RCI Transfer Case Skid Plate – 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma | TACO-16-TCASE

RCI Transfer Case Skid Plate – 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma | TACO-16-TCASE

Complete your Tacoma's underbody protection with the RCI Off Road Transfer Case Skid Plate, part #TACO-16-TCASE, designed for the 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma.

The transfer case and low-hanging exhaust crossover are particularly vulnerable to rocks, ledges, and other trail obstacles. RCI's transfer case skid provides heavy-duty protection for the transfer case, third crossmember, and exhaust pipe, helping shield these critical components from costly impact damage.

Available in your choice of 3/16" steel or lightweight 1/4" aluminum, the skid incorporates reinforced construction, protected mounting hardware, and a smooth bottom surface designed to slide over obstacles rather than hang up on them.

Every configuration also incorporates a heavy-duty 3/16" steel crossmember to provide a strong structural mounting point for the skid plate.

Vehicle Fitment

Toyota Tacoma

• 2005-2015 2nd Generation

• 2016-2023 3rd Generation

Part Number: TACO-16-TCASE

Key Features

• Protects the transfer case

• Protects the third crossmember

• Helps protect the vulnerable low-hanging exhaust crossover pipe

• Choice of 3/16" steel or 1/4" aluminum

• Includes a heavy-duty 3/16" steel crossmember

• Aluminum skid configurations include a powder-coated steel crossmember

• Crossmember is powder coated black with all skid material and finish combinations

• Reinforced edges between crossmembers increase strength and rigidity

• Bolt protector rings help shield exposed mounting hardware

• Smooth, flat bottom helps the Tacoma slide over trail obstacles

• Direct bolt-on installation

• Uses existing factory attachment points

• No drilling required

• Installation hardware and instructions included

• Black powder-coat finish available

• Designed for both on-road and off-road protection

• Made in the USA

Protect the Transfer Case

The transfer case is an essential—and expensive—part of your Tacoma's four-wheel-drive system.

Its location underneath the vehicle makes it vulnerable to direct impacts from:

• Rocks

• Ledges

• Stumps

• Trail debris

• Deep ruts

• Uneven terrain

The RCI TACO-16-TCASE creates a heavy-duty barrier between these obstacles and the transfer case.

For Tacomas that regularly venture off pavement, transfer-case protection is an important part of a complete underbody armor system.

Protects the Low-Hanging Exhaust Crossover

The transfer case isn't the only vulnerable component in this area.

RCI specifically designed this skid plate to provide protection around the Tacoma's low-hanging exhaust crossover pipe.

The exhaust crossover can make contact with trail obstacles before other drivetrain components, particularly when navigating rocky or deeply rutted terrain.

Protecting this area helps reduce the possibility of crushing or damaging the exhaust during off-road use.

Heavy-Duty Steel Crossmember Included

One of the most important features of the RCI transfer-case skid system is its dedicated 3/16" steel crossmember.

Every skid configuration uses this heavy-duty steel crossmember.

If you select the aluminum skid plate, RCI still supplies a powder-coated steel crossmember rather than substituting an aluminum structural support.

All crossmembers are finished in black powder coat, including when a bare steel or bare aluminum skid plate is selected.

The dedicated crossmember provides a strong structural mounting point and helps distribute impacts into the vehicle structure rather than directly into the transfer case.

An Upgrade From the Factory Skid

RCI designed this system as an alternative to the lightweight factory transfer-case protection.

A major concern with the factory-style skid is that it attaches directly to the transfer case. A significant impact can therefore transfer force directly into the component the skid is supposed to protect.

RCI's design uses its own heavy-duty crossmember to provide a stronger mounting structure and help distribute impacts more effectively.

Choose Steel or Aluminum

RCI offers two material options so you can select the skid that best matches your Tacoma and how you use it.

3/16" Steel

Choose steel when maximum impact resistance is your priority.

Steel is an excellent choice for:

• Rock crawling

• Technical trails

• Frequent rocky terrain

• Severe off-road use

• Maximum impact protection

1/4" Aluminum

Choose aluminum when reducing added vehicle weight is a priority while still providing substantial underbody protection.

Aluminum is an excellent choice for:

• Overlanding

• Daily-driven Tacomas

• General trail use

• Camping and exploration

• Vehicles already carrying substantial accessory weight

Even with the aluminum version, the structural crossmember remains 3/16" steel.

Reinforced Construction

RCI reinforces the skid plate between the vehicle's crossmembers to increase strength and rigidity.

This design helps distribute impacts across the skid rather than allowing concentrated loads to reach vulnerable drivetrain components.

The result is a skid system designed for actual trail contact rather than simply providing a thin barrier underneath the vehicle.

Bolt Protector Rings

Exposed skid-plate bolts can take significant abuse on rocky terrain.

RCI incorporates bolt protector rings around exposed mounting hardware to help prevent direct impacts from damaging the bolt heads.

Protecting the hardware can make future removal and servicing much easier.

Smooth, Flat Bottom

The underside of the skid plate features a smooth, flat surface designed to slide over obstacles.

This helps reduce exposed edges and protrusions that can catch on rocks when navigating:

• Rock ledges

• Deep ruts

• Uneven trails

• Washouts

• Rocky terrain

• Technical obstacles

Instead of becoming a snag point, the skid helps the Tacoma move across the obstacle.

Exhaust Configuration

RCI offers an Exhaust Re-Route selection for this skid plate.

Because exhaust configuration can affect skid-plate clearance and design, select the appropriate exhaust option for your Tacoma when ordering.

If your Tacoma has an aftermarket or modified exhaust system, verify compatibility before ordering.

Direct Bolt-On Installation

The RCI Transfer Case Skid Plate is designed to install using existing factory attachment points.

No drilling is required.

RCI includes the necessary installation hardware and instructions.

Build a Complete RCI Skid Plate System

The transfer-case skid is an excellent addition to RCI's other Tacoma underbody protection components.

For more complete drivetrain protection, combine it with the matching:

• RCI Engine Skid Plate

• RCI Transmission Skid Plate

• RCI Transfer Case Skid Plate

Together, these components provide protection extending from the front differential and engine area rearward across the transmission and transfer case.

This modular approach allows you to build your Tacoma's underbody protection system as your needs and budget evolve.

Product Specifications

Manufacturer: RCI Off Road
Part Number: TACO-16-TCASE
Product Type: Transfer Case Skid Plate
Vehicle: Toyota Tacoma
Model Years: 2005-2023
Generation: 2nd & 3rd Gen Tacoma
Protected Components: Transfer Case, Third Crossmember & Exhaust Pipe
Skid Material Options: 3/16" Steel or 1/4" Aluminum
Crossmember Material: 3/16" Steel
Crossmember Finish: Black Powder Coat
Finish Options: Vary by Material Selection
Exhaust Re-Route Option: Available
Drilling Required: No
Installation: Direct Bolt-On
Hardware & Instructions: Included
Country of Manufacture: USA

Frequently Asked Questions

What years does RCI TACO-16-TCASE fit?
This listing is for the 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma, covering 2nd- and 3rd-generation trucks.

What does the skid plate protect?
RCI designed it to protect the transfer case, third crossmember, and low-hanging exhaust crossover pipe.

Does the skid plate include a crossmember?
Yes. Every configuration includes a heavy-duty 3/16" steel crossmember.

Does the aluminum skid use an aluminum crossmember?
No. Even when you select the 1/4" aluminum skid plate, RCI supplies a 3/16" steel crossmember.

What finish is used on the crossmember?
RCI powder coats the crossmember black on every configuration, including bare steel and bare aluminum skid selections.

Should I choose steel or aluminum?
Choose 3/16" steel when maximum impact resistance is your priority. Choose 1/4" aluminum when reducing added weight is more important while still maintaining substantial underbody protection.

Why is the RCI design preferable to the lightweight factory transfer-case skid?
RCI notes that the factory skid attaches directly to the transfer case, which can transfer an impact into the component itself. The RCI system incorporates a dedicated heavy-duty crossmember to provide a stronger mounting structure.

Does this protect the exhaust?
Yes. RCI specifically designed the skid to help protect the Tacoma's vulnerable low-hanging exhaust crossover pipe.

What is the Exhaust Re-Route option?
RCI offers an Exhaust Re-Route configuration to accommodate different exhaust routing arrangements. Select the option appropriate for your Tacoma's exhaust configuration when ordering.

Does installation require drilling?
No. The skid is designed as a direct bolt-on installation using existing factory attachment points.

Are installation hardware and instructions included?
Yes. RCI includes the required hardware and installation instructions.

Can I combine this with other RCI skid plates?
Yes. It's an excellent complement to RCI's Tacoma engine and transmission skid plates for more complete drivetrain protection.

Is it made in the USA?
Yes. RCI manufactures this skid plate in the USA.

Does TACO-16-TCASE fit a 2024+ 4th-generation Tacoma?
This product should be listed for 2005-2023 Tacoma applications. RCI's page contains conflicting “2005-Present” wording, but the product title, SKU application, and primary description identify it as the 2005-2023 Tacoma skid. Do not assume 2024+ compatibility.