1st gen Talons Garage Skid plate Cat Shield group buy potential

I had a few of y'all ask about it, and I am willing to bring the 1st gen shield back for a group buy. I would also be open to getting a front skid plate included on this as well.

Our 1st gen transmission and transfer case plates only fit the 4x4 truck in years 2004-2006. This has been the biggest issue with the 1st gen trucks is they change a bunch from 2001-2006, with 4wd and 2wd truck having different holes in different locations. There are a few other half years that may fit, but 2004-2006 is the most consistent.

Now, I do not have a current shield made anymore, and we have made leaps and bounds in manufacturing. I do still have all the CAD files, and they should be really close but I would need to verify everything in them is actually correct In order for this to work. I would need to cut one set and test fit it locally in Houston. The main thing I am concerned about is making sure the Z brackets are the right dimensions to fit, and not have a huge gap between them and the transfer case plate.

If I end up going through the effort of having a 1st gen truck on my car lift I would really like to do is also 3D scan the 1st gen truck that comes for test fitting and develop a front skid plate as well to include with this group buy. I already started the designs before so it would be a pretty quick process.

Wanted to start this thread to gauge interest, and see if it is something the community would actually be interested in. I would need to sell 10 sets to make this a reality.

Edit: I attached a photo of the prototype front skid along with the transmission and transfer case skids, as well as a photo of another gentleman's install.

 

If the skid plate is integrated, would there be sufficient access to get the oil filter out with every oil change or are you planning to make a small cover to access the filter and drain it?

Also, will there will be a hole in the plate for regular oil pan and transmission pan draining via a socket wrench?

 

The engine skid plate would have a Oil filter access hole and a drain hole that you could get to the plug and oil pan.


You would need to drop the plate to service the transmission.

 

I am interested.

 

The only 1st gen member I'm a aware of in Houston is @DJenerated

 

Thanks. I don’t think I’d be interested unless there was a cover for the oil filter hole. I’d like to avoid road salt/brine from blowing up and coating the top side of the plate and getting to the underside of the engine.

 

I typed that wrong. All of our plates we offer have a door for the Oil filter access.

This is our 2nd gen offering for reference.

https://www.talonsgarage.com/product-page/2007-2020-toyota-tundra-front-skid-plate

 

Not trying to argue but this doesn't seem correct. Another company has skid plates that work from 00-06. The only one excluded were those that came with a V6 because the crossmembers are in a slightly different place.

I'm guessing if you design a transmission skid it should work with my 2002.

 

The biggest issue we had was with the transfer case plate specifically. The bolts we used to mount the Z brackets were not on all years, and we didn't find out only later on in the process. We only sold the cat protection package as a set, as the transmission plate alone would not cover the cats completely. The transfer case plate would fit the other years if 2-3 holes were drilled into the frame.= on each side. You could probably get away with just drilling one honestly.

I am pretty sure the transmission plate would fit all years... but I would have to dig in my notes to verify what I have.

 

I can bring my '02 4x4 to get scanned, just need a couple weeks heads up. I installed a talons garage cat shield on my grandpas '21 tacoma 2wd, just needed a couple spacers to get everything to sit flush. Actually called and talked to you about recommendations for spacers, and settled on oversized stainless washers.

 

Same thought I had.

 

I’d be in for a front and oil pan skid as well. Just picked up an 03 Sequoia and they are missing

 

I'm in for a front skid

 

Well don't go telling everyone

 

I might be able to volunteer my truck. I hate messing with my skid plates, but the fact you have a lift is a game changer and makes me a definite possible volunteer assuming our schedules can line up.

 

I'm in.

 

If you can make one for an 01 2WD... I'm in.

 

I have a 2000 4x4 local to Houston. Let me know if I can help in any way.

 

My shop also has AC if that helps, and beer in the fridge. (just don't tell anyone)

I think the best way to get this moving is to scan a few trucks. Ideally a pre 2004 4x4 truck and a post 2004 4x4 truck. This would let me compare the differences between them and let me make a few tweaks so I can make a plate that will fit everything.

 

Mines an 06. Do you have any days and times in mind?

 

I can likely get you in late next week. I will be out of town this weekend and next. Shoot me a PM when you are free and we can make this happen.

Is your truck stock or near stock?

 

I dont have any skidplates and would like a set, but i want steel. As much belly pan as possible. Willing to run a 12v 8" fan to keep heat from building. Right side exhaust channel, because i'm not cool enough to have true duals yet.

i can get to houston anytime, but have restricting plans for the middle of sept. Steel plates and some angle iron reinforcing would be the best. Maybe a cut for accessing the oil filter, but we can make our own funnels.

 

It's heavily modified. I'm available most Fridays and Saturdays.

 

Gotta use/ compare both of us, cause i'm '02 & he's '03 or '06.

 

How much?

 

I'm interested 2006 DC 2WD

 

Interested for a 2006 DC 2WD

 

What’s with all the 2wd guys wanting skids? Lol, maybe just the cat protection?

 

Two wheel drives still like to party, I seen it and done it

 

Cat protection.