Getting Trail Ready

FJ Cruiser Underside Trail Armor

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If you are considering taking your Toyota FJ Cruiser off road crawl under it and take a look around. There are a number of items that can get damaged. In this point we are going to talk about protecting the drive train. The drive train includes; the engine, transmission, transfer case and differentials. The front half of the system is made mostly of cast aluminum and all you need to do is drop the front differential on a rock to end a good day.

Rasta 4x4 USA Aluminum Skids

Purchased new the Toyota FJ Cruiser comes with a sheet metal engine protection plate and possibly the factory FJ Cruiser IFS Skid. The sheet metal plate is intended to only protect the underside of the engine from road debris. The factory skid will protect the forward part of the engine and some of the IFS components.  I consider the Toyota Skid as more of a front bash plate that is not very durable.

P6272278
All Pro Off-Road Skid Plates
To fully protect the drive train and maintain the best approach angle I recommend looking at a number of aftermarket skids.    There are a number of manufactures that make a skid for just the engine / IFS. These single plate systems do not include protection for the transmission and transfer case. To get the full protection you need to select a system from a manufacture that provides a full integrated skid set.
 

Bud Built Skids

The best skids are tucked tight under the FJ protecting the key elements while still proving the best clearance. Selecting a system that provides a smooth underside will help if you need to slide the FJ along a rock. I have All Pro skids installed on my FJ and they hug the underside very well. The only problem in the transmission skid is 2” higher than the transfer case and IFS skid which can hang-up on a rock. (I have had this happen)

Man-a-fre Skids

Bud Built, Rasta and Man-a-fre offer very good skids that provide a smooth surface on the underbelly.   They also provide a fuel tank skid. I don’t worry about the fuel, it is made out of high density plastic and is very hard to damage. However, if you are planning on very hard core off road the fuel tank skid would be a plus.

tomas

Tomas has lived in Colorado since age 5. Having grown up on the Western Slope of Colorado lots of time was spent in the Desert Southwest. Tomas' father introduced him to the love of 4 wheeling at an early age in the high mountains around Aspen, Colorado. While an avid Mountain Biker, Tomas and his Family enjoy adventures in the mountains and desert in the remote locations that can only be reached by 4wd. Day hikes are always a must when on the family trips. While enjoying outdoor activities he wants to share his love as a certified 4wd trainer and ski instructor. Tomas also enjoys caving and cave exploration. Tomas currently resides in Colorado Springs. 

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