Well, I figured I would try my hand at a skid plate for the gas tank and here's the result. I gotta thank Brad for the inspiration. It's 3/16" and weighs in at a hefty 30 lbs. My only concern at this point is the rear OEM mounts that I retained. They are only 12 mm and I'm concerned about the load on them. I could always fab an additional mount for the rear at a later date. I did replace the forward 12 mm with 14 mm Grade 8 hardware. I did use the medium stength Loctite for all bolts. Always a learning experience and when I do my wife's ('95 Runner) there's some changes I will make. My next skid for the Taco will be for the transfer case. Stay tuned. Any criticism would be helpful.






In this shot you can see the two Grade 8 bolts that replaced the stock 12mm ones.

 

Looks reallly good. Did you reinforce the vertical portions as well, or just leave them alone? Good work.

 

That looks really good! Don't know about the paint; looks like the color a sponger would use!



















J/K Looks really good. I am taking a welding class right now so that I can do some of the same stuff. Oh, and build up my trailer.

 

Did you make only 1??

 

nice job, many props for doing it yourself

 

looks nice!

i bought a used one here on yt because mine is SO messed up

i plan to have a buddy brace it for me

this is a step up!

 

I put gussets behind the front vertical only. Thanks.

 

Andy --how did you get it bent??? and you only made one?????

On another note...you rear leaves look bad...overload is all bent up

 

Yeah - the pictures are deceiving. It's more like a FabTech blue than what it appears to be - NEON Blue!

I hear you on the trailer. I just added a large ammo can in front of the gas tanks and am working on a custom trailer jack as well.

I did but would be willing to make more provided there was a need. When I fab the one for my wife's Runner I'll let you know and can make you one at the same time. The Runner will be way easier than the Taco. The six mounting points can easily be upgraded to accept Grade 8 hardware. I didn't get anything bent. I welded addtional 3/16 plates to the front.

 

That looks awesome, Andy!

X2 on what Marc said. Those stockers seriously look like they're on their way out. When you get some more travel out of the rear I wouldn't be surprised if you had to do a little grinding to clear your driveshaft.

 

Slick looking skid! If only there was a way to keep it from catching soooo much mud up top.

That skid gains 5 pounds worth of mud every outing.

 

I think the overload is bent backwards liek that on the Tacos.

 

Yeah, that's exactly what's what. Plus I was on uneven ground and the right rear tire was flexing upwards. That's not to say that I still don't need some new leaves. I would like to do the flip kit at the same time. Ryan..............

 

I need to get one of those for my gas tank evenually, I put another dent in the front of it at Super 9.

 

looks good and stout!!! not a fan of the paint tho....
Keep up the good work.

 

Andy lives in Ocean Beach...you wouldnt understand

 

Does Mikey even understand? hahaha

 

Try not to mistake FabTech blue for Hippie blue. The only thing Mikey understands at this point is that Antibiotics work. Nothing like losing 12 lbs from a freakin virus.

 

Hey, if I didn't have some other truck crap spring up on me, I'd be selling you my old setup!