Skid Plates or New Bumper

Giddens2k · 12-25-2006, 08:34 PM

Just wondering which would be best to get next. Skid plates or New bumper. I did not get the Toyota Skids when I bought my FJ so my underside is naked. How important are they and which should I get next, Skids or New Bumper?...Any thoughts

tuqk4u · 12-25-2006, 08:40 PM

I wondered the same thing. I decided that I would do some mild off road stuff and maybe a little more. So I am starting out with protecting from the bottom up using the MAF Rockers and Skid Plates. Next on upgrading the upper and lower control arms. What I've been doing is scouring the threads trying to identify the FJ's weak points and then make plans to supplant the OEM with custom materials. One thing to think about is shipping costs. Some of the custom market guys are on the west coast, so shipping out to the east is really outrageous. My two and half cents...

thedude · 12-25-2006, 08:40 PM

well i just got the budbuilt skid plate for Christmas and these things are beefy. I havent installed them yet but they are solid, and i would recommend them to anyone because theres a lot of vulnerable area under the truck. Just so you know i bought these before i'm going to buy my new bumper.

**Air2air** · 12-25-2006, 08:47 PM

Hi Giddens - great avatar. I have come a lot closer to tearing off one of the bumpers on an obstacle than banging something on the underside. I may even get a rear bumper before I get skids, because my factory plastic one isn't looking too healthy. Backed up onto rocks a couple too many times. Then when you come forward the rock decides to catch on your plastic bumper.

I'm finding my Expedition One bumper to be great for the lights (and the winch as well) but that wasn't really the point of your question. Hope this helps!

MoSun · 12-25-2006, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Giddens2k previously said:

Just wondering which would be best to get next. Skid plates or New bumper. I did not get the Toyota Skids when I bought my FJ so my underside is naked. How important are they and which should I get next, Skids or New Bumper?...Any thoughts

Since you posted in the Interior / Exterior Visual Tech I say your mind is already made up. Buy the bumper.

Deep S.TX FJ · 12-25-2006, 09:05 PM

The bumper. And when you do get skids, I wouldn't go with the Toyo front. Mine bent pretty badly on something I thought it shouldn't have. I'll be going for something sturdier soon.

Giddens2k · 12-25-2006, 09:53 PM

Thanks for the feedback guys. ATM it seems like a 50/50 split. All opions make a valled piont. Cool video AirZair. How fast were you going?

gsgmac · 12-25-2006, 10:04 PM

G2K,

Assuming you will only do one of these before Jambo...I would suggest the the bumper and a winch. Skids are great and protect the vehicle, but the winch will help you out of a dicey situation. The improved approach angle is so much better than the stock Tupperware.

Graham

tisilverFJ · 12-25-2006, 11:10 PM

If you don't already have a lift kit/bigger tires I would go with skidplates first. This will save you from damaging vital parts. Your front and rear bumpers may hit but won't keep you from making it to the end of the trail.

All skid plates are made strong just pick which design you like best.
Complete skid plates comparison

Giddens2k · 12-26-2006, 08:39 AM

My FJ will be lifted in the next couple of weeks. So with that in mind soulnd like a bumper should be my next mod. Thanks guys