RCI Transmission Skid Plate – 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 V6 | TACO-05-TRANS

RCI Transmission Skid Plate – 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 V6 | TACO-05-TRANS

Protect one of the most vulnerable—and expensive—components underneath your Tacoma with the RCI Off Road Transmission Skid Plate, part #TACO-05-TRANS.

Designed for 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 V6 Access Cab and Double Cab models, this heavy-duty skid plate provides full transmission coverage while also protecting the second and third cross-members.

The RCI transmission skid can be installed as a stand-alone skid plate or integrated with RCI's engine and transfer-case skid plates to create a smooth, continuous underbody protection system.

Choose between 3/16" steel for maximum impact resistance or 1/4" aluminum for substantial protection with reduced weight.

Vehicle Fitment

2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma – 2nd Gen

• 4x4

• 4.0L V6

• Access Cab

• Double Cab

2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma – 3rd Gen

• 4x4

• 3.5L V6

• Access Cab

• Double Cab

Does NOT fit 2.7L 4-cylinder models.

Part Number: TACO-05-TRANS

Key Features

• Provides full transmission protection

• Protects the second and third cross-members

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

• Can be installed as a stand-alone skid plate

• Integrates seamlessly with RCI engine and transfer-case skid plates

• Excellent upgrade from light-duty factory underbody protection

• Service openings allow routine maintenance without skid-plate removal

• Reinforced edges between cross-members increase strength and rigidity

• Smooth, flat bottom helps the vehicle slide over rocks and trail obstacles

• Available with durable black powder-coated finish

• Direct bolt-on installation

• Uses existing factory mounting locations

• No drilling required

• Installation hardware and instructions included

• Compatible with the OEM TRD Pro aluminum engine skid plate

• No modification required when used with the OEM TRD Pro engine skid

• Made in the USA

Full Transmission Protection

The transmission sits in a vulnerable location underneath an off-road Tacoma.

Rocks, ledges, stumps, and other trail obstacles can cause expensive damage if they make direct contact with the transmission or surrounding components.

RCI designed the TACO-05-TRANS to provide substantial coverage underneath the transmission while also protecting the Tacoma's second and third cross-members.

This makes it a valuable upgrade for Tacomas used for:

• Trail driving

• Rock crawling

• Overlanding

• Camping

• Hunting

• Off-road exploration

• Rough-road travel

• Daily driving in demanding environments

Choose Steel or Aluminum

RCI offers the Tacoma transmission skid plate in two material choices.

3/16" Steel

Choose steel when maximum impact resistance is your priority.

Steel is particularly well suited for:

• Rock crawling

• Technical trails

• Frequent contact with rocks

• Heavy-duty off-road use

1/4" Aluminum

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

Aluminum is an excellent choice for:

• Overlanding

• Daily-driven Tacomas

• General trail use

• Vehicles already carrying substantial accessory weight

• Builds where overall vehicle weight is a consideration

Works as a Stand-Alone Skid Plate

You don't need to purchase an entire skid-plate system to use the TACO-05-TRANS.

RCI designed the transmission skid to function as a stand-alone underbody protection component.

This allows you to protect the transmission now and add additional RCI skid plates later as your Tacoma build progresses.

Integrates With RCI Engine & Transfer-Case Skid Plates

For customers looking for more complete underbody protection, the transmission skid is designed to integrate with RCI's:

• Engine Skid Plate

• Transmission Skid Plate

• Transfer Case Skid Plate

Together, these components create a more continuous protective surface underneath the Tacoma.

This modular design also allows you to build your skid system over time rather than purchasing everything at once.

Compatible With the OEM TRD Pro Engine Skid

Already have the factory TRD Pro aluminum engine skid plate?

You can keep it.

RCI specifically states that the TACO-05-TRANS transmission skid is compatible with the OEM TRD Pro aluminum engine skid plate with no modifications required.

This makes the transmission skid an excellent way for TRD Pro owners to extend protection farther underneath the truck without replacing the factory aluminum front skid.

Smooth, Flat Bottom

Off-road armor needs to do more than simply cover components.

RCI designed the bottom of the transmission skid with a smooth, flat surface that helps the Tacoma slide over rocks, ledges, and other obstacles.

Reducing exposed edges and unnecessary protrusions helps prevent the vehicle from becoming hung up when crossing uneven terrain.

Reinforced Construction

The skid plate incorporates reinforced edges between the cross-members to increase strength and rigidity.

This helps the skid distribute impacts across its structure rather than allowing concentrated loads to reach the transmission or other vulnerable components.

Service Openings for Easier Maintenance

RCI incorporates service openings into the transmission skid so routine vehicle maintenance can be performed without removing the entire skid plate.

This is especially useful on daily-driven Tacomas where serviceability is just as important as trail protection.

Direct Bolt-On Installation

The TACO-05-TRANS is designed to attach directly to existing factory mounting points.

No drilling is required.

RCI includes the necessary installation hardware and instructions.

For 2016-2023 Tacoma models, installation requires removal of the two factory diagonal crossbars located between the outside frame rails and rear transmission crossmember. The RCI transmission skid replaces the protection function provided by these factory bars.

Excellent Addition to the RCI Engine Skid

Pair this transmission skid with the RCI TACO-05-FRONT Engine Skid Plate for additional protection extending from the front differential and engine area rearward across the transmission.

The two skid plates are designed to work together as part of RCI's modular Tacoma underbody protection system.

Add the matching RCI transfer-case skid for even more complete drivetrain coverage.

Product Specifications

Manufacturer: RCI Off Road
Part Number: TACO-05-TRANS
Product Type: Transmission Skid Plate
Vehicle: Toyota Tacoma
Model Years: 2005-2023
Generation: 2nd & 3rd Gen Tacoma
Drivetrain: 4x4
Engine: V6
2nd Gen Engine: 4.0L V6
3rd Gen Engine: 3.5L V6
Cab Compatibility: Access Cab & Double Cab
4-Cylinder Compatibility: No
Material Options: 3/16" Steel or 1/4" Aluminum
Finish Options: Vary by Material Selection
OEM TRD Pro Engine Skid Compatible: Yes
Drilling Required: No
Installation: Direct Bolt-On
Hardware & Instructions: Included
Country of Manufacture: USA

Frequently Asked Questions

What years does TACO-05-TRANS fit?
RCI lists the transmission skid for compatible 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma models.

Does it fit both 2nd- and 3rd-generation Tacomas?
Yes. It fits compatible 2005-2015 2nd-gen and 2016-2023 3rd-gen Tacomas.

Does this fit a 2.7L 4-cylinder Tacoma?
No. RCI specifically states that this skid plate does not fit the 2.7L 4-cylinder Tacoma.

Does it fit 2WD Tacomas?
RCI specifies this application for 4x4 trucks.

What engines does it fit?
The application covers compatible 4.0L V6 2nd-gen and 3.5L V6 3rd-gen Tacoma models.

Does it fit Access Cab and Double Cab Tacomas?
Yes. RCI specifies compatibility with Access Cab and Double Cab trucks meeting the other application requirements.

Will it work with the factory TRD Pro aluminum skid plate?
Yes. RCI specifically states that its transmission skid is compatible with the OEM TRD Pro aluminum engine skid plate with no modifications required.

Can I install the transmission skid without RCI's engine skid?
Yes. The transmission skid can be used as a stand-alone component.

Can I add other RCI skid plates later?
Yes. It is designed to integrate with RCI's engine and transfer-case skid plates, allowing you to build a more complete underbody protection system over time.

Should I choose steel or aluminum?
Choose 3/16" steel when maximum impact resistance is the priority. Choose 1/4" aluminum when you want substantial protection while minimizing additional vehicle weight.

Does installation require drilling?
No. The transmission skid bolts to existing factory attachment points.

Do the factory diagonal crossbars need to be removed on a 2016-2023 Tacoma?
Yes. RCI's installation instructions call for removal of the two diagonal factory crossbars on 2016+ Tacoma models. The RCI transmission skid takes over the protective function of those bars.

Does this fit the 2024+ 4th-generation Tacoma?
No. This part is for compatible 2005-2023 Tacoma models. RCI offers a separate transmission skid plate for the 2024+ 4th-generation Tacoma.