2107 4Runner pro skid plate FAIL

[Paw]

Guess I won't be replacing this with the same OEM 1/4" aluminum Skid plate. It did take more than one good hit, but to break at the weld, I'm thinking bad weld maybe?? Took the 4Runner through it's torture test at Hollister Hills obstacle course for those in CA that know it. Preformed much better than I thought it would, took to the mud and hill climbs like it was born to do it. Close runner up to my last jeep, but more comfortable. One thing I need to get used to is the longer wheel base, coming from a 2 door rubicon and the easy at which it can maneuver on tight trails.

I will be adding a 2" lift for a bit more clearance also.

Only no stock part are the 265/17 Duratrac tires which in my opinion are incredible off road and in snow.
I welcome all comments and suggestions as to after market skids, heading in the direction of RCI

 

[Tex68w]

The tear along the seam and is interesting. Do you recall the obstacle or impact that caused that damage? At the end of the day it did its job, but I agree that I expected better. I'd look into a full underbelly skid system. We ran BudBuilt on our last 4Runner and I was extremely happy.

 

[Justin Forrest]

Aluminum is kind of brittle that way, the weld will always be the weakest part. Go steel if you plan on taking those kind of hits in the future. Rci, pelfrey, metal tech can't really go wrong.

 

[Tex68w]

Im guessing 2107 models are inferior to 2017 models? Ninety years to improve and innovate, what a shame. LOL

 

[Paw]

The tear along the seam and is interesting. Do you recall the obstacle or impact that caused that damage? At the end of the day it did its job, but I agree that I expected better. I'd look into a full underbelly skid system. We ran BudBuilt on our last 4Runner and I was extremely happy.

Krawling over a rise out of the mud, as I came down (slowly) I felt the hit, it took several throughout the day, and yes served its purpose well. I doubt that it really a high quality (alloy) aluminum, but I'd break if I got hit in just the right place too.

 

[Murphy Slaw]

Ouch !