Flat Belly Skid Plate Kit / Toyota Tacoma / 2005-2023
Coming Soon
This product is currently in final development. Production models, photos, and pricing will be released soon.
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Pre-Order: Made to order with an estimated lead time of 8-10 weeks. Adding powder coat adds 2-4 weeks.
Description
The DRT Fabrication Flat Belly Skid Plate Kit is a completely new approach to skid plate design for the 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma, focused on one thing: real ground clearance gains and real world performance. The kit replaces the factory transmission crossmember with a high-clearance unit and a flat belly skid system, gaining approximately 2 inches at the transmission crossmember and up to 4 inches at the transfer case.
- Improved breakover clearance
- Reduced hang-ups on rocks, ledges, and ruts
- Smoother underbody profile
- Better obstacle transition and departure
- Increased confidence in technical terrain
What's Included
- Transmission skid plate
- New high clearance transmission crossmember
- Transfer case skid plate
- Transfer case crossmember
- Necessary hardware
Specs
- Approximately 2" of clearance gained at the transmission crossmember, up to 4" at the transfer case
- Laminated gusset structure: the inner rib structure bolts to the skid plates for full coating coverage and serviceability
- Finish: ships raw, or add Textured Black powder coat
- Hand-built in the USA (Gilbert, AZ)
Fitment
- 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma, 2WD/4WD, automatic transmission, 4.0L/3.5L V6
- Access Cab and Double Cab configurations only
Installation
This is not a bolt-on kit. Exhaust rerouting and transmission crossmember modification (cutting and welding) are required. Full requirements are on this page under Compatibility & Installation Requirements.
Lead Time
Estimated lead time: 8-10 weeks. Adding powder coat adds 2-4 weeks to the lead time. Made to order and can not be canceled after production begins.
Shipping
Shipping is calculated by destination region and shown at checkout. Free shipping for Southwest addresses.
Specs
What's included:
- Transmission skid plate
- New high clearance transmission crossmember
- Transfer case skid plate
- Transfer case crossmember
- Necessary hardware
- Clearance: approximately 2" gained at the transmission crossmember, up to 4" at the transfer case
- Finish: ships raw, or add Textured Black powder coat
- Origin: hand-built in Gilbert, AZ
Shipping
Hand-built in Gilbert, AZ. Skid plates ship from our Arizona shop, and rates are tiered by region with one flat rate per order.
One flat rate per order: adding another skid plate to the same order does not increase shipping. Your rate is calculated automatically at checkout.
Compatibility & Install Requirements
Vehicle compatibility: 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma, 2WD/4WD, automatic transmission, 4.0L/3.5L V6. Access Cab and Double Cab configurations only.
Front skid plate compatibility: DRT Crossmember Delete Skid Plate, DRT OE Engine Skid Plate, RCI engine skid plate. May fit others with modification. JD Fabrication LCA pivot kit fitment has not been confirmed.
Exhaust modification required. The driver side crossover pipe must be rerouted around the transfer case, and the passenger side turn down section just before the factory Y-pipe must move a minimum of 5 inches toward the rear of the vehicle. Exhaust modifications are mandatory. Without them the skid system cannot be installed correctly.
Transmission crossmember modification required. The factory transmission crossmember is cut out and removed, and the included weld-on frame mounts are welded to the frame in its place. This is not a bolt-on installation. Cutting and welding are mandatory. If you are not comfortable performing these modifications, we recommend installation by a qualified fabrication or off-road shop.
-
+2"
More clearance at the transmission crossmember
-
+4"
More clearance at the transfer case
-
35" to 40"
Breakover clearance gain equivalent to going from a 35" tire to a 40" tire
More Than Just A Skid Plate
One of the Tacoma's biggest limitations off road is breakover angle: the maximum angle the truck can pass over without the belly contacting the obstacle. Long wheelbases make it worse. Once the trails get technical, you find yourself dragging the belly or turtling on obstacles.
Most owners chase clearance with bigger tires, suspension lifts, or portal axles, and every one of those comes with compromises. The Flat Belly Kit increases clearance where it matters most: at the truck's lowest points.
Built Light. Built Right.
The goal was to create more usable ground clearance while maintaining the strength required for real world off-road abuse.
Every bend, bracket, and mounting point exists for a reason. No unnecessary complexity. Just purposeful engineering focused on making your Tacoma perform better where it matters most.
Factory vs Flat Belly
The factory transmission crossmember hangs below the frame rails and is the first thing to catch on ledges and rocks. The Flat Belly system replaces it with a high-clearance crossmember and a flat skid profile. Combined with 37s and a properly designed suspension system, it delivers ground clearance comparable to many portal-equipped trucks at a lower center of gravity and a significantly lower overall investment.
What Hybrid Means
Both the transmission skid and the transfer case skid use our laminated gusset structure. Instead of traditional ribbing tabbed and welded directly to the skid, the majority of the inner rib structure bolts to the skid plates: full length bent edges, material overlap, less weld distortion, more rigidity, and complete coating coverage on surfaces where traditional welded ribs trap moisture and rust.
The result is a stronger, cleaner, lighter design that also reduces manufacturing costs: savings we can pass directly to our customers.
It also allows us to pair a lightweight 1/4" aluminum skid plate with a high-strength steel rib system, resulting in significantly greater strength than traditional all-aluminum skid plate designs.
This modular approach also provides long-term value. If a skid plate is damaged, you only need to replace the skid plate itself rather than purchasing an entirely new system, making future repairs much more affordable.
It also gives you the flexibility to change configurations as your needs evolve. If you start with the Hybrid Aluminum version and later decide you need maximum durability, you can swap to a Heavy Duty Steel skid plate. Likewise, if you begin with the steel version and want to reduce weight, you can upgrade to the aluminum skid plate. Both options use the same mounting structure, so there's no need to purchase a completely new skid package.
The Exhaust Reroute
The factory driver side crossover pipe routes underneath the transfer case and must be rerouted around it. On the passenger side, the turn down section ahead of the factory Y-pipe moves a minimum of 5 inches rearward.
Pictured: a completed reroute with the crossover pipe running around the transfer case.
Compatibility & Installation Requirements
2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma, 2WD/4WD, automatic transmission, 4.0L/3.5L V6. Access Cab and Double Cab configurations only.
Front skid plate compatibility
- DRT Crossmember Delete Skid Plate
- DRT OE Engine Skid Plate
- RCI engine skid plate
- May fit others with modification
JD Fabrication LCA pivot kit fitment has not been confirmed.
Exhaust Modification Required
Exhaust rerouting is required before installation can begin. This kit is designed to maximize ground clearance by raising the transfer case skid plate, and the factory exhaust routing will interfere with the skid system.
- Driver side: the factory crossover pipe routes underneath the transfer case and must be rerouted around it before installation.
- Passenger side: the turn down section just before the factory Y-pipe, where both exhaust banks merge, must be relocated a minimum of 5 inches toward the rear of the vehicle.
- Crossmember clearance: the supplied transfer case skid crossmember mounts where the frame transitions from boxed to C-channel. Both sides of the exhaust must be repositioned rearward to clear it.
Exhaust modifications are mandatory. Without them the skid system cannot be installed correctly.
Transmission Crossmember Modification Required
This kit completely replaces the factory transmission crossmember and requires permanent modification to the frame.
- The factory transmission crossmember is cut out and removed.
- The included weld-on frame mounts are welded to the frame in place of the factory mounts.
- Proper welding equipment and fabrication experience are required. If you are not comfortable performing these modifications, we recommend installation by a qualified fabrication or off-road shop.
This is not a bolt-on installation. Cutting and welding are mandatory.
Common Questions
What comes in the kit?
Transmission skid plate, new high clearance transmission crossmember, transfer case skid plate, transfer case crossmember, and the necessary hardware.
Do I need to modify my exhaust?
Yes. The driver side crossover pipe must be rerouted around the transfer case, and the passenger side turn down section must move a minimum of 5 inches rearward. Exhaust modifications are mandatory for proper installation.
Is this a bolt-on kit?
No. The factory transmission crossmember must be cut out and removed, and the included weld-on frame mounts must be welded in its place. If you are not comfortable with cutting and welding, we recommend installation by a qualified fabrication or off-road shop.
Which trucks does it fit?
2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma with an automatic transmission and the 4.0L or 3.5L V6. 2WD or 4WD, Access Cab and Double Cab configurations only.
How long until my kit ships?
Kits are made to order with an estimated lead time of 8-10 weeks. Adding powder coat adds 2-4 weeks to the lead time.
Does it come powder coated?
Kits ship raw by default. A Textured Black powder coat option is available.
