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Even for actual offroad, the aluminum is thick enough to handle the rocks and is significantly lighter than the steel options.
Didn't want to sound like Aluminum was bad (they look AWESOME)...I ripped an RCI aluminum skid on my T4R and they are 1/4" thick. Was just trying to say if you go hardcore, then steel is gonna be stronger on the rocks as the aluminum tends to rip/scrap more easily (if that makes sense). And yes, super weight saving over steel.
No worries... I was just thinking about the PIA it would be drop steel ones due to weight when I needed to lube grease fittings if any were blocked.
Both the steel and aluminum are equally clumsy to pull off...that said you don't need to touch them at all to do any grease fittings. Nothing is blocked. For the front skid I just changed to a fumoto valve and never had to pull anything nor unbolt even the oil drain plug.
I think I saw this GX on 405 in Bellevue, WA this afternoon or a close doppelganger. It was definitely hardcore trail ready and same color. I need to check dashcam to see if LP is the same.
So in FSM I see the two factory gas tank plates installed on models throughout world. In US... it appears we get this Half Cover Type. Not sure but Executive package in Canada might get full length version.
I saw some cheaper hits putting around $150 but shipping charges might moot savings.
Apparently two versions. The first one above is for non-air suspension on rear and this following is for air suspension models. No idea what extra $75 pays for between versions.
MyLParts says this extended fuel tank guard is actually just the short stock one and item graphic is wrong. Must be under a different part number. Might need to contact that Calgary dealer. Part might be available from Canada.
Thinking about these options again.... I really want to get the underside fully protected. I'm not that hardcore so aluminum will likely be option unless no other options.
RCI states ---> Transmission plate that goes on the older '03-'09 4Runner should work and the '10 4Runner front skid plate should work. They currently do not have a Transfer case plate that would work.
Budbuilt ---> . Their front two skids should fit but not sure about others. They are in Hudson, NC and seem willing to fit one if someone brought their into the shop. I'm on the wrong coast though up here in WA state.
EDIT: Reaching out to this vendor as well about their fuel tank skid.
Thinking about these options again.... I really want to get the underside fully protected. I'm not that hardcore so aluminum will likely be option unless no other options.
I may just keep factory protection that is on the front for now. It's isn't the most stout but it will provide some protection. My first concern is getting the fuel tank fully covered along with the transmission pan and transfer case. I'll feel a lot better once those initial ones are addressed.
I think I am gonna go with this vendor in post #26 for at least the fuel tank skid. I found a local company who will powder coat. This appears to be one of the stouter designs I have seen.
Test fit delayed a little bit but may know more by January. They are bringing in another engineer/product designer that will also address test fitting.
I contacted RCI as I am ready to pull the trigger on some skid plates. I got this as part of the response in regards to their skid plate fitment.
"However I do apologize that we don't have a transfer case skid plate that will fit that vehicle. But everything else is the same..
10+ front skid plate03-09 transmission skid V810+ w/KDSS sliders 03-09/10+ fuel tank skid plate"
I'm going to contact BudBuilt, but will probably order what I can since they are having a black Friday sale at RCI. http://budbuilt.com/10-16-Lexus-5-pi...ion_p_766.html looks like they sell it as fitting for the GX460. I'm not sure about dropping $1,800 though for aluminum. I wonder if the Budbuilt will bolt into the RCI skid plates without modification...hmmm
06-06-17, 11:29 AM
