Front skid plate alternative

Good morning chaps, any of you know of an alternative to the front skid plate/ splash shield that has to be taken off every time to replace the oil filter? It would be nice if there were an access hole or small panel that would make it so you don't have to remove the large skid plate.

 

Some manufacturers make engine skids with access ports for reaching the oil filter.

https://rcimetalworks.com/product/2016-tacoma-front-skid-plate/

 

The factory TRD skid plate has an access panel in it.


This is an aftermarket rip off version. Still has the access panel.

 

SpeedFreak - will this skid plate mount ok on a stock pickup? It looks like the front of the plate is longer than the stock plate?

 

The Lostar skid plate also has an access panel for the filter. I just installed one on a 2020 OR.

 

Will it fit a stock Tacoma SR or SR-5 without taking anything else off to mount it? I see it looks like the plastic air deflector has to be removed.

 

Yes. It will mount to any 3rd gen Tacoma, so will any aftermarket skid made for the 3rd gen. The frame mounts are all the same regardless of model.

Also, if you put the @ symbol in front of the user name you will tag the user and they will get notified. @Jimmywestco

 

Behold, The Lostar "value choice" brand skid plate during an oil change:






Just like the TRD pan, it has access ports for both filter and pan plug. In the long run, its much easier than the default "not-an-actual-skid-plate" pan cover that comes standard on most trucks.

Easy peesy lemon squeezy.

 

I friggin' Love these photos!

 

+1 for the RCI Skid Plate.

 

Pretty sure you have to remove the SR/SR5 front air dam to install one of these skid plates

 

Correct-amundo! (As Fonzie from Happy Days would say)

 

Thanks guys for the pics, info and the name tip.

 

Unless you remove the splash guard permanently, you will need to remove something to change the oil. Installing a 20-30lb $400 skid plate doesn’t seem like good ROI if all you are trying to do is making oil changes easier.

 

Now I'm thinking of cutting a square hole in the OEM guard and then using some rivnuts and aluminum sheet, make a cover for it.
I'll wait untill the spring and warmer temps to do it if that is the way I decide to go. My taco isn't lifted ... yet.. and don't know if I'll do it.

I have a 1993 Toyota Pickup I use for wheeling.

 

That's not a bad thing lol.

 

toooo be fair....






The OEM plate is held on with four bolts and weighs like 5 pounds. You won't be saving any work by putting a plate on your plate, which would also be four bolts and a couple of pounds. The only reason why the full skids have hatches is because they are a royal pain in the ass to drop and reinstall.

Edit, alternatively, I mainly put a full skid on mine to protect my fumoto valve from road debris. Yeah, I'm that kind of weird.

 

concerning the LOSTAR skid plate the info atates this

• ✅Compatibility: Compatibility: 2016 - 2023 Toyota Tacoma 2.7L 2694CC l4 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated; 2016 - 2022Toyota Tacoma 3.5L 3456CC V6 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated. Note: TRD PRO and Off-Road models ONLY.

Now why is that?

 

I think because of the air damn. Pros and OR's don't have them stock

 

It would help if you provided a link to what you are reading, but it looks like a misprint to me. I’ve never heard of a skid plate that is not compatible with all trims. They’re are basically identical in this regard and many others.