Repercussions for removing Skid plates???

2008 4runner 4x4 v6 limited. ALL stock

Are there any drawbacks to removing skid plates and leaving them off? I eventually want to instal a lift and then put them back on but that will be over a year out....

I live near chattanoga tn and we may get snow 1 or 2 times a year but rarely. I drive in my yard and on some hills that require 4x4 but not any terrain like most poeple buy these things for....lol VERY limited off road useage....

Also, does anyone know how many skid plates there are? I think it has 2 but i can barely fit under this thing to get a good view... Any help is apprecaited in advance!!!!

 

When I bought my 5th gen, the skid plates were missing other than the fuel tank. I drove it like that for almost 2 years before I finally replaced them, when I thought I was going to start doing some off-roading.

I didn't have any issues, and it had the side effect of making oil changes and maintenance easier.

 

I have had someone's metal tow hitch cover fall out in front of me and hit the skid on my Tacoma. Also hit something on the highway I couldn't avoid with the skid on my GTO. Personally I would leave them on.

 

You are going to splash lots of muck on your underside-tranny, transfer case etc. your undercarriage cleanup will be easier if you keep them on.
There are lots of electrical connectors on top of transfer case, tranny etc. maybe things you want to keep as clean as possible.
Get under your rig and take lots of pictures! Especially electrical connectors.

 

Soooo This may be a dumb question but please forgive my ignorance when asking this... Most vehicles dont have skid plates including many 4x4 trucks that I have had... they have lots of electrical connectors as does this vehicle.... but they are fine??? Am I wrong about this assumption???

Thanks in advance

TJ

 

Many modern vehicles, including the less expensive trims of the 6th gen 4Runner, have covers made of a composite materials in lieu of metal skid plates.

You'll likely be fine, but I'd still recommend leaving them on. Why do you want to leave them off?

 

Grayson,

Honestly, I like seeing whats going on underneath my vehicle.... Helps me see leaks and "wear n tear"..... I know I have an oil leak and I was going to tear into it this weekend, (praying its not rear main seal or anything major). I figured if I take the plates off, it may be good to leave off for future "inspections". I am really on the fence about it though.

 

You'll be fine. Freak accidents can happen but there was a time when vehicles didn't have plastic/composite/fiberboard undercovers. Heck, some don't have them today or it falls off.

This is a vehicle capable of fording streams and stuff, you'll be fine with some splashing.

 

They help manage airflow through the engine compartment and vehicle underside. I'd leave them on.