Thank you for commenting on MPG. There are many that talk about steel heavier than aluminum, but there is a serious lack of measured data on the real difference.
Lol I felt that closing statement. That's why i appreciate this channel. I don't have unlimited money and you help me research what best to put on my rig to avoid wasting it.
On my TRD Pro, that gas tank skid is pathetic. It got destroyed after three easy/moderate runs. Aluminum tends to stick on rocks whereas steel slides. Hefty Fabworks makes great aluminum skids. They gusset the crap out of them. I'm surprised that you didn't go into the temperature differentials for the transmission and front transfer case. Also, another issue with skids is mud. Mud is corrosive and can cause parts that spin to fail if not cleaned on a regular basis. Skids trap mud. Even "easy" trails have their perils. Tall grass conceals BIG rocks. And yes, aerodynamics with the undercarriage is important and often overlooked.
It kind of depends on what you are doing. Many stock skids are more designed for bouncing gravel or a driveway scrape and often help with aerodynamics for mpg benefits. Aluminum is a happy medium if you don't see rocks too often but occasionally might catch something big. People that doing rocky trails often mangle aluminum skids fairly quickly. I opted for steel because they are a little heavier but are much more durable and cheaper than aluminum. Many people I know with aluminum are fine with them getting bent and then they will replace it. They prefer that approach to save the weight. I'd rather save the money and I think it helps to bring the center of gravity down of the truck a bit. It depends on the trails, budget, and protection wanted...etc.
@@OverlandEngineer thanks for a quick response. I think mine is steal (but need to doublecheck it). I believe only TRD pro is aluminum stock for 4Runners. Will do some research if I really want to replace a stock front skid or it’s enough for me. Thank you!
@@VladimirGolev Yep! I guess too, I am referring to aftermarket skids that are aluminum and steel. They are typically thicker than the OEM skids. The aluminum skid on the TRD Pros is slick but just not very big...
Haha, yeah…I could do most stuff in Minnesota without skids. I go on trips I just don’t typically film them. I don’t feel I can film them well where they are enjoyable to watch but I may try to this fall. “OVLDENG” is 20% OnXOffroad. Use that to find trails but there isn’t much here…Wisconsin and Michigan have stuff too
I have C4 skids on my runner. I put a different bumper on and have to add a skid for it. I think that will help my mpg. I also plan to add the gas tank skid but haven't yet. I've got a ton of things I've bought but haven't put on. Maybe in the fall. It's too hot right now.
Aluminum sliders?? Ive never seen aluminum sliders then again i have a Nissan frontier so the aftermarket options are slim for me but id always go for steel sliders because ive had the entire weight of my truck resting on my sliders.
The stock skids are not as bad as you portrayed them. The oem gas tank skid is actually pretty good. I accidentally lifted the 4runner using the stock oem gas tank skid and all i got is a small indentation.
Not all weight is the same. When it comes to the actual physics of weight and how it affects body roll, there is a massive difference between adding 300lbs of weight to your roof versus adding 300lbs of steel to the bottom of your frame. Many would argue that the least important location to worry about adding additional weight (when it comes to safety during high body roll) is the bottom of your frame especially when your running 35’s and putting heavy overland items like rtts and cargo boxes on your roof. From a safety aspect, counterweighting heavy rooftops with steel armor makes scientific sense, some might argue. Aluminum will also dent on impact creating pock marks that cause you to get stuck and high centered virtually contributing to your troubles in rock crawling or other big obstacle situations. Steel slides over surfaces while aluminum could never support the full weight of a rig and this is a real liability in situations where you need to slide over obstacles, going aluminum could end up being the reason your stranded high centered on an obstacle. I personally would never recommend aluminum to my partners in any situation because imo if there is anywhere you shouldn’t worry about adding weight to your fully modified overland rig it is under the wheels, infact if you are loading up your roof then I would argue adding counterweight steel skids your only improving center of gravity. Sure driveline components endure more abuse no matter where weight is added but from a body roll and true armor prospective aluminum is 100% gimmick and actually more of a liability than steel “armor”
Thank you for commenting on MPG. There are many that talk about steel heavier than aluminum, but there is a serious lack of measured data on the real difference.
Lol I felt that closing statement. That's why i appreciate this channel. I don't have unlimited money and you help me research what best to put on my rig to avoid wasting it.
Great points and as you said it all depends on the type of off-roading you like to do. Everyone makes their own choice. Steel for me.
On my TRD Pro, that gas tank skid is pathetic. It got destroyed after three easy/moderate runs. Aluminum tends to stick on rocks whereas steel slides. Hefty Fabworks makes great aluminum skids. They gusset the crap out of them.
I'm surprised that you didn't go into the temperature differentials for the transmission and front transfer case. Also, another issue with skids is mud. Mud is corrosive and can cause parts that spin to fail if not cleaned on a regular basis. Skids trap mud.
Even "easy" trails have their perils. Tall grass conceals BIG rocks.
And yes, aerodynamics with the undercarriage is important and often overlooked.
I forgot to mention, Zach, you brought up some GREAT points. Thans.
Hey. Great video. What was the point and thought process for you to replace a stock front skid plate? Is it much worse than c4?
It kind of depends on what you are doing. Many stock skids are more designed for bouncing gravel or a driveway scrape and often help with aerodynamics for mpg benefits. Aluminum is a happy medium if you don't see rocks too often but occasionally might catch something big. People that doing rocky trails often mangle aluminum skids fairly quickly. I opted for steel because they are a little heavier but are much more durable and cheaper than aluminum. Many people I know with aluminum are fine with them getting bent and then they will replace it. They prefer that approach to save the weight. I'd rather save the money and I think it helps to bring the center of gravity down of the truck a bit. It depends on the trails, budget, and protection wanted...etc.
@@OverlandEngineer thanks for a quick response. I think mine is steal (but need to doublecheck it). I believe only TRD pro is aluminum stock for 4Runners. Will do some research if I really want to replace a stock front skid or it’s enough for me. Thank you!
@@VladimirGolev Yep! I guess too, I am referring to aftermarket skids that are aluminum and steel. They are typically thicker than the OEM skids. The aluminum skid on the TRD Pros is slick but just not very big...
Bro your trixed out already! I wanna see what it can do... so hurry & go on some overland trip in Minnesota! I want to see if there's anything here.
Haha, yeah…I could do most stuff in Minnesota without skids. I go on trips I just don’t typically film them. I don’t feel I can film them well where they are enjoyable to watch but I may try to this fall. “OVLDENG” is 20% OnXOffroad. Use that to find trails but there isn’t much here…Wisconsin and Michigan have stuff too
That gas skid needs drainage holes.....
Drill your own
Love the paw prints on the fuel tank skid.
I have C4 skids on my runner. I put a different bumper on and have to add a skid for it. I think that will help my mpg. I also plan to add the gas tank skid but haven't yet. I've got a ton of things I've bought but haven't put on. Maybe in the fall. It's too hot right now.
Aluminum sliders?? Ive never seen aluminum sliders then again i have a Nissan frontier so the aftermarket options are slim for me but id always go for steel sliders because ive had the entire weight of my truck resting on my sliders.
how many inches lift is on this vehicle?
The stock skids are not as bad as you portrayed them. The oem gas tank skid is actually pretty good. I accidentally lifted the 4runner using the stock oem gas tank skid and all i got is a small indentation.
While one can't always count on luck. Luck certainly counts!
Not all weight is the same. When it comes to the actual physics of weight and how it affects body roll, there is a massive difference between adding 300lbs of weight to your roof versus adding 300lbs of steel to the bottom of your frame. Many would argue that the least important location to worry about adding additional weight (when it comes to safety during high body roll) is the bottom of your frame especially when your running 35’s and putting heavy overland items like rtts and cargo boxes on your roof. From a safety aspect, counterweighting heavy rooftops with steel armor makes scientific sense, some might argue. Aluminum will also dent on impact creating pock marks that cause you to get stuck and high centered virtually contributing to your troubles in rock crawling or other big obstacle situations. Steel slides over surfaces while aluminum could never support the full weight of a rig and this is a real liability in situations where you need to slide over obstacles, going aluminum could end up being the reason your stranded high centered on an obstacle. I personally would never recommend aluminum to my partners in any situation because imo if there is anywhere you shouldn’t worry about adding weight to your fully modified overland rig it is under the wheels, infact if you are loading up your roof then I would argue adding counterweight steel skids your only improving center of gravity. Sure driveline components endure more abuse no matter where weight is added but from a body roll and true armor prospective aluminum is 100% gimmick and actually more of a liability than steel “armor”
I PUT THE SAME SKIDS ON MY 21PRO AND MY GAS MILEAGE WENT UP. I THOUGHT FOR SURE IT WOULD GO DOWN WITH WEIGHT
You’re like the 5th person who has confirmed this!