{"product_id":"rci-rear-differential-skid-plate-4runner-tacoma-fj-cruiser-gx470-rci-univ-diff","title":"RCI Rear Differential Skid Plate – 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser \u0026 GX470 | RCI-UNIV-DIFF","description":"\u003cp\u003eProtect the low-hanging rear differential on your Toyota or Lexus 4x4 with the \u003cstrong\u003eRCI Off Road Rear Differential Skid Plate, part #RCI-UNIV-DIFF\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned for select \u003cstrong\u003eToyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser and Lexus GX470\u003c\/strong\u003e applications, this heavy-duty differential skid is CNC laser cut and formed from \u003cstrong\u003e3\/16-inch steel\u003c\/strong\u003e to protect the rear differential from rocks, ledges and other on- and off-road hazards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike bulky differential protection that can significantly reduce clearance, the RCI skid hugs the differential housing tightly, maintaining approximately \u003cstrong\u003e1\/4-inch clearance from the differential\u003c\/strong\u003e for minimal loss of ground clearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVehicle Fitment\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eToyota 4Runner\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2003-Present\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill NOT fit KDSS-equipped models\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eToyota Tacoma\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2005-2015\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eToyota FJ Cruiser\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2007-2014\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill NOT fit KDSS-equipped models\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLexus GX470\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2003-2009\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill NOT fit KDSS-equipped models\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIMPORTANT: This rear differential skid plate WILL NOT FIT KDSS models.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlways verify your vehicle's suspension configuration before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProtects the vulnerable, low-hanging rear differential\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFits select Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser and Lexus GX470 applications\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeavy-duty \u003cstrong\u003e3\/16\" steel construction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCNC laser-cut and brake-formed\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClamps directly to the axle housing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo drilling required\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHugs the differential tightly for minimal ground-clearance loss\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApproximately 1\/4\" clearance between skid and differential\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrain holes allow water, mud and dirt to escape\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintains full access to the differential drain plug\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDurable black powder-coated finish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRevised clamping system\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRobot-welded construction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstallation hardware and instructions included\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstalls using a direct bolt-on\/clamp-on design\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMade in the USA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRCI part number \u003cstrong\u003eRCI-UNIV-DIFF\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProtect Your Rear Differential\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA hard impact to the differential housing can potentially result in expensive drivetrain damage or leave a vehicle disabled on the trail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's an excellent upgrade for vehicles used for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOff-roading\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRock crawling\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverlanding\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrail driving\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCamping\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHunting\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBackcountry travel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGeneral underbody protection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMinimal Loss of Ground Clearance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnderbody armor should protect your vehicle without unnecessarily reducing ground clearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRCI designed the RCI-UNIV-DIFF skid to \u003cstrong\u003ehug the differential housing within approximately 1\/4 inch\u003c\/strong\u003e, keeping the skid tucked tightly against the axle assembly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis provides substantial protection while minimizing the amount of ground clearance sacrificed by adding a differential skid plate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEasy No-Drill Installation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe RCI rear differential skid plate \u003cstrong\u003eclamps directly to the axle housing\u003c\/strong\u003e, eliminating the need to drill into the vehicle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll required installation hardware and instructions are included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe direct-fit clamping system allows the skid plate to be installed in minutes with normal hand tools.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDrainage \u0026amp; Differential Service Access\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRCI incorporates strategically positioned drain holes into the skid plate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese openings allow:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater to drain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMud and dirt to escape\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDebris to be washed from the skid\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccess to the factory differential drain plug\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis allows routine differential fluid service without requiring removal of the skid plate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUpdated RCI Design\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRCI updated the RCI-UNIV-DIFF design in 2022 with several improvements, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaller rear skid plate flange\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRevised axle clamping mechanism\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFully fixtured construction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRobot-welded assembly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese revisions improve consistency, strength and protection compared with earlier versions of the RCI differential skid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBlack Powder-Coated Steel Construction\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe skid plate is constructed from \u003cstrong\u003e3\/16-inch steel\u003c\/strong\u003e for excellent impact resistance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA durable \u003cstrong\u003eblack powder-coated finish\u003c\/strong\u003e provides corrosion resistance while giving the skid plate a clean appearance underneath the vehicle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eImportant KDSS Compatibility Notice\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTHIS PRODUCT WILL NOT FIT KDSS-EQUIPPED VEHICLES.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToyota's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) uses additional suspension components that interfere with this differential skid plate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have a 4Runner, FJ Cruiser or Lexus GX equipped with KDSS, do not order this skid plate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're unsure whether your vehicle is equipped with KDSS, verify your vehicle's equipment before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProduct Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eManufacturer:\u003c\/strong\u003e RCI Off Road \/ RCI Metalworks\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePart Number:\u003c\/strong\u003e RCI-UNIV-DIFF\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rear Differential Skid Plate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rear Differential\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3\/16\" Steel\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black Powder Coat\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstallation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clamp-On \/ Direct Bolt-On\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrilling Required:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrain Plug Access:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardware:\u003c\/strong\u003e Included\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKDSS Compatible:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCountry of Manufacture:\u003c\/strong\u003e USA\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat vehicles does RCI-UNIV-DIFF fit?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRCI currently lists the rear differential skid for \u003cstrong\u003e2003-Present Toyota 4Runner, 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma, 2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser and 2003-2009 Lexus GX470\u003c\/strong\u003e. It does not fit KDSS-equipped vehicles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the RCI rear differential skid fit the Toyota FJ Cruiser?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. RCI lists the skid for \u003cstrong\u003e2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser\u003c\/strong\u003e applications without KDSS.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it fit a Toyota 4Runner?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. RCI currently lists \u003cstrong\u003e2003-Present Toyota 4Runner\u003c\/strong\u003e applications, excluding KDSS-equipped vehicles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it fit a Tacoma?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. RCI lists \u003cstrong\u003e2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma\u003c\/strong\u003e applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it fit the Lexus GX470?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. RCI lists \u003cstrong\u003e2003-2009 Lexus GX470\u003c\/strong\u003e applications without KDSS.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill this skid plate fit a KDSS vehicle?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. RCI specifically states that \u003cstrong\u003eRCI-UNIV-DIFF will not fit KDSS models\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow thick is the differential skid plate?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe skid is constructed from \u003cstrong\u003e3\/16-inch steel\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes installation require drilling?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. The skid plate clamps directly to the axle housing and does not require drilling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I change the differential fluid without removing the skid plate?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. RCI designed the skid to maintain full access to the differential drain plug.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much ground clearance will I lose?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRCI designed the skid to hug the differential within approximately \u003cstrong\u003e1\/4 inch\u003c\/strong\u003e, minimizing ground-clearance loss.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the RCI differential skid plate made in the USA?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. RCI manufactures this skid plate in the USA.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RCI Off-Road","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47327844466861,"sku":"RCI-UNIV-DIFF","price":319.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0681\/7198\/9165\/files\/Uni-Diff-1.webp?v=1787784529","url":"https:\/\/pureautoparts.com\/products\/rci-rear-differential-skid-plate-4runner-tacoma-fj-cruiser-gx470-rci-univ-diff","provider":"Pure Auto Parts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}