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Last updated: September 2026
A skid plate is a steel or aluminum plate bolted under your truck to protect the parts that hang lowest: the engine oil pan, transmission, transfer case, differentials and shocks. On the trail, it lets the truck slide over a rock instead of cracking something expensive. Skid plates are made for specific vehicles and components, so this guide sorts the skid plates we could verify by vehicle, from Toyota TRD, DV8, IAG, AEV, Quadratec, Rugged Ridge and others.
How we chose: this guide uses the material, component and fitment details stated in each Amazon listing title. We haven’t hands-on tested these plates. Check your engine, drivetrain and trim against each listing, because many skid plates only fit certain engines or axles.
What Each Skid Plate Protects
| Skid plate | Protects | Priority for |
|---|---|---|
| Front / engine | Oil pan, front of the engine, steering parts | Everyone who leaves pavement. It’s usually the first plate to add |
| Transmission | Transmission pan | Rock crawling, rutted trails |
| Transfer case | Transfer case (4WD) | Low-clearance 4x4s |
| Rear differential | Diff cover and gears | Rocks and ledges |
| Shock / control arm | Lower shock mounts, arms | Hard trail use |
Steel vs Aluminum Skid Plates
Steel is stronger for the money and takes hard hits, but it’s heavy. Aluminum is much lighter, which matters when you’re adding several plates. It’s usually thicker to make up the strength, and it can gouge more on sharp rocks. Pick steel for serious rock work on a budget, and aluminum if weight matters to you.
Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner Skid Plates
Toyota TRD Front Skid Plate, 1/4″ Aluminum (2024+ Tacoma, 2025+ 4Runner)
Toyota’s own TRD front plate in 1/4-inch aluminum for the new-generation Tacoma and 4Runner.
- HEAVY-DUTY PROTECTION: Made from 1/4-inch thick aluminum, this TRD front skid plate shields your vehicle’s underbody fro…
- PERFECT FIT: Designed specifically for 2025+ Toyota 4Runner and 2024+ Tacoma models with easy no-drill installation usin…
- PERFORMANCE TESTED: Rigorously evaluated to ensure maximum protection while preventing unwanted vibration, stress, and n…
Toyota Trailhunter Front Skid Plate, High-Strength Steel (2024+ Tacoma, 2025+ 4Runner)
The steel alternative from Toyota for the same trucks.
- HEAVY-DUTY PROTECTION: High strength steel construction protects vehicle underbody from rocks, branches, ice chunks and …
- PERFECT FIT: Designed specifically for 2024+ Toyota Tacoma and 2025+ 4Runner models, utilizing existing attachment point…
- PERFORMANCE TESTED: Rigorously evaluated to maximize protection while preventing unwanted vibration, stress, and noise d…
Genuine Toyota 4Runner TRD Skid Plate PTR60-89190 (2014-2019 4Runner)
- Easy no-drill installation uses vehicle’s existing attachment mounts
- Won’t interfere with or block cooling system
- Provides unobstructed access to all maintenance points and vehicle tow hooks
DV8 Rear Shock Skid Plates for 2010-2024 4Runner (Pair)
Protects the lower rear shock mounts, which hang low on the 4Runner.
- Off-Road Protection – Being the lowest clearance point on your rear axle, it is important to protect your rear shocks fr…
- Integrated Drain Holes – To prevent the build-up of sand, dirt, and water when driving through puddles or mud, the skid …
- Durable Design – Our rear shock guards are made from high-grade steel, and they are finished in a resilient micro-textur…
Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator Skid Plates
DV8 Front Skid Plate for 2018-2026 Wrangler JL and 2020-2026 Gladiator JT
- Damage Control – Prevent oil leakage caused by pressure from rock scrapes and avoid getting caught on off-road obstacles…
- Customization – Our front differential skid includes an aluminum DV8 logo plate that can be painted to accent or match y…
- Durable Design – Made from thick 5mm plate steel, this off-road skid plate is built to protect your front differential a…
DV8 Rear D44 Skid Plate for JL and JT
Protects the rear Dana 44 differential on the JL and JT, per the listing. Check your axle before ordering.
- Off-Road Protection – Our Rear D44 Differential Skid Plate prevents oil leaks caused by rock scraps & other impacts, and…
- Durability – The skid plate is made from thick 5mm steel, mounts to eight install points, and is finished in a resilient…
- Customization – Our skid features an aluminum logo plate that can be painted to accent or color match your rig’s other a…
Quadratec Aluminum Modular Engine and Transmission Skid Plate (JL Unlimited 3.6L, 2018-2020)
6mm 5052 aluminum, listed for the JL Unlimited with the 3.6L engine, 2018-2020. Note the engine and year limits.
- 5052 ALUMINUM CONSTRUCTION – Our high quality skids are made from stamped 5052 aluminum, providing lightweight and stron…
- STRONG UNDERBODY PROTECTION – The 6mm thick aluminum panels are the next evolution in under body protection, providing s…
- PRECISION FIT – Protect your Engine and Transmission of your Wrangler JL. This skid plate features recessed bolt heads, …
Rugged Ridge Heavy-Duty Transfer Case Skid Plate (2007-2018 JK/JKU)
More JK armor is in our Rugged Ridge Jeep parts guide.
- Rugged Ridge 18003.32 Skid Plate; Transfer Case;
Ford Bronco Skid Plates
IAG Rock Shield Front Skid Plate for 2021+ Bronco (Not Raptor/Sport)
Excludes the Bronco Raptor and Bronco Sport, per the title.
- MAXIMUM COVERAGE – The IAG Rock Shield Front Skid Plate can be used as a stand-alone item or in addition to other IAG Ro…
DV8 Rear Differential Skid Plate for 2021-2026 Bronco
- Upgrade – Our system will help to prevent you from getting caught up on rocks. Multiple drain holes are in several locat…
- Strength – Protects all aspects of your Bronco’s Rear Differential like Gasket Seal, & Pinion. In addition to protecting…
- Install – Utilizing the provided hardware, install is a smooth process and can be completed with 1-2 people. It takes ap…
Full-Size Truck Skid Plates
Steel Transmission Skid Plate for 2015-2022 Ford F-150
- PRECISION FITMENT: Custom F150 Transmission Skid Plate exclusively suits 2015-2022 Ford F-150 with 2.7L Turbo, 3.3L, 3.5…
- HEAVY-DUTY STEEL CONSTRUCTION: Built from high-strength manganese steel, this F150 undercarriage guard delivers military…
- NO-DRILL INSTALLATION: This Skid Plate for Ford F150 utilizes factory chassis mounting points for factory-style integrat…
AEV Rear Differential Skid Plate for 2019-2026 Silverado/Sierra 1500 (9.76″ Ring Gear)
Only for trucks with the 9.76″ ring gear rear axle, per the title. Check your axle code.
- Compatible with all 2019+ Chevy/GMC1500 trucks with the larger 9.76” ring gear (most off-road models).
- 2.5mm Hot-Stamped Boron Steel construction
- AEV Rear Differential Skid Plate protects your rear differential housing and pinion
Hooke Road Steel Front Skid Plate for 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra
- 【Application】- Hooke Road front engine skid plate compatible with 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra Regular Cab, Double Cab, and C…
- 【All-Terrain Protection】- Acting as durable chassis armor, it shields vital components from rocks, branches, and other t…
- 【Practical Design】- The skid plate also features a removable access panel, allowing convenient access to the oil filter …
Who skid plates are NOT for: trucks that never leave pavement. Plates add weight and can make oil changes slower (some have drain access holes, so check). Also, a “chrome skid plate” on a bumper valance is a cosmetic trim piece, not underbody protection.
How to Choose a Skid Plate
- Start at the front. The engine and oil pan take the first hits, so a front plate is the usual first buy.
- Match engine, axle and trim. Listings here are limited by engine (3.6L), axle (D44, 9.76″) or trim (not Raptor).
- Check service access. Look for drain holes or quick-release panels if you do your own oil changes.
- Plan the whole system. Plates from one maker are designed to overlap, so mixing brands can leave gaps.
Building a trail rig? See our Go Rhino and bull bar guides for front protection, and our come along winch guide for recovery.
Getting stuck anyway? See our tow straps vs recovery straps guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a skid plate?
If you drive off-road, on rocky trails or over deep ruts, a front skid plate is cheap insurance for your oil pan and engine. If you never leave pavement, you probably don’t need one.
Is an aluminum or steel skid plate better?
Steel is stronger for its cost but heavy. Aluminum is lighter but is usually made thicker to match strength. Choose based on how hard you wheel and how much weight you’ll accept.
Which skid plate should I buy first?
The front or engine plate, because it protects the oil pan and front components that hit first.
Will a skid plate fit any truck?
No. Skid plates bolt to specific mounting points and are made for specific vehicles, engines and axles. Match the listing to your exact truck.
Is a chrome bumper skid plate the same thing?
No. Those are cosmetic front-valance trim pieces. A real skid plate is a thick underbody plate that bolts to the frame.
The Bottom Line
Pick a skid plate by your vehicle and the part you want to protect, starting with the front plate. Toyota’s TRD and Trailhunter plates suit new Tacomas and 4Runners, DV8 covers the JL/JT and Bronco, and AEV, IAG and Quadratec cover specific axles and engines. Check the fit and current price on each listing above before you buy.
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