RCI Rear Differential Skid Plate – 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser & GX470 | RCI-UNIV-DIFF

Protect the low-hanging rear differential on your Toyota or Lexus 4x4 with the RCI Off Road Rear Differential Skid Plate, part #RCI-UNIV-DIFF.

Designed for select Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser and Lexus GX470 applications, this heavy-duty differential skid is CNC laser cut and formed from 3/16-inch steel to protect the rear differential from rocks, ledges and other on- and off-road hazards.

Unlike bulky differential protection that can significantly reduce clearance, the RCI skid hugs the differential housing tightly, maintaining approximately 1/4-inch clearance from the differential for minimal loss of ground clearance.

Vehicle Fitment

Toyota 4Runner

• 2003-Present

• Will NOT fit KDSS-equipped models

Toyota Tacoma

• 2005-2015

Toyota FJ Cruiser

• 2007-2014

• Will NOT fit KDSS-equipped models

Lexus GX470

• 2003-2009

• Will NOT fit KDSS-equipped models

IMPORTANT: This rear differential skid plate WILL NOT FIT KDSS models.

Always verify your vehicle's suspension configuration before ordering.

Features

• Protects the vulnerable, low-hanging rear differential

• Fits select Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser and Lexus GX470 applications

• Heavy-duty 3/16" steel construction

• CNC laser-cut and brake-formed

• Clamps directly to the axle housing

• No drilling required

• Hugs the differential tightly for minimal ground-clearance loss

• Approximately 1/4" clearance between skid and differential

• Drain holes allow water, mud and dirt to escape

• Maintains full access to the differential drain plug

• Durable black powder-coated finish

• Revised clamping system

• Robot-welded construction

• Installation hardware and instructions included

• Installs using a direct bolt-on/clamp-on design

• Made in the USA

• RCI part number RCI-UNIV-DIFF

Protect Your Rear Differential

The rear differential is one of the lowest drivetrain components underneath many Toyota 4x4s and is particularly vulnerable when traveling over rocks, ledges and uneven terrain.

A hard impact to the differential housing can potentially result in expensive drivetrain damage or leave a vehicle disabled on the trail.

The RCI Rear Differential Skid Plate creates a heavy-duty steel barrier around the lower portion of the differential to help protect it from direct contact with trail obstacles.

It's an excellent upgrade for vehicles used for:

• Off-roading

• Rock crawling

• Overlanding

• Trail driving

• Camping

• Hunting

• Backcountry travel

• General underbody protection

Minimal Loss of Ground Clearance

Underbody armor should protect your vehicle without unnecessarily reducing ground clearance.

RCI designed the RCI-UNIV-DIFF skid to hug the differential housing within approximately 1/4 inch, keeping the skid tucked tightly against the axle assembly.

This provides substantial protection while minimizing the amount of ground clearance sacrificed by adding a differential skid plate.

Easy No-Drill Installation

The RCI rear differential skid plate clamps directly to the axle housing, eliminating the need to drill into the vehicle.

All required installation hardware and instructions are included.

The direct-fit clamping system allows the skid plate to be installed in minutes with normal hand tools.

Drainage & Differential Service Access

RCI incorporates strategically positioned drain holes into the skid plate.

These openings allow:

• Water to drain

• Mud and dirt to escape

• Debris to be washed from the skid

• Access to the factory differential drain plug

This allows routine differential fluid service without requiring removal of the skid plate.

Updated RCI Design

RCI updated the RCI-UNIV-DIFF design in 2022 with several improvements, including:

• Taller rear skid plate flange

• Revised axle clamping mechanism

• Fully fixtured construction

• Robot-welded assembly

These revisions improve consistency, strength and protection compared with earlier versions of the RCI differential skid.

Black Powder-Coated Steel Construction

The skid plate is constructed from 3/16-inch steel for excellent impact resistance.

A durable black powder-coated finish provides corrosion resistance while giving the skid plate a clean appearance underneath the vehicle.

Important KDSS Compatibility Notice

THIS PRODUCT WILL NOT FIT KDSS-EQUIPPED VEHICLES.

Toyota's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) uses additional suspension components that interfere with this differential skid plate.

If you have a 4Runner, FJ Cruiser or Lexus GX equipped with KDSS, do not order this skid plate.

If you're unsure whether your vehicle is equipped with KDSS, verify your vehicle's equipment before ordering.

Product Specifications

Manufacturer: RCI Off Road / RCI Metalworks
Part Number: RCI-UNIV-DIFF
Product: Rear Differential Skid Plate
Position: Rear Differential
Material: 3/16" Steel
Finish: Black Powder Coat
Installation: Clamp-On / Direct Bolt-On
Drilling Required: No
Drain Plug Access: Yes
Hardware: Included
KDSS Compatible: No
Country of Manufacture: USA

Frequently Asked Questions

What vehicles does RCI-UNIV-DIFF fit?
RCI currently lists the rear differential skid for 2003-Present Toyota 4Runner, 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma, 2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser and 2003-2009 Lexus GX470. It does not fit KDSS-equipped vehicles.

Does the RCI rear differential skid fit the Toyota FJ Cruiser?
Yes. RCI lists the skid for 2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser applications without KDSS.

Does it fit a Toyota 4Runner?
Yes. RCI currently lists 2003-Present Toyota 4Runner applications, excluding KDSS-equipped vehicles.

Does it fit a Tacoma?
Yes. RCI lists 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma applications.

Does it fit the Lexus GX470?
Yes. RCI lists 2003-2009 Lexus GX470 applications without KDSS.

Will this skid plate fit a KDSS vehicle?
No. RCI specifically states that RCI-UNIV-DIFF will not fit KDSS models.

How thick is the differential skid plate?
The skid is constructed from 3/16-inch steel.

Does installation require drilling?
No. The skid plate clamps directly to the axle housing and does not require drilling.

Can I change the differential fluid without removing the skid plate?
Yes. RCI designed the skid to maintain full access to the differential drain plug.

How much ground clearance will I lose?
RCI designed the skid to hug the differential within approximately 1/4 inch, minimizing ground-clearance loss.

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