I really don't want to sound too raggy, about these newer trucks but......as I wast goofing around in the field behind my work today, some how I managed to kick up a rock or something that shattered the corner of my plastic gas tank skid plate. Why plastic? I thought since I have the TRD Off-Road pkg, I should get steel.

 

I believe they lost #1 in quality recently also. They need to get it together. It seems they are forgetting why people enjoyed the vehicles they used to create.

 

You should check this thread out. There are some good conversations and arguements: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f117...a-ever-134541/

Everyone should realize that Toyota performs a fine balancing act between customer expectation of power and ride quality, Government requirements for safety and CAFE rating, and quality/durability. So many people say that the plastic door handle is cheaper and that’s why Toyota makes it from plastic. The truth is that weight is the major driving factor for many of Toyota's decisions in materials. Less weight in the body and interior means more power and better fuel economy for you - the customer. We all wish that we could have a new 4Runner built like at 85 model (boxed frame and SFA) with V8 power and fuel economy of a Prius but in today’s world there's more rules and regulations than anyone can ever imaging. I think Toyota is doing a great job considering the hand Auto manufacturers have been dealt.

 

So does anyone make a steel one?

 

Yeah it sucks, but look at it this way, 90 percent of people that own a 4th gen 4runner don't take it off road. I'm not trying to bash 4th gen 4runners or their owners, I'm just being realistic. Toyota realizes people's expectations of trucks and SUV's have changed over the years. Most people don't wanna take their brand new vehicle off road and risk damaging the paint/body etc.

 

How about 90% of all 4Runners? Probably more like 95%.

 

Anything from 1996 and up is not as good as the previous years. they made them lighter to try and save fuel consumption. and for pedstrian safety. if you hit someone, they are more likely to survive if you have a vehicle 1996 and up because of the material the vehicle are made of.

 

Check with Budbuilt.
He is a member here too.
http://www.budbuilt.com/new/

https://www.yotatech.com/members/2959.html

 

You could maybe make one yourself or have one custom fabricated for you. I'm not sure what a 4th gen's skid plate looks like, but the stock metal one that came on my 2nd gen 4runner SR5 is pretty simple, basically just a plate of metal with holes in it so debris doesn't get stuck up there that bolts on if I remember correctly.

 

If you go to different websites you can see that people do. I have an 06 4x4 v8 , I go every where i can with it . some others do too. a lot of people don"t want to take any new vehicle off road , including the many TRD sport and off road packages on the Tacoma or any other type of vehicle. we are a rare and dying breed. I have plenty of pinstripes and under carnage on my 4R and love. If I could afford it I would have a nice Taco DC SB Sport 4x4 , an FJ , and my 06 4R all tricked out in my garage , All though I would end up single after that .......lol. Just need to find a new wife then ..........

 

i know im not in that 95%, i go where my/runners limitations let me