They don't have access to the oil filter, which is a con I believe.
Great question. I have a video on exactly this topic for my Tacoma… but it’s relevant in this case too.
The TRD skid retains some important steel braces that many aftermarket front skids say you need to remove. I had a nice aftermarket skid on my Tacoma that got bent beyond repair because those steel braces weren’t there. So in that case I went for a TRD skid that keeps those. I wish the 4Runner TRD skid had an oil door though.
In short… I think the TRD skid is the best value and protects very well. Here’s a link to the whole video:
th-cam.com/video/0_mebxQ5uBg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=CbSisfgiEvdfd5kn
@@JasonExplainsThings yeah, I watched that video. I don't know why the 4runner trd skid doesn't have the oil door like the Tacoma skid does. I know Catrihome trd skid plate has the oil door but it's a knock-off version.
This recovery is stronger than the one I got. I think mine just for look lol
They are pretty beefy and work great. I used them to recover another vehicle that was stuck.
I got the treaty oak off road recovery point and have not test them out yet. I have a feeling it might bent or break by just looking at it.
Do you have to remove the skid plate every time you change oil?
For this one, yes. CBI and others make similar skids that have an access door.
Hello, great video, question thanks regarding the Apex Recovery Points, the website says the part number you shared cannot be used with the KDSS suspension that your vehicle (I have the same one) cannot be used? Did you have any issues? Thanks
Yeah it won’t work with KDSS. My 4Runner doesn’t have KDSS so it worked great.
Does the new skid plate make changing the oil filter easier? I have a 2020 Limited for my wife and hate removing all the factory skid plate (covers). Thanks
I'd say it's exactly the same. I have a video on the channel about doing an oil change with this skid plate in place. I kinda wish it had an access plate like the Tacoma has, or some aftermarket options.
Any thought or experience about adding bull bar to most recent model of the 4Runner?
I actually just finished installing a CBI covert winch bumper on this 4Runner. The video for that will likely be in May 2022.
I decided to do a version of that bumper without the bull bar because I didn’t want it to obstruct a front camera I installed on the 4Runner. FYI, the front camera install is covered on my channel.
Does this skid plate fit 2022 4runner TRD Off road model?
Yep.
Jason- I got these and on installation every single crush washer failed long before I reached the specified torque setting. Additionally I noticed that the washers on the 17 mm bolts are smaller than the OEM washers. Wondering if you had any issues as well. Thanks
I did have a couple of the crush washers fail actually. Lucky I had a couple laying around that size.
Im installing a TRD replica from cartrimhome and am having a devil of time getting the bolts closest to the letter started. Any tips on how you got those bolts started?
Didn’t have trouble with those, only the back ones. Maybe the threads are dirty?
Hi, are you considering a wheel spacers?
Possibly in conjunction with larger tires some day.
Sorry, but why did you install tow hooks next to factory tow hooks?
They're rated for much more weight. Not worth it unless you plan on doing off-roading, possibly needing to be recovered/recover others.
@@JasonExplainsThings What are the respective ratings?
Is your TRD Offroad with KDSS? I thought that all are, and that TRD Pro skidplate cannot fit without cutting
Hey there. I talked about this a bit in the recovery point section. No KDSS. On TRD Off Road’s it’s an option. There’s a KDSS version of the skid plate and recovery points. 👍
@@JasonExplainsThings Where did you find the kdss version?
you got ripped. the same plate w/o the TRD logo sells for much much less.
Where? Pls link me!
@@whitebuffalo4904 eBay $185. Look up 4Runner skid plate.
“Doesn’t get in the way of common maintenance pints” bruh.. you literally have to remove the entire thing to do a basic oil change 😂
That’s the same for all OEM 4Runner skid plates.
That's dirty as hell for a 2021🤣 must get a power washer as you're next accessory.
LOL... the dirt prevents rust I heard!
@@JasonExplainsThings I put fluid film on my 2018 silver off road. Power wash it when it gets dirty and it still looks new. I thought dirt locks in moisture and salts. Well either way enjoy the trails,outdoors and the 4runner.
Explanation was too fast
is your 4runner lifted?
At the time of making this video it wasn’t, but it is now.