Don’t go out Unprotected – Tacoma Skid Plates
In my last post, I went over installing a new Steering Rack in my Tacoma. What I didn’t mention was that I had to remove the front skid plate. The Budbuilt Tacoma Skid Plate kit with a IFS skid, belly pan and rear cross member were installed right before I left for Alaska in the spring of 2012. Since that time, I have driven across the country twice, off-roading along the way, driven countless trails on hunting and fishing trips, and generally put the skids to the test on a regular basis.
BudBuilt three piece Tacoma skid plate kit. Worth every penny.
RESULTS
As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Here is the IFS front skid with dents and scratches. It had a pretty black paint job when I installed it under the truck. While I was under the truck, I inspected the belly pan and it held even more dents. The three piece skid plate kit from BudBuilt has been a huge asset to the truck, protecting the vital parts under the truck.
Many miles from anywhere in Alaska is not the time to wish you had full protection under your truck
Driving on soft soil in Montana, the Tacoma slid into a ditch and came to rest on my front skid plate.
(OK, so I was watching a mule deer buck and not paying attention)
While on a deer hunt, I missed the road and sunk the Tacoma in the swamp. I winched the truck out, dragging it out on the belly pan.
While some add-ons to our trucks may give it a cool look, the best off-road additions often go unnoticed, but are worth every penny. I would suggest that anyone who even thinks they would like to run the road less traveled spend a few bucks protecting the underside of the truck, helping you return home for another adventure.
Learn more about my 95 Toyota Tacoma
