I have a question about aftermarket skid plates. I searched the forum for an answer however could not find what I was looking for. I am going to eventually purchase some skid plates for my 2002 4runner (Skid row or budbuilt). However, my question is can I use Toyota factory springs with that additional weight? I have been told yes and no. I would like to keep the factory springs or upgrade to a set of 99 coils. Really not interested in using OME or TRD coils right now. That might be an upgrade a few years down the road. If you do run the aftermarket skid plates on stock springs how has it affected the coil or ride? Thank you for the help.

 

How thick of a skid plate do you plan on running? Even 3/16th aluminum wont affect your ride any more than your 250lb buddy.

 

This skid plates I am looking at use 3/16" steel.

 

Get budbuilts, no questins asked, buds a great guy, great product. they are hefty, but def less that 150# for the set. so worth it though

 

Yes, those plates with your factory springs wont affect anything except add better protection. You *may* discover a very slight drop- 1/16"~ over time. No difference in ride.

Your question/concern is like asking if dual batteries will alter handling...the answer is no. Think of it like this: The weight your adding is like a 3 year old child riding on your hood....or an adult in your passenger seat.

Also, Skid Row plates are as nice as Bud Built. You'd be happy with either one.

 

Thanks for the information Rocket. That is exactly what I was looking for.

 

Try your own diamond plate, cheap , not heavy, and ya bash it up, make n other.
R Lee says do it.



like this.

 

I am not a 4x4 guy, so I may be way off, but I would run an aluminum skid plate myself. 3/16 steel is pretty hardcore for a skid plate in my opinion.

 

3/16 of an inch is all that is protecting that rock from bashing my IFS compents...I'd say its not that hardcore to run at all.

Budbuilts are awesome, as I have them under my rig

 

3/16 is not bad, at least its something. Live axles have nothing so to speak.

 

I have come across 3/32 (2.2mm) steel plate for a good price, was thinking of making something out of that, but might be on the flimsy side?
How thick are the stock skid plate? Mine came without....

Teuf, what gauge is your diamond plate?

 

Last i remember 3∕16, i installed in 96-97, I'll look in am.

 

im planning on putting a bud built skid plate on my 1988 runner but am unable to do so because its no longer on the website.... was wondering what the best alternative would be. or if its just a current website problem.
semper fi

 

remember that skid plates are supposed to bend and tweak if you hit something, if the skid is too thick all the force gets transferred to your frame or whatever else it's mounted to

 

not thick enough for a real pounding

I had to reinforce mine for them to not bend bad

call up bud, he will still make them and is a very nice guy