Have anyone put skid plates on GX? Any recommendations where I could find them? Does anyone know if skid plates from 4Runner would fit?

Thanks,

Vadim

 

Doesn't your GX have skidplates already??!! Your GX should have the same skidplates as a 4runner.

 

Skid plates for the engine, transfer case, and fuel tank are standard features of the GX. Or are you referring to the possibility of replacing them with more beefy aftermarket skid plates?

 

I was referring to "more beefy aftermarket skid plates" .

But this raise a question. Does anyone have real life experience with standard skid plates performance (over snow/sand/rocks)?

Thanks,

Vadim

 

The question is...what kind of off-roading are you planning on doing?? Are you really gonna do off-roading severe enough that standard skids are not enough??

Remember, the more study the skids are, the more weight it is...thus, worst fuel economy. But, to answer you questions, if you have a standard GX470 (non-KDSS), then what fits 4runner should fit your GX.

 

I am planing on a few off-road trips per year around California, including deserts (mojave, death valley) and mountains (mostly Sierra). So not extremely heavy off road, but I would expect to hit sand/rocks.

I do have KDSS (for off-road ), does it mean that 4runner's would not fit?

Thanks,

Vadim

 

4runner made skids will not fit a KDSS GX470. (due to the movement of the sway bar).

The stock skid plates on the GX can take a decent beating though, (I learned that when i went through this rock garden)

I'd invest in some 70 series A/T tires instead. (you'll gain about an 1" of clearance)

Dan

 

265/70/17 series (32" tire) gives you an 0.5" increase in ground clearance. This size gives you an additional increase of 1" in DIAMETER, which means that radius increase is only 0.5" = ground clearance.

I would get tires and a good set of rocksliders...main priorities for any off-roader. The only problem is that KDSS prevents you from mounting rocksliders that are commonly available to 4runners and non-KDSS GX. My friend (TexGX) found this out with his KDSS GX. Thus, you need to have one custom made. Don't ask me why you cannot mount the common sliders, but i think that it has something to do with the KDSS parts or something.

 

Thanks for the correction and yes pre-welded sliders wont work on the driver's side due to the KDSS plumbing. However, it seems to be only the front mount on the left side that gets in the way. Perhaps if it was cut off and moved back slightly it should work. (something i've been meaning to do)

Dan

 

They're excellent at scooping up mud

 

I think that the standard OEM skids are plenty good for most people who take their GX off-road.

 

Thank you guys.

I think I'll keep original skid plates for now (I still be worried about half of the transfer case been exposed, but...).

I've been thinking about A/T tires, and additional 0.5" sounds good.

Dan, it is nice picture on the rocks, was it natural place, or one of these 4x4 parks?

Vadim

 

My buddy has the optional 17" Rims with his 2007 4runner, and really likes these Toyo tires. They are 32" tall instead of the standard 30.5" Height of the stock tires on the GX. Clearance for fitting these should be no problem. They are an 1 and a 1/2" taller and will give you more grip in offroad mud, snow, rock or whatever you get into. Overall clearance will increase by about 3/4". Your speedo will be out a little.
They are the Toyo Open Country M/T's.®
The Open Country M/T is designed for full-size pickups driven by enthusiasts who require extra ground clearance, load-carrying capacity and off-road capability with great on-road performance.
The diameter difference is 3%. So when you are going 60 MPH the speedo will read 58 MPH.
Since they are the same profile, they will fit our factory 7.5" Wide rims perfectly.
Hope this helps.
Cheers
Mike Nielsen
PS As with all offroad tires, Street use will result in a much nosier ride !

 

I have taken my GX farther off-road then most with no problems with the skid plates. They seem to be holding up fine.

The plumbing on the KDSS pump side gets in the way of the mounts. I was tring to use a bolt on style. The weld on would work with some modification.

TexGX