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Skid plate ease of installation?

Discussion in '6th Gen 4Runners (2025+)' started by Axefan88, Apr 15, 2026.

  1. Apr 15, 2026 at 1:35 PM
    #1
    Axefan88

    Axefan88 [OP] New Member

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    I have a question. What would be a good skid plate to add to my 2026 4Runner XP ?
    And are they easy to install ?
    I just got the vehicle and thought it might be a good thing to add.
    Thanks
     
  2. Apr 15, 2026 at 4:27 PM
    #2
    BS67

    BS67 8404 USMC Doc

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  3. Apr 16, 2026 at 7:44 AM
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    JET4

    JET4 Old Member

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  4. Apr 16, 2026 at 11:50 AM
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    icebear

    icebear Member

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    If it were me I'd look to see if there's any take-off's for sale near you from someone with a higher trim that swapped theirs out for aftermarket.
     
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  5. Apr 16, 2026 at 12:57 PM
    #5
    Blufin

    Blufin New Member

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  6. Apr 17, 2026 at 10:34 AM
    #6
    Axefan88

    Axefan88 [OP] New Member

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    Thank you all for the welcomes and the advice. !
    Very appreciated
     
  7. Apr 17, 2026 at 11:56 AM
    #7
    morfdq

    morfdq New Member

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    the term "easy to install" is a loaded question. Yes they are easy to install and line up perfectly to existing holes on the frame. However, they are heavy and awkward to lift. I use a floor jack to get it in place then HAND TIGHTEN for 3-4 threads before finishing with a ratchet. Resist the urge to use an impact. Cross threading bolts is easy to do when installing a skid plate
     
  8. Apr 17, 2026 at 12:42 PM
    #8
    Axefan88

    Axefan88 [OP] New Member

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    Ad this skid plate blocks oil filter access ? Just learning as I go here.
     
  9. Apr 18, 2026 at 12:50 AM
    #9
    milsuper

    milsuper New Member

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    Yes, the Toyota OEM TRD skid plate in the front blocks oil filter access...very annoying design for this 6G that you gotta deal with every 5K oil change. I'm sure Toyota was trying to give better underbody protection with current TRD skid plate design....if you look at the positive side.

    I suppose I'm spoiled from the previous gen Tacoma and 4Runner (they left you with good access for oil filter directly or by opening a small hatch).
     
  10. Apr 18, 2026 at 4:50 AM
    #10
    Toy4X4

    Toy4X4 New Member

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  11. Apr 18, 2026 at 4:53 AM
    #11
    MeefZah

    MeefZah ------------

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    I don't recall the TRD plate having a hatch for oil filter access.
     
  12. Apr 18, 2026 at 12:30 PM
    #12
    RumHamRunner73

    RumHamRunner73 Dead on with a zero

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    What guidelines do you have for your use? Do you need aluminum for weight reduction/limited use or steel for heavy duty off roading.

    Help us help you!
     
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  13. Apr 18, 2026 at 12:42 PM
    #13
    ChessGuy

    ChessGuy New Member

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    Too many..... Performance: • Magnusum Supercharger • Gibson exhaust with dual black tip • Pedal Commander * PowerBrakes • Suspension – Old Man Emu BP-51 front and back with Medium load coils • Tires: AT3 Faulken Wildpeak – 285/70/17 • Wheels: Relations Race Wheels, RR7-H with -12 offset • Full roof rack and ladder by Westcott Design (removed the stock Yakima basket) • Molle storage panels by Rago fabrication • Front light brackets by Rago • Illuminator light bracket by Rago (roof rack location) Lights • Morimoto front and back with sequential signals • Morimoto fog lights and side mirrors with sequential signals • 40” Baja design light bar for roof rack • 20” S8 Baja design driving combo (winch location) • Squadron sport baja design ditch lights • S2 Chase lights by baja designs (mounted on roof) In the bay: • Odyssey 34-PC Battery • SDQH Aluminum billet battery terminals and bracket • Switch Pro 9100 with aluminum tray • Anytime front and back camera • ARB twin compressor Recovery & Protection: • Smittybilt X20 synthetic rope winch • Factor 55 fairlead and flatlink • Southern Style Off-road (SSO) low profile bumper • SSO stage 2 high clearance wings • Weekend warrior recovery kit by treaty oak • RCI – skid plates – entire vehicle + catalytic converter protection wings Interior: • Nano Ceramic IR – Avery Dennison Window tint – all windows • Several phone mounts • Upgraded Rear Hatch lift gate struts (ladder is heavy) • Boom blaster horn switch (featuring La cucaracha)
    If you have acess to a lift it would be easy. Else get ready to be on the floor and for a while.
     
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  14. Apr 18, 2026 at 1:36 PM
    #14
    RumHamRunner73

    RumHamRunner73 Dead on with a zero

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    whistle while you work....
     
  15. Apr 19, 2026 at 7:02 PM
    #15
    milsuper

    milsuper New Member

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  16. Apr 21, 2026 at 9:44 AM
    #16
    milsuper

    milsuper New Member

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    The installation/taking off of the TRD Front Skid Plate for 6G is not all that difficult. There are two bolts (A in the diagram) that aid in temporarily "hanging" the plate first. You just have to slide the Skid Plate a bit before you either take off or re-install the skid plate. It's more work though vs. simply opening the access hatch.

    IMPORTANT: Never Over-Tighten the Bolts! Torque only to 27 ft-lb (less than the bolt for your oil change plug)!

    upload_2026-4-21_12-44-36.png
     
    Last edited: Apr 21, 2026
  17. Apr 23, 2026 at 7:24 AM
    #17
    Rotor-RPM

    Rotor-RPM New Member

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    Timed myself removing and installing both the engine and transmission/tcase skid, using the hanging bolts and driving up on ramps to make room it took me 15 min.
     

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