1996-2002 4Runner (3rd Gen)

We know that cutting and drilling into your frame can be intimidating, which is why we designed the vast majority of our Tacoma parts to be completely bolt-on. Whether you are installing our transmission skid plates or a set of rock sliders, we utilize the existing factory mounting points on your chassis. This makes the installation process much more approachable for DIYers in their driveway. We want you to spend less time wrenching and more time offroading, so we engineer our parts to fit seamlessly with the truck’s original design.
 

We always recommend starting with protection. The 4Runner is incredibly capable out of the box, but the factory skid plates are thin and offer limited coverage. A full skid plate package—protecting your engine, transmission, and transfer case—is the most critical modification you can make to prevent expensive damage. We also suggest adding rock sliders early on. Unlike factory running boards which are just for steps, our sliders bolt directly to the frame to support the entire weight of the vehicle, protecting your rocker panels from crushing impacts on the trail.
 

Yes, we have engineered specific skid plates to accommodate the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) found on many 5th Gen 4Runners. Because the KDSS hydraulic lines and sway bar mechanisms sit lower and move differently than the standard suspension, our KDSS-compatible engine skid plates feature a specialized design. We added specific clearances and altered the mounting structure to ensure you get maximum protection without interfering with the suspension’s articulation or crushing the hydraulic lines.

Absolutely not. We know that drilling holes into your roof is a major commitment and a leak risk, so we designed our full-length roof rack to be completely bolt-on. It utilizes the existing factory mounting points on the 4Runner’s roof, making installation straightforward. We also use a rubber mounting block system that seals out moisture far better than silicone, so you can haul rooftop tents and heavy off-road gear without worrying about water getting into your headliner.

This is the most common question we get. If your primary goal is rock crawling where you will be dragging the truck’s belly over granite, steel is the superior choice for its raw abrasion resistance. However, for most overlanders and daily drivers, we highly recommend our aluminum skid plates. They offer incredible strength but weigh roughly half as much as steel. This weight saving is huge for the 4Runner, helping you maintain better fuel economy and preventing suspension sag without sacrificing the armor you need.

We offer our rock sliders in two angles: 5-degree and 20-degree. The 20-degree option is a favorite among off-road enthusiasts because it tucks the slider tighter to the body, providing better ground clearance and a sleek, high-and-tight look. While the 5-degree option makes for a better flat step for family members, the 20-degree slider still offers a kickout that can be used as a step to reach your roof rack, while maximizing your clearance for technical trails.

The 4Runner’s high ground clearance makes the catalytic converters an easy target for thieves. We offer catalytic converter guards that bolt directly onto our transmission skid plate, creating a robust physical barrier. These guards make it incredibly difficult for thieves to access the cats with a saw, while also protecting them from off-road debris. We designed them with vents to dissipate heat, ensuring your exhaust system functions perfectly while keeping your truck secure.

The 4Runner has a long wheelbase, which often puts the fuel tank right in the line of fire when cresting sharp hills or large rocks. The factory tank cover is made of thin sheet metal that can dent easily, which reduces fuel capacity and can even damage the fuel pump assembly inside. Our aftermarket gas tank skid plate is a massive upgrade in strength, capable of supporting the vehicle’s weight. We strongly recommend the aluminum version here, as it saves significant weight compared to the heavy steel alternatives while still offering ample protection.

The “Viper Cut” is a popular modification where 4Runner owners trim the outer corners of the plastic front bumper to expose the front tires for a more aggressive look and better clearance. We developed our High Clearance Wings specifically to complement this mod. They replace the flimsy internal plastic liners that get exposed after cutting, providing real protection for your washer fluid reservoir and other components while giving the cut bumper a finished, professional appearance.

On the 5th Gen 4Runner, the lower rear shock mounts hang very low and are notoriously prone to catching on rocks. It is common to smash the mounting bolt or damage the shock body effectively ending your day on the trail. Our rear shock skids are a simple, bolt-on solution that armors this vulnerable point. They create a smooth steel ramp that allows your axle to slide over rocks instead of getting hung up, protecting your expensive suspension components.

We generally recommend powder coating for most users because it provides a durable, finished look right out of the box. Our process includes a 2-stage epoxy primer base coat—something many others skip—which drastically increases rust resistance even if you scratch the top layer on a rock. However, we also offer “bare metal” options for the DIY crowd. If you plan on welding your own custom additions or prefer to use a rattle-can paint for easy touch-ups after grinding them on trails, bare metal saves you money and gives you that flexibility.