I have a short write up a few comments up
@watchbuzz , looks great. I want to keep my existing oem rails and oem Crossbars.I assembled and installed a Kuat Dek on the SR5 today. The idea was to have this as a removable three-quarter rack/deck versus a fully installed system.
It is super well made. My only complaints so far are around the height, which I would like to see more flush. Otherwise the finish has an OE plus style look.
I cannot speak to the wind noise, etc. etc. time will tell on that.
Does the Landcruiser Skids have the same hole placement as the trailhuter holes?This morning I threw on the Land Cruiser "TOYOTA" Skid plate. It is basically the same part as the Trailhunter skid. The part does bold right on, but it uses different holes than the OE cardboard fiberboard splash guard.
I would recommend screwing in the front two bolts first with the back of the plate propped. From there it will be easy to locate the correct holes for the mid section and back. Also, it is a pretty heavy piece so a box that's a good size goes a long way.
Finally, because its longer... getting the back bolts is easiest to reach from the side of the vehicle. Unless you have a kid (like mine) that is willing to dive under there and make it happen.
Based on the images, yes. Like I mentioned, it is not the same mid point as the fiber board splash guard.
Alternatively, having taken it on and off 3 times now (1st install, oil change, install transmission skid (yesterday)), I would recommend screwing in the left back screw part way and the right middle screw part way and than laying the skid on your belly in the right orientation as you shimmy in. Its relatively easy to lift it up from the middle to find the middle "hanger" opening and then find the back opening. Then install remaining screws. I think this is what the instruction manual says and I can find and post it here if anyone wants.
Your assessment of the differences is spot on but since I happened to have both of them in my garage at one point (TH version sent in error by a vendor) here is what they look like side by side. Will note that I am able to have the air dam on with this skid but needed to trim some of the plastic on the air dam to fit the corners (which would not have interfered if I used the TH version).
[/QUOTE]Alternatively, having taken it on and off 3 times now (1st install, oil change, install transmission skid (yesterday)), I would recommend screwing in the left back screw part way and the right middle screw part way and than laying the skid on your belly in the right orientation as you shimmy in. Its relatively easy to lift it up from the middle to find the middle "hanger" opening and then find the back opening. Then install remaining screws. I think this is what the instruction manual says and I can find and post it here if anyone wants.
you can see the left back keyed opening in this photo. The transmission skid "underlaps" the LC/TH front skid on frame cross-member 2. Similar keyed opening below the T in the second picture but the angle makes it hard to see. Trust me:>)
BTW - one of my threaded inserts (right front - above the T) is cockeyed - I can get a screw started but it depends on finding the perfect angle. I doubt the dealer would consider it a build flaw but I do - I can take off and put on the rest of the skid in about 5 minutes total but that one screw always is a pain. Advice welcome. (BTW - I don't always lift the truck to take off the front skid and won't do that for oil change but it made installing the transmission skid easier.)
Where did you get the overlays from?Besides the air dam removal, I did hood struts, some yellow overlays on the DRLs until I get my new ones and the skid plate and hooks.
From what ive read is that TRD skid and Trailhunter skid requires air dam trim as well.Your assessment of the differences is spot on but since I happened to have both of them in my garage at one point (TH version sent in error by a vendor) here is what they look like side by side. Will note that I am able to have the air dam on with this skid but needed to trim some of the plastic on the air dam to fit the corners (which would not have interfered if I used the TH version).
