After several opportunities to remove the gravel guard (skid plate) on my '99 Runner -- SC installation, sway bars, even to change the oil -- it seems to me that a custom steel guard could be made that would be a little more user-friendly and esthetically appealing.

I was introduced to a guy who laser-cuts and bends steel, and was wondering if there is enough interest out there for custom, heavy-duty steel skid plates for 3rd gen Runners to warrant commissioning this guy to whip off a few.

Conversely, if this has already been done, I'd like to know so we don't reinvent the wheel. I have no idea of cost, but judging by the high cost of the Jaos, I can't help but think a simple, heavy-duty steel plate could be bent and powder-coated for a lot less.

-- Don

 

Didn't Mike(Extremeoffroad) just release a 3rd Gen plate?

 

Mea culpa.

I was asleep at the wheel. I suddenly remembered this "great idea" for a custom skid plate, whipped off a quick post about it to measure interest ...

and THEN decided to do a quick search. Duh.

So, in the inimitable words of Emily Litella, "Never mind ..."

Actually, in my feeble defense, the skid plate that Mike's designing leaves an area of concern unprotected, that being the hoses for the tranny cooler that run low across the corner of the radiator. They barely fit under the stock skid plate, and I thought a custom guard might protect this area from incursions. Just a thought.

Maybe -- just maybe -- next time I'll search BEFORE I post my brilliant thoughts.

But I doubt it.

-- Don

 

Don, bring that point up to Azrain & Mike who are working on the prototype one.

I'm sure that area can be protected, as they are still working out the bugs on the 3rd gen design.

I can't wait to see the 2nd gen design they come up with.