How important are rear diff skids and gas tank skids?

What are your experiences and thoughts on the importance of rear diff skids and gas tank skids?

Planning to offroad in Colorado, Utah and Arizona

 

If you're staying stock and probably not wandering into highly rocky situations I'd say you'll do fine for now and if you're cutting it close in situations, you'll probably know. Gas tank skid is factory I believe.

 

Gas yeah but not really rear diff. It really depends on what you do. I tend to stay away from anything rocky but sometimes there's a couple in the way. I don't have my gas tank skid on because I'm lazy and I don't have a diff skid because I don't see needing it. Maybe look at lower shock mount protection.

 

Not necessary on diff skid. Maybe on gas tank skid as I tend to get hung up on mine alot out in CO and UT on some of the more difficult trails. But if you have after market shocks you may want to look into rear shock mount skids (I have FJTOYMAN). Mines pretty scared up but has saved my rear shock bolts plenty of times. It really depends on what type of trails you'll be hitting...my $0.02

 

I’ve heard the same recommendations to skip the rear diff skids. Potentially you could gouge at the drain plug surround which could make for a little work to remove it. But other than that the housing is tough and thick.

I havent replaced my tank skid. I figure the tank itself it’s plastic and the factory skid is enough to keep the tank from being torn open if I drag over an occasional rock.

 

A diff skid isn't necessary. Diffs are pretty robust and can take a few hits. A gas tank skid is good insurance. I ruined the factory gas tank skid in Utah, got high centered and had be winched out. Skid was smashed against the gas tank. Shock skids are something you may regret not getting. They protect the bottom bolt area, which is rather exposed to rock damage. I really wish I had bought lower link skids, too. One bracket is smashed to hell and there is no way a skid will fit.

https://www.4runnerlifestyle.com/co...chaos-fabrication-rear-lower-link-skid-plates

Here's the link for the shock skids.

https://fjtoymanoffroad.com/shockskids/

I play on the rocks. Shock skids and lower link skids will be more beneficial than a diff skid.

 

Yeah seems like the rear is not so much needed. I ended up doing it anyway when I regear and just decided to do the whole thing at once.

 

Having neither, I'd say that one can get through quite a bit without them. If you use some finesse, the rear diff should hold up fine.

The OEM fuel tank skid can handle a decent amount of abuse, as well. But, after a few years of moderate wheeling, mine is pretty banged up, and probably due to be replaced by something a bit more substantial.

I'd say that, if you plan on dragging the fuel tank over boulders on a regular basis, go get a good aftermarket skid. But, if it's a matter of "just in case", the stock fuel tank skid will get the job done.

For grins, here's what my fuel tank skid looked like at the end of last year's "wheeling" season.

 

That's exactly how my gas tank skid looked after I was high centered with all four tires off the ground haha

OP, if I was taking my 4Runner off road where I thought I'd be dragging belly, a quality front/under engine skid plate and gas tank skid is where I'd spend my money.