It seems if you remove the cross braces that the steel plate may be better as aluminum even in this shape is not as structurally strong as the original braces. Correct or doesn't it really matter?
The cross braces that I removed were thin steel - like 1/16". I'm sure they provided a certain amount of support. The Aluminum plate is 1/4" aluminum and one piece, using those same massive bolts. I just see this offering anything less that what was there from factory.
I've personally seen these skids bend/break where they bolt on where those factory braces are removed. I think there is actually a video somewhere on UA-cam showing something similar. TRD are a superior product in my opinion. I believe they have a bit more ground clearance too, though I may be wrong on that.
@@manwithnoname734 Ground clearance is the same, although the CR skid is further forward than my stock. I'd love to see a video of one bending/breaking - send me a link
@@manwithnoname734 I looked - the only video on UA-cam is the CBI failing. And quite honestly, and you can read the comments on his video yourself, the CBI skid, did it's job on that hit his truck took.
Yes you are correct, the skid failure I remember seeing here was a CBI skid as I looked it up as well. I believe the CBI skid is 3/16 where as the C4 is 1/4 so the C4 would be stronger, but the designs are very similar. The C4 skid that I have seen fail bent in the same place as the CBI in the video, so in my opinion that design seems to have a weak point where the TRD skid has more support when retaining those factory braces with no aluminum mounting points to fail. Aluminum is very strong but not after it bends, steel is very different, it is much stronger in both tensile/yield strength so keeping those braces will add more long lasting strength than one might think. But lets be honest, they are all good options and a lot of it just comes down to brand preference. They will all do their job including the factory steel plate. My pic for the best overall design though, is TRD.
HaHa! Weight was probably about the same from the stock steel 4 pieces to the single Aluminum CaliRaised. We need to get a shot of your ‘85 and my ‘22 together.
Yes, for the most part. I think the steel version, even though it's thinner weighs over double the aluminum. Our trucks already are underpowered, I didn't want to disrupt that anymore
You’re putting 5 of the 7 bolts back in, just through the CaliRaised skid plate instead of the thinner steel bars that were removed. I think the structural integrity is still there, and likely better being that the skid is all 1 piece.
I double checked with Caliraised and they stated "As for cross beams, our engineer tested the strength. Which he said supports it even more, than what is already there."
I was planning on putting a skid plate on, that is until I saw the removal ot the two steel bars. I'm not sure that what I want to install is worth it, considering what I need to give up.
This aluminum version is no way better than the aluminum TRD version. The brackets that he removed helped reinforce the aluminum, without it, you will bent up the fasteners that’s holding the plate up. I can’t say the same about the steel version but there’s videos out there that proved it. Can’t claim that it’s better than the OE when you haven’t take it out and really put it to use.
Have you seen how flimsy the stock "steel" skid plate is? Maybe the brackets were designed to reinforce that? With the addition on the CR skid, it reinforces the area where the brackets were WITH the same hardware. The video merely shows people (with TRD OR's) that if you're planning to upgrade your skid (from the stamped steel) that there's another option over an overpriced TRD Pro Aluminum skid. IMO, this one is better than the upgraded TRD Pro skid considering the pricing. I respect your opinion, but mine differs. Also, please post the videos you claim that the CR skid is folding under normal use
You’re right, the OEM TRD Pro skid plate is superior to pretty much all aftermarket aluminum skids because it retains the two braces. When you remove the bracing, the weakest point becomes the mounting brackets. Also, the TRD Pro skid covers a wider area by far. Lastly, the TRD Pro can be bought for much cheaper.. $360 picked up your local dealer. Why would you want raised areas on a skid plate? Skids would allow the car to slide over rocks and other obstacles. The CR has the U shaped areas towards the back of the skid which are just going to grind against rocks. It’s a no brainer to me.
@@tacomanetwork Thanks for your reply. In the past I ordered their cat shield it took over 6 weeks for me. That experience got me questioning if I ever want anything from this company again.
Yeah, there was a massive demand for the shields....because of the problem and it seemed like every website wanted them too (like Tacoma beast, lifestyle, etc). As long as they have you selection of skid (metal/powdercoated or not) ready, you should be good.
The selling price is wayyyyy too expensive considering that it is not OEM toyota part and for what they charge for this skid plate the least they can do is prime and paint it instead of shipping it in raw aluminum. If it was stainless steel then it would be ok unpainted and also the price charged.....
I think it's an improvement over the stock TRD Pro skid for literally the same price. It can be powder coated from CR, but they only do Black powder coating and I wanted the look of aluminum - you know....won't show scratches? But I respect your opinion...mine just differs
In the market for a TRD Pro Skid? Check the one out before...it's a great value and added protection/durability: bit.ly/CRSkidPlate
the information was on point in everyway, thank you!! heck, i purchased one just now 😂😂😂😂😂,
Nice! Enjoy the install and the added protection - it's a cool piece.
It seems if you remove the cross braces that the steel plate may be better as aluminum even in this shape is not as structurally strong as the original braces. Correct or doesn't it really matter?
The cross braces that I removed were thin steel - like 1/16". I'm sure they provided a certain amount of support. The Aluminum plate is 1/4" aluminum and one piece, using those same massive bolts. I just see this offering anything less that what was there from factory.
I've personally seen these skids bend/break where they bolt on where those factory braces are removed. I think there is actually a video somewhere on UA-cam showing something similar. TRD are a superior product in my opinion. I believe they have a bit more ground clearance too, though I may be wrong on that.
@@manwithnoname734 Ground clearance is the same, although the CR skid is further forward than my stock. I'd love to see a video of one bending/breaking - send me a link
@@manwithnoname734 I looked - the only video on UA-cam is the CBI failing. And quite honestly, and you can read the comments on his video yourself, the CBI skid, did it's job on that hit his truck took.
Yes you are correct, the skid failure I remember seeing here was a CBI skid as I looked it up as well. I believe the CBI skid is 3/16 where as the C4 is 1/4 so the C4 would be stronger, but the designs are very similar. The C4 skid that I have seen fail bent in the same place as the CBI in the video, so in my opinion that design seems to have a weak point where the TRD skid has more support when retaining those factory braces with no aluminum mounting points to fail. Aluminum is very strong but not after it bends, steel is very different, it is much stronger in both tensile/yield strength so keeping those braces will add more long lasting strength than one might think. But lets be honest, they are all good options and a lot of it just comes down to brand preference. They will all do their job including the factory steel plate. My pic for the best overall design though, is TRD.
ToTo Tacoma!!!
was there any weight savings over stock pieces?
I'm going to get a Taco as soon as i wear out my 85' Lux.....2065.
HaHa! Weight was probably about the same from the stock steel 4 pieces to the single Aluminum CaliRaised. We need to get a shot of your ‘85 and my ‘22 together.
Was weight your primary reason for choosing aluminum over steel?
Yes, for the most part. I think the steel version, even though it's thinner weighs over double the aluminum. Our trucks already are underpowered, I didn't want to disrupt that anymore
Does this skid cover the oil pan?
Yep, but it does have access to the oil plug and the filter (trap door)
nice video, but deletion of those 2 bars is a concern.
You’re putting 5 of the 7 bolts back in, just through the CaliRaised skid plate instead of the thinner steel bars that were removed. I think the structural integrity is still there, and likely better being that the skid is all 1 piece.
i am with you that seems sketchy
I double checked with Caliraised and they stated "As for cross beams, our engineer tested the strength. Which he said supports it even more, than what is already there."
I was planning on putting a skid plate on, that is until I saw the removal ot the two steel bars. I'm not sure that what I want to install is worth it, considering what I need to give up.
This aluminum version is no way better than the aluminum TRD version. The brackets that he removed helped reinforce the aluminum, without it, you will bent up the fasteners that’s holding the plate up.
I can’t say the same about the steel version but there’s videos out there that proved it. Can’t claim that it’s better than the OE when you haven’t take it out and really put it to use.
Have you seen how flimsy the stock "steel" skid plate is? Maybe the brackets were designed to reinforce that? With the addition on the CR skid, it reinforces the area where the brackets were WITH the same hardware. The video merely shows people (with TRD OR's) that if you're planning to upgrade your skid (from the stamped steel) that there's another option over an overpriced TRD Pro Aluminum skid. IMO, this one is better than the upgraded TRD Pro skid considering the pricing. I respect your opinion, but mine differs. Also, please post the videos you claim that the CR skid is folding under normal use
You’re right, the OEM TRD Pro skid plate is superior to pretty much all aftermarket aluminum skids because it retains the two braces. When you remove the bracing, the weakest point becomes the mounting brackets. Also, the TRD Pro skid covers a wider area by far. Lastly, the TRD Pro can be bought for much cheaper.. $360 picked up your local dealer.
Why would you want raised areas on a skid plate? Skids would allow the car to slide over rocks and other obstacles. The CR has the U shaped areas towards the back of the skid which are just going to grind against rocks.
It’s a no brainer to me.
@@jojo4rmdabronx Please link the TRD Skid for $360 at a dealer. I see them at $420ish
@@tacomanetwork UA-cam won’t let me post links but if you search the part number, you’ll see them going for $370ish at dealerships
is there a reason why cali raised didn't weld the back spacer piece in?
Not sure on that one...it would have made more sense
Curious of your wait time on this Skid plate?
It was shipped out right away. I believe I got it in 5-6 days from order from Texas to California. It's a massive box, BTW
@@tacomanetwork Thanks for your reply. In the past I ordered their cat shield it took over 6 weeks for me. That experience got me questioning if I ever want anything from this company again.
Yeah, there was a massive demand for the shields....because of the problem and it seemed like every website wanted them too (like Tacoma beast, lifestyle, etc). As long as they have you selection of skid (metal/powdercoated or not) ready, you should be good.
I have a trd skid , but have to take off for every oil change sucks ,
If you have the aluminum TRD Pro skid, you should have to. The steel TRD OR / TRD Sport, you do have to
Steel is much better. Steel is stronger and slides over rocks. Aluminum is sticky. Rocks stick to it.
100% agree on steel - but it was hard to justify over double the weight (49lbs for steel vs 2Xlbs for aluminum)
I would think covering that much of the underside off your engine and Transmission...
Could cause Over Heating. !!! When you are operating in sand
So does the stock skid plates.....Aluminum does have heat dissipation qualities....
The selling price is wayyyyy too expensive considering that it is not OEM toyota part and for what they charge for this skid plate the least they can do is prime and paint it instead of shipping it in raw aluminum. If it was stainless steel then it would be ok unpainted and also the price charged.....
I think it's an improvement over the stock TRD Pro skid for literally the same price. It can be powder coated from CR, but they only do Black powder coating and I wanted the look of aluminum - you know....won't show scratches? But I respect your opinion...mine just differs