The Next Step in the 2013 Toyota Tacoma Build – BudBuilt Skid Plates
I just don’t feel comfortable going out unprotected. So to protect myself and my Tacoma, I installed some protection in the form of a set of BudBuilt skid plates.
Sure, adding skid plates will not increase the mall parking lot WOW factor when you park the truck next to the cool kids black coal smoke roll’n full-size monster trucks, but out on the trail when the skid plate drags over that rock you forgot was there instead of putting a hole in your transmission, that’s the big win I’m after.
Because the truck is more along the lines of an overland type build and not a hard core rock crawler, we choose to go with the BudBuilt 1/8 inch steel skids to safe weight while still gaining the protection.
BudBuilt supplies all the hardware for the install in easy to ID packages, which makes matching the hardware with the plates extremely easy.
The set of BudBuilt skids I had on the old Tacoma worked so well, that when it came time to add a set on the 2013 Tacoma, I went straight to Bud and got another set. Unfortunately the 4 piece kit sat in the garage for a few weeks waiting for the weather to warm so I could give them a coat of paint before the install. Finally I had some paint on the metal and I was ready to bolt them up.
By the damage already on the stock skid, It was easy to see this was going to be a worthwhile upgrade.
Once on the lift, and the old skid removed. The new plates and crossbar easily bolted on.
Because working on a lift is so much easier than installing the BudBuilt skids while laying on the driveway, I enlisted some help from Vince at Forge Specialties in Fredericksburg VA. We touched 
up the paint, laid out the hardware that was nicely packaged in labeled baggies and went to bolting on the skids beginning in the front and working toward the back. The install went way too easy and we kept waiting for the hole that would not line up or something not to fit, but it never happened. Once we had it loosely bolted in place, we ate a few slices of pizza then tighten the bolts and were done. If it wasn’t for the pizza break and the taking of photographs, the job would have taken about an hour.
I gotta give to those guys as BudBuilt, They designed and produce a product that fits correctly and is easy to install. Most importantly the Tacoma is now protected.
All bolted on and ready to hit the trail.
Sidenote: After a few days of driving, I did notice that my exhaust cross pipe did touch the skid and made a slight rattle. The rattle was easily fixed by adding a shim between the cross bar and the frame. I think maybe I should have installed the skids a little sooner, as I believe the reason for the skid touching the exhaust just might be from some trail marks and dents I found on exhaust pipe.
The Tacoma may not look any different, but I feel a lot better knowing my underside is protected. Next up is the suspension and tires.
Check out what all we’ve done to the Tacoma so far
