05+ Tacoma Skid Plates From Budbuilt!

[TACODOC]

Budbuilt now has full skid plate sets available for 2005 and up Tacomas! :wings:

http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum/showthread.php?t=88830

[Willman]

What are waiting for???


Do it!!!

Bud does great work!

:)

[TACODOC]

What are waiting for???


Do it!!!

Bud does great work!

:)

One project at a time amigo! :costumed-smiley-007


... :box:

[Sgt Grunt]

Doc,

I thought you were all built out??? It never ends!!! At least that's what my wife always tells me... :)

[Overland Hadley]

Nice.

On my list it goes (although it is a ways down the list).

[Overland Hadley]

One project at a time amigo! :costumed-smiley-007


... :box:


How is that rear bumper coming along?

[TACODOC]

How is that rear bumper coming along?

Delivery is slated for around the 10th of January... my stock bumper is already sold!

[Willman]

One project at a time amigo! :costumed-smiley-007


... :box:


come on!!!

Gotta multi task!

Really not much to those......bolt up with maybe a little welding & Drilling.

:)

[TACODOC]

come on!!!

Gotta multi task!

Really not much to those......bolt up with maybe a little welding & Drilling.

:)

Dude, you have NO IDEA how many boxes, doo-dads, and widgets are out in the garage waiting in line to be installed right now. I am buried and lovin' it!

That's how I roll! :shakin:

[Willman]

Dude, you have NO IDEA how many boxes, doo-dads, and widgets are out in the garage waiting in line to be installed right now. I am buried and lovin' it!

That's how I roll! :shakin:

Right on!!!!

sounds like you need help!

Keep us posted on all the sweet mods on your cool rig!

:)

[Overland Hadley]

Delivery is slated for around the 10th of January... my stock bumper is already sold!

Can't wait to see it!

[p1michaud]

Budbuilt now has full skid plate sets available for 2005 and up Tacomas! :wings:

http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum/showthread.php?t=88830

If you are even contemplating skid plates, my vote goes to the Budbuilt units! I was wiling to put their sticker on my rig after the install. Very well built product and I'd definately recommend them. There were some minor quirks that I changed read here for more information: BudBUilt Skids on my 2002 4Runner (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5325).

Cheers,
P

[TACODOC]

Cool.

He is also making a REAL gas tank skid plate. Good timing since I noticed my OE plastic gas tank skid is split in one spot, most likely from the ExPo Coyote Creek adventure... :smilies27

[nvprospector]

Here is one of the front skid plate and some of the belly pan. When he sent this email to me on 12/21 he had not test mounted the gas tank skid. We have seen the skid plates sooner but his place was broken into on 12/18. Good thing that only took the money out of the vending machine and not his '08 FJ.

13346

[Streakerfreak]

SWEET:exclaim:

[Jacket]

Boy - this has been a long time coming.....great news though.

[TACODOC]

Boy - this has been a long time coming.....great news though.

That's for sure. I would like to see full pics of each section, I dont like to buy sight unseen.

My underside has taken a beating without real skids, I hope to have a set of skids by summer...

[nvprospector]

I would like to see full pics of each section, I dont like to buy sight unseen.

He told me he should have full images up like he does for the FJ in about another week maybe less. I hope this is true since we all know how quickly he updates his web site.

[heeltoe989]

Hopefully the bud built skid plates work with some of you guys that have ARB Bumpers. Nice looking skid plate. Seems kinda heavy at 200lbs for a double cab. Granted they are bomb proof. Not a bad price either. My aluminum skids were about 100 bucks more.

I don't like the way they have done the gas tank skid plate by using straps. It should go back to the frame or cross members of the truck to protect the tank from being pushed on or around. When we made the gas tank skid for mine we welded 2 threaded steel plates onto certain cross members of the truck (2 on cross members and 2 bolts holding the skid to the frame.) Then bolted the skid plate in 4 places to the truck. that way if the tank gets hit, weight is transfered into the trucks frame cross members and not right onto the tank.

I've attached a couple of pictures for an example. This is the drivers side back wheel mount. The front mount gets bolted the frame. The other side of the skid is very similar the the back wheel mount except they get bolted into the threaded plates that are welded to the cross members.

A couple other pictures looking back from the front. The other is at the back of the transfer case. We built a box around the back of the t-case the protect the 4x4 actuator.

[TACODOC]

heeltoe, your skids are simply awesome.

If Budbuilt's steel skids are 200 lbs... how much does your aluminum setup weigh???

In my case, weight is becoming an issue so I am looking hard at each pound I add.

[heeltoe989]

heeltoe, your skids are simply awesome.

If Budbuilt's steel skids are 200 lbs... how much does your aluminum setup weigh???

In my case, weight is becoming an issue so I am looking hard at each pound I add.

Guessing. My front full skid is about 60lbs and my back gas tank is about 25lbs. their both very easy to remove and easy to handle when there not on the truck.
the front skid comes off with 8 bolts and a floor jack to pull it out from under the truck then pick it up and place it somewhere. the gas tank is a little harder just unbolt and wiggle it down and its out.

It was the main reason I went with aluminum. Light weight and tough. I got 1/4 - 5051 Aluminum from a metal suppler. Then a a couple of friends Kevin & Ian from HRT Offroad helped me put my idea together. Ian cut & welded it together. The work that Ian does is art. Incredible TIG welding on everything.

Its taken a few really good knocks and hasn't looked back.

[nvprospector]

It just came in :wings:

15661

[Streakerfreak]

It just came in :wings:

15661

Looks good:26_7_2: Post some pics when you get it on.

[Overland Hadley]

It just came in :wings:



Take some pictures of the install. I am interested in how it fits, and what your thoughts are on it, as I will be buying skid plates in the future.

Thanks.

[nvprospector]

No promblem. Hopefully I will be installing it in the morning after I get off from work. Would it stall it now but I can't even walk outside. We have this nasty windstorm happening with wind speeds of 45 mph with gusting up to 61 mph. HMMMM Maybe I will go fly a kit.

[nvprospector]

Tools Needed:

3/8 Ratchet
10mm socket
14mm socket
Floor jack
Long piece of 2x4
Short piece of 2x4

Total Time: Around 30 min

The item to install

http://lh6.google.com/nvprospector/R7uBmj3oMJI/AAAAAAAAA_M/IHzWe3MyMa4/s800/IMG_0227.JPG


The skid plate comes with two carriage bolts, washers and nuts.

http://lh4.google.com/nvprospector/R7t7xD3oMDI/AAAAAAAAA-E/YpZPe9zD7T4/s800/IMG_0239.JPG

Now, let the fun begin

Using the 10mm socket remove the 4 nuts holding the scuff plate to the fuel tank.

http://lh5.google.com/nvprospector/R7t7XT3oL7I/AAAAAAAAA9A/1ra_jk5_jGY/s800/IMG_0228.JPG


Here is a side by side of the new skid plate and the scuff plate. The new plate provides protection for the fuel lines that are located in the front of the tank.

http://lh4.google.com/nvprospector/R7t7tD3oMCI/AAAAAAAAA98/Jx1WKuwytEo/s800/IMG_0238.JPG

The naked gas tank. This is also a good time to clean all of those little places that mud and other items like to hide.

http://lh4.google.com/nvprospector/R7t7aD3oL8I/AAAAAAAAA9I/obK_X_gao3M/s800/IMG_0229.JPG

http://lh5.google.com/nvprospector/R7t7dT3oL9I/AAAAAAAAA9Q/bu0Y3Li15nA/s800/IMG_0230.JPG

Using a floor jack and a long piece of 2x4, lift the skid plate into position lining up the original studs along the way. Snug down, but don't tighten the front two nuts.


http://lh6.google.com/nvprospector/R7t7zj3oMEI/AAAAAAAAA-M/Ud1KRqUGo9o/s800/IMG_0242.JPG


Using a smaller block of wood rise the rear of the skid plate and snug down the rear nuts.

http://lh5.google.com/nvprospector/R7t72T3oMFI/AAAAAAAAA-U/N4PLQHO95BM/s800/IMG_0243.JPG

[nvprospector]

The provided washer go on the inside of the chassis cross support that is located in front of the gas tank.

http://lh5.google.com/nvprospector/R7t75T3oMGI/AAAAAAAAA-c/Lp_tHBDtN-A/s800/IMG_0244.JPG


Using a small piece of wood on the floor jack on the inside corner of the skid plate lift the front of the skid plate to the cross member.

http://lh6.google.com/nvprospector/R7t77j3oMHI/AAAAAAAAA-k/LopsCm-hL-4/s800/IMG_0246.JPG

Insert the carriage bolt and tighten down the nut using the 14mm socket. Lower the jack and insert the other carriage bolt and tighten down the nut. Now to finish, tighten all six nuts and we are done.

http://lh5.google.com/nvprospector/R7t7-T3oMII/AAAAAAAAA-s/9fqE5Vu7JJE/s800/IMG_0247.JPG

[Overland Hadley]

Looks good!

Is there any worry with hanging a big heavy thing like that from the same place that was made for a little plastic cover? I would assume not, but was not sure.

And as Heeltoe989 pointed out, if it takes a hard hit does it just push up on the gas tank?

Can you post a picture of the back edge of the skid once installed?

Thanks for the write-up and pictures.

[grouch]

That looks really nice. MMMM tax refund truck gift???

[nvprospector]

Looks good!

Is there any worry with hanging a big heavy thing like that from the same place that was made for a little plastic cover? I would assume not, but was not sure.

Not really an issue with hanging it on the tanks banding. The banding for the fuel tank is robust enough to support the weight of 32#. With a solid flat surface on the bottom of the tank, the tank does not bulge down and flex as much. The flexing and bulging of the tank will do more damage to the banding over time than the addition of weight. If you remove the scuff plate you will see what I mean by flexing and bulging. With a full tank, the scuff plate studs are flexed out from the center of the tank do to the weight of the fuel. With the skid plate the tank remains flat.



And as Heeltoe989 pointed out, if it takes a hard hit does it just push up on the gas tank?

My 1985 4-runner had mounted, from the factory, its metal skid plate the same way without ever a issue. Even when I did mount a huge hunk of metal in place of the factory plate.

This was a test that I did not plan or want to happen. I had the back of taco in the air and was removing jack stands. I had a smaller 4 ton stand under the truck and when I released the floor jack, because I like watching things bounce, the jack stand was under the fuel tank. I will say this, it supported the entire weight of the taco without a issue when it slammed down. So to answer your question, no it does not push up the tank on a hard hit.


Can you post a picture of the back edge of the skid once installed?

Sure. Sorry about the angle, it was starting to rain and I melt in the rain.

http://lh6.google.com/nvprospector/R7zUDT3oMKI/AAAAAAAABAA/ikHLC0hNT0E/s800/IMG_0248.JPG

[HMR]

Thanks for the write-up!

Skids are my next mod. I'm tired of seeing this:
http://wileyp.smugmug.com/photos/252608584_HfYjD-L.jpg

[nvprospector]

Thanks for the write-up!

Skids are my next mod. I'm tired of seeing this:
http://wileyp.smugmug.com/photos/252608584_HfYjD-L.jpg

OUCH

[timmer2008]

I mounted a set of bud builts on my 08 tacoma tonight and the t case or tranny skid seems to be rubbing on the stock exhaust pipe even after I installed the spacer that comes with the set.

I didnt have time to crawl back under there but something was rumbling when I started the truck up to move it back into the garage. it didnt go away at idle but it got much quieter.

I shot an e mail off to bud just now.

any thoughts.

timmer

[Schattenjager]

Keep us posted on your find. I was just considering this and was sad to learn what you discovered.

Also, let us know how bud responds.

Good Luck & BTW - WELCOME TO EXPO!!!

:victory:

[Jacket]

I mounted a set of bud builts on my 08 tacoma tonight and the t case or tranny skid seems to be rubbing on the stock exhaust pipe even after I installed the spacer that comes with the set.

I didnt have time to crawl back under there but something was rumbling when I started the truck up to move it back into the garage. it didnt go away at idle but it got much quieter.

I shot an e mail off to bud just now.

any thoughts.

timmer

I assume you mean at the exhaust crossover just behind the crossmember.

I've got about 1/4" to 1/2" of clearance between the trans skid and the exhaust. In your case, can you actually see the metal to metal contact? My bolts have come loose a few times, causing the skids to rattle a bit. But I don't have any contact with the exhaust.

[timmer2008]

got an e mail back quick from bud and he instructed me to look at the area where the Y pipe crosses the new crossmember for the t-case /tranny skid that I could perhaps find contact there but he didnt expect contact at the cross over exhaust pipe.

well I checked and yes I did indeed have slight metal to metal contact on the cross over pipe so I tossed a 3/16 square washer in between the provided spacer and the cross member and ran a feeler between there and found that I had just a wee bit more than an 1/8 clearance. so I guess I could of shimmed it 1/8 and been fine.

I then checked at the new t Case skid crossmember and I did find that I indeed did have contact there as well. He assured me that The guys at Budbuilt were fabbing up a new cross member that was a bit lower and that he would send it out right away FOC.

after installing the shims and tank skid and retourqued everything up once again I started the truck and found the the rumble I had experianced at start up had been totally resolved. However the low rumble that I had experianced when I hit the trottle remained.

Bud Was right on about the cross member rumble and encouraged me to do some shimming which worked out fine. It seems this problem has popped up reciently on the late model tacomas sporting stock exhaust pipes.

personally I wouldn't let a few minor fitment issues of mine dissuade you for strongly considering Budbuilt skid for your vehicle

Incidentally Mine is an 08 Tacoma OC (TRD OFF ROAD) TO 4x4 access cab

timmer

[timmer2008]

well BudBUilt sent a new crossmember for the tranny-t case skid on the 17th and it should be here tomorrowthe 22nd .

timmer

[Schattenjager]

Thanks for the followup! I will be curious to see any photos you may have on the fixes!

It irks me a little to pay a premium price for premium stuff to only have to fix it before I can use it. I know too well how the real world is and I accept it, but lately, I have been faced with a lot of mediocrity sold as superiority. We are expected to just take it and move on whereas only 400 short years ago...
:elkgrin:

[timmer2008]

Thanks for the followup! I will be curious to see any photos you may have on the fixes!

It irks me a little to pay a premium price for premium stuff to only have to fix it before I can use it. I know too well how the real world is and I accept it, but lately, I have been faced with a lot of mediocrity sold as superiority. We are expected to just take and move on whereas only 400 short years ago...

Fitment is almost always an issue and fine tuning is always an issue.

or as a wise man was once asked "how long does it take to get one of these trucks ready" he replied "how long do you have?"

[timmer2008]

My new cross member for my t case skid arrived today but of course I was out on the trail all day.

I'll fit it up after I paint it and i'll let you guys know how it goes.

should be purfect.

timmer

[timmer2008]

Yeapers its been a week and not a rattle out of it .