Tacoma Skid plate on an '03 4Runner.....(install pics)

momo.75 · Dec 3, 2003

fourunnabilly get full credit for me even thinking about this. I have always liked the skid plates on the 3rd gen 4Runners and Tacomas, but they don't make 'em for us 4th Gens. Here is how I ended up installing it on mine. Keep in mind, this is totally just for looks.

In this first pic you will see all the parts I used. for the bolts that go through the tow hooks, I used 1/2" x 2" bolts, along with the standard 1/2" washers. Since the 1/2" washers are too small and would pull through the tow hook, I placed a larger washer on either side of the hook. I painted all the washers for the tow hook end before I installed.

The metal strip was about 1 1/2" wide and about 1/4" thick. I got it at Home Depot in a four foot section. The crappy part was cutting it with a hack saw. I cut it to 8" sections and drilled 1/2" holes.

The bolts are 1/2" by 1 1/2" but I ended up cuting them down to 1" so there wouldn't be any sticking out the top.

momo.75 · Dec 3, 2003

Here is the bracket installed.

On the tow hook end (from the bottom going up) I put one of the 1/2" washers on the bolt then on of the large washers, then pushed it through the hook. On the top of the hook, I put the other large washer, the bracket, another 1/2" washer, then the nut.

On the skid plate end of the bracket, I put the bracket under the skid plate, since you can't really se the underside. Then just put the (cut-down) bolt through the bracket and skid plate(from the underside) then the 1/2" washer and the the nut.

momo.75 · Dec 3, 2003

Hopefully this isn't too painful......:biggrin2:

After I got it all tightened up, I sprayed the bolts on the hook end so they didn't stand out. I didn't paint the nuts or bolts on the skid plate end since all that is silver.

With the brackets I made there are several ways to install. You can put the brackets on the bottom of the tow hook if you want more space. There are also to holes on each end of the skid plate, so depending on which holes you use, i will push it out or pull it in closer. (I used the two most inside holes.

momo.75 · Dec 3, 2003

Of course I saved the best for last.....:laugh:

Keep in mind, this is just for looks. Since I rarely go off-road, that is all I wanted. I feel quite certain it would be ripped to shreds on any kind of rocks..:laugh:

Also, keep in mind I have no welding stuff, and just made due with what I had. I am sure some of you guys that have welders and such could make much better stuff, but I still had a good time.

fourunnabilly gets full credit for me even trying this. Thanks buddy!!

Let me know what you think.

:artist:

Greenhorne · Dec 3, 2003

I like it. Great engineering too! Fairly easy with parts the masses can deal with.

Great look which also matches the wheels nicely.

Any kind of vibration? Wind buffeting?

Biff · Dec 3, 2003

Momo

Are those 20" Enkeis you have. They look really good. I've been thinking of getting these. 4 for $1400 What do you think?

momo.75 · Dec 3, 2003

Thanks guys.

Greenhorne, I haven't noticed any vibration at all. The steel strips are thick enough to keep it steady. Belive me, I messed with it after I installed it and it is pretty firm.

FirstToyz, it is a little decieving but the brackets are a slight angle sinne I used the inside holes on the skid plate. Not to mention I tightened the crap out of the bolts, so I will be surpised if it moves.

Biff, mine are 18" Enkei's. Those that you are showing are really sweet. I saw a Tundra at the dealership with those on it and thought they looked great. I would love to see what they look like on a 4Runner.

:artist:

loyd · Dec 8, 2003

skid pl8

hey momo...nice work on the skid pl8 it looks gr8. im going to do it to mine, as i really like the look. so what do i order from the dealership? a skid pl8 for a 2003 tacoma? the nuts and boldts i can manage, just wanna make sure i order the right part from toyota. thanks

momo.75 · Dec 8, 2003

Re: skid pl8

loyd said:
hey momo...nice work on the skid pl8 it looks gr8. im going to do it to mine, as i really like the look. so what do i order from the dealership? a skid pl8 for a 2003 tacoma? the nuts and boldts i can manage, just wanna make sure i order the right part from toyota. thanks

Thanks. Actually, if you go to ebay and do a search for "Tacoma Skid Plate" you should be able to find a couple there. That is where I got mine. I think it is about $150 at the dealership and I got mine for for under $100 brand new off e-bay.

loyd · Dec 8, 2003

thanks

ok gr8...so im looking for a skid pl8 for a 2003 tacoma right?

momo.75 · Dec 8, 2003

yep. That is what I got. Here is one up for auction. There were several others. Just do a search and you will see'em. Don't forget to post some pics after you get it on.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33654&item=2446254821

loyd · Dec 9, 2003

thanks

thanks for info, i saw the auctions on ebay...i'll probly just order one from the dealer since i'm in canada - it would probly work out to the same by the time i ship it and pay the duties...i'll get the pics on when i get it done...thanks again

momo.75 · Dec 9, 2003

Re: thanks

loyd said:
thanks for info, i saw the auctions on ebay...i'll probly just order one from the dealer since i'm in canada - it would probly work out to the same by the time i ship it and pay the duties...i'll get the pics on when i get it done...thanks again

Ahh, that's right. I forgot you were in Canada. You are the one with the cool hood protector. Can't wait to see the pics.:cheers:

loyd · Dec 10, 2003

ordered it

just ordered the skid plate from a dealer here in canada....its $130.00 canadian, so whats that like 50 u.s??? you should start getting your stuff from here its cheaper! i may have few more questions for you come install time, but thanks again for the help!

momo.75 · Dec 10, 2003

Just let me know if you need any help. I work out of the house, so I usually can answer pretty quick. I'll pm you my e-mail address, just in case. I can't wait to see the pics with it on your truck. :artist:

Dude · Dec 10, 2003

FirstToyz,

What kind of roof rack is that? Care to share some details on order source and price?

loyd · Dec 10, 2003

uh oh

hey momo...got another question...i forgot i have a safari light bar going on my truck, and the bar on the bottom goes just under the front bumper (where your skid pl8 is)...you think if i make the brackets a little longer, i can make the skid plate just come out over the bottom bar? this could get tricky!

momo.75 · Dec 10, 2003

Re: uh oh

loyd said:
hey momo...got another question...i forgot i have a safari light bar going on my truck, and the bar on the bottom goes just under the front bumper (where your skid pl8 is)...you think if i make the brackets a little longer, i can make the skid plate just come out over the bottom bar? this could get tricky!

Hmmm. I am not sure how that will work. I am sure there will be some modification to do to make it work. If you want, when you get all your pieces, drive on down to Birmingham and we can figure it out...:cheers: I know that can't happen, so when you get all your stuff, you can take some pics and we will figure it out.

Which safari bar did you order?

Supercharged · Dec 10, 2003

so will this skid plate fit the 97' 4Runner?

loyd · Dec 10, 2003

westin safari bar

i got the safari light bar from westin...the bar is in, im just waiting for the mount kit for it...ill post pics this week when i get it on there. i think i will be able to mod the skid pl8 to just come over the bottom edge of the safari bar, and it will still look pretty good. ill let you know thanks again

Tacoma Skid plate on an '03 4Runner.....(install pics)

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