2011 Toyota Tacoma Rear Differential Armor

This is a project where we designed a lightweight skid plate for the rear differential on a 2011 Toyota Tacoma TRD OR.

First the project was conceptualized in CAD 3D, then mocked up using cardboard, then cut and fabricated out of 1/4" steel plate. We decided not to powder coat this build because it is likely to rub and may require touch up. So instead it was coated in bed liner.

Key notes:

The design is lightweight, yes some strength and strength was lost not using 3/8", 1/2", or even 5/8" plate but it still adds a level of protection without the weight and doesn't break the bank. The differential drain plug is still accessible and any pooling mud, dirt or water can escape out of the drain plug access hole.