Skid Plates are Damaging Your Vehicle!? 4Runner Overlanding Build
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 มี.ค. 2023
- This video explores the skid plate complaints of overheating engines/transmissions, damaging vehicles, creating expensive repairs, and adding unnecessary weight.
THE TRUTH ABOUT SKID PLATES
Do Skid Plates Cause Engine and Transmission Over Heating?
There are a lot of anecdotal reports from off-roaders on internet forums that skid plates effect engine temperature or transmission temperature or both. If you don’t look at authoritative references, you will find a lot of contradictory and confusing information on this topic. And thanks to ChatGPT it is pretty easy to research “Skid Plate Design and Heat Management.”
So, here’s what you need to know:
Can Skid Plates Cause Overheating?
1. Yes, if you allow them to become packed with mud and debris that blocks air flow.
2. Yes, if they are installed incorrectly and impede airflow to the engine or cooling system.
3. Yes, if combined with aftermarket bumpers that in combination impede airflow.
4. Yes, if they are an off brand. You should choose skid plates from top manufacturers that are designed specifically for your make and model of vehicle. These are designed with air flow in mind both at highway and crawling speeds. They will have vents and design features so that air flow is not restricted.
So, a better way to state the answer would be: "Skid Plates Do Not Cause Overheating if they are specific to your make & model of vehicle, and are properly installed and properly maintained.
Do Skid Plates Damage Your Vehicle? because they cause rust, corrosion and wear by trapping mud, dirt, salt, water, etc.*
a. Yes, skid plates can trip mud, debris, dirt, salt, water, etc. These in turn can cause rust and corrosion to the skid plate and to the vehicle itself. If left unchecked, this can lead to significant damage. The risk of this type of damage is fully and completely resolved by performing proper and timely maintenance to your skid plate and on and around all points of contact.
Are Skid Plates are Too Heavy?
There are pros and cons when it come to the weight issue. While adding weight to an off-road vehicle is generally a negative thing, skid plates are located so low on the vehicle that they will actually lower the center of gravity and in doing so add stability.
Whether or not the added weight is excessive depends on what you do. Are you a mall crawler (no offense intended), a soft roader, an overlander, a technical trail junkie, a rock crawler, or out there laughing manically while doing beyond extreme trails that defy the laws of physics. If your style of driving puts the critical components of the undercarriage at risk, the added weight is probably worth it. You can also consider an aluminum skid plate for a lighter alternative.
Do Skid Plates Make Maintenance Difficult and Expensive?
Yes, you have to remove the skid plate for maintenance. But, it’s not that difficult. There are a few bolts that need to come out and that’s it. The extra maintenance time is worth it to avoid the damage of not having a skid plate installed.
I don’t Need Skid Plates - I am just a “Soft-Roader”
Maybe you just stick to dirt roads and gravel roads instead of trails and technical routes but here’s the thing: Once you leave the pavement there are no street sweepers and no one is out there repairing the pot holes. You could be 50 miles from cell services and push off through a soft shoulder into some tall grass and hit a huge sharp rock you never even saw. There’s all kinds of vital stuff under your rig. Oil pan, fuel tank…In my twenties, I did exactly that and punched a big hole in my fuel tank.
So, even if you are a Soft Roader, I’d consider at least some aluminum skid plates.
The bottom line truth about skid plates: If you spend any real amount of time off pavement, you should give serious consideration to a set of skid plates.
For a great skid plate installation video from @aired-downoverland9239 check this one out • How to Install Skid Pl... - ภาพยนตร์และแอนิเมชัน
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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
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!
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
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!
Thanks for repairing the trail and resetting the rock. You guys sure have some fun! Good video.
We certainly appreciate that people find our fun entertaining. Thx for the support 🙌
Love your videos, you guys look like you are having a great time! Thanks for bringing us along!
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.
Man you guys are set up well, I like the rigs and information on the skids.
I'll be getting some soon
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!!
You won’t regret your choice
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!
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.
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.
@@OverlandPNW Agreed and best of all. It's a quality local made product.
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!
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!
I’m patiently building out my 5th gen - hope I run across you all out there someday Another great vid!
Thanks man! Flag us down if you see us!
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!
RCI skid plates are a good choice!
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.
I totally agree about the electric/gas saws. I also totally agree that the fire was "almost" big enough ha ha! Great comment!
Glad you covered skid plates... I know there are times I wish I had them! Hard crunch at 6:55
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.
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.
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.
Many thanks!
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!
Thanks! Loved your Winter on the Oregon Coast Video!
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.
That's a great idea! You can diagnose a lot with an infrared heat gun.
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!
Right? He is definitely the master chef in the family. Don't get him started on Traeger cooked tri-tips ha ha!
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!
I watched your video, left a comment and subscribed to your channel. Very nice job on the skid plates you built! Impressive!
@@OverlandPNW it means so much to me. Thank you! 🙌🏻
thank you for documenting your scientific research
A lot of really good information on skid plates. Thanks for the video.
Glad it was helpful!
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
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.
Great video. The camping ⛺️ and cooking part was fun!
Thanks 👍
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
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!
@@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
Informative as always 👍🏼
Thanks! 👍
Привет! Классная собака👍👍👍Интересное хобби, нас тоже вчера носило по лесным дорогам, были и непроходимые участки.
Skid plates are a great investments to protect your truck!! Looks like a fun trail to!!
Totally agree and love those rock lights on your H2!
@@OverlandPNW thanks!!!
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
True but we don't have the Topless in Cheaha event here. Maybe I should organize something like that ha ha!
@@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!!
My Neibor and his brother built their Jeeps like those you saw with custom Dana 80 differentials . Crazy rock crawlers
Dana 80s....now that's legit as it gets!
@@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
Great video! You're skid plate info was spot on. Good entertainment with electric chainsaw. Verses gas.
Steak cook off was great.
Steaks and chainsaws....that's a good start for any trip ha ha!
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).
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!
Nice sharing my friend. Keep it connected
That looks like a lot of fun. I need to make some friends that do that sort of thing.
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 ; )
Very true! Your Half Moon Creek video was great! 100% my kind of trip...trails, fishing and fun.
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.
We do not have a build video but it is on the list to do this summer.
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.
@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.
Great comment packed with info! Thanks for sharing it!
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.
That' a great plan. I have full length steel skids from RCI as well. Cheers!
@@OverlandPNW I have a Tacoma with all RCI aluminum skids. Did I make a mistake going aluminum?
@@rj12345rj Naw...unless you are doing some hardcore rock crawling, the aluminum will be fine.
What are your thoughts on the oem 4Runner front skid and fuel tank skid?
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.
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.
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.
@@adventurelifesam9357 ..Thanks Sam for commenting..
Another great production with useful information and plenty of fun. And I want a steak cook-off rematch 😆
I want a re-do on the steak cook off as well. My goal is to just get 1 vote ha ha!
@@OverlandPNW How’s that possible when I plan to get all the votes 😆
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
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!
@@OverlandPNW Thanks, I appreciate the feedback
@@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 🤷♂️
@@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!
@@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.
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).
Good points! Your video on 4R transmission cooling is excellent.
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.
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!
Great clip as always. I love a good steak. Skid plates are a must. Cheers Steve
Thanks! I liked your Roses Reserve campground video. Great trail down to the river!
How did you brother manage to keep his TRD skid with a lift? I just put a 3” mt64 kit and I can’t reinstall it unless I find a spacer kit.
Not sure, I'll ask him to comment.
@@OverlandPNW Thanks man
@@OverlandPNW Nevermind… I used a washer on both sides along with the spacer. Works great. You guys recommend the aluminum RCI’s?
What if my vehicle came factory with skid plates (flimsy ones), and I just upgraded?
That's what i did. I went with RCI skid plates.
what skid plates are you using?
Jon’s running RCI and I’m running CBI; both are reputable brands
Great video. I think I'll stick with gravel roads lol
You had me at "STEAK COOK-OFF"!!!!!!!! Yum!!! 😯
Just saw your hook in the eye short...ouch! The field surgery was seriously hardcore!
@@OverlandPNW Yeah, it was crazy! Luckily, I cleaned it out fast and thoroughly and avoided possible infection.
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.
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.
Steel bumpers , steel rock sliders, aluminum skids 😎
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.
I never hear that in the mall parking lot 😁
You need to find the really bid speed bumps and go over them real slow ha ha!
@@OverlandPNW 😁👊🏻
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.
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 TH-cam star for sure!
@@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 🤠
Finally got all my skids on my Tundra, boy it feels nice ha ha ha
You guys have such fun when you camp, love it!!
Yeah so nice to have the skids on and know the undercarriage isn't going to get torn up!
Funny! Do you not feel the need for rear end protection, the pumpkin and drain plug are all I've hit so far.
Good point!
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
Well said!
Clearly there was no loser.
SO basically skid plates ARE good, and are NOT damaging your vehicle. Ya just have to follow directions and keep her clean...
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.
Do you have a down vest for your dog?😂
Yes, but she refuses to wear it. She only likes her Carhartt vest ha ha!
@@OverlandPNW Where did you find it? I need to get one for my furless dog 😁
@@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.
Anyone driving a modded t4r gives no thought about mpg. Lol
And that is a fact! When you start with crap MPG, you just give up right from the start 😄
So true...ha ha!
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
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?
Well said.