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Trusted Gear for Serious Off-Roaders!
Trusted Gear for Serious Off-Roaders!

RCI Offroad Rear Differential Skid Plate | 2016-2023 Tacoma

SKU TACO-16-DIFF-SPORT
Save $42.00
Original Price $419.00
Current Price $377.00

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3/16" Heavy-Duty Steel

Precision laser-cut from structural 3/16” steel to provide professional-grade protection for your Tacoma's vulnerable rear differential.

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No-Drill Clamp Install

Features a 100% bolt-on design that clamps directly to the axle housing—no permanent vehicle modifications required.

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Maximum Ground Clearance

Engineered to hug the differential within 1/4", ensuring maximum underbody armor with minimal impact on your off-road clearance.

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Integrated Service Ports

Designed with debris drainage holes and a dedicated aperture for full access to the differential drain plug for easy maintenance.

Description

RCI Offroad Rear Differential Skid Plate | 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma

Heavy-Duty 3/16” Steel. No-Drill Clamp Installation. Made in the USA.

Armor Your 3rd Gen Tacoma’s Most Vulnerable Spot

The rear differential is one of the lowest-hanging and most expensive components on your Toyota Tacoma. Whether you're navigating technical rock gardens or unexpected trail hazards, a single impact can lead to a cracked housing and a ruined trip. The RCI Offroad Rear Differential Skid Plate is the ultimate defense, precision-engineered to provide a seamless, custom fit for all 2016-2023 models.

Built from heavy-duty, laser-cut 3/16” steel and manufactured in the USA, this plate provides premium fit and finish. It is specifically designed to hug the differential housing within 1/4", ensuring that you maintain maximum ground clearance while gaining professional-grade protection.

The Problem & The Solution:

The Pain: The rear differential sits dangerously low and factory "guards" are non-existent. Impact damage here can cost thousands in drivetrain repairs and towing fees.
The RCI Solution: Our skid plate clamps directly to the axle housing for a 100% bolt-on install. We’ve integrated service openings so you can access your drain plug and maintain your truck without ever removing the armor.

RCI Offroad Rear Differential Skid Plate installed on Tacoma
Key Features: Heavy-Duty Differential Armor

No-Drill Installation

The plate clamps securely to the axle housing. This direct bolt-on design means no permanent modifications to your Tacoma.

Full Drain Access

Thoughtfully engineered openings allow full access to the differential drain plug for hassle-free gear oil changes.

Extreme Clearance

Hugs the differential housing within 1/4" to ensure you don't lose the clearance you need to clear obstacles.

3/16” Structural Steel

Laser-cut and CNC bent for precision. This is not a flimsy guard—it's heavy-duty armor built for the trail.

Self-Draining Channels

Integrated drain holes allow water, mud, and dirt to escape, preventing debris buildup and potential rust.

American Manufactured

Proudly made in the USA, ensuring superior quality control, materials, and long-lasting durability.

Powder Coat Finish

Standard with a heavy-duty black powder coat for a clean look and maximum rust resistance.

Trim Specific Designs

Tailored versions for SR5/TRD Sport vs. TRD Offroad/Pro to ensure perfect drain plug alignment.

Custom Fit for Your Drivetrain

Not all Tacoma differentials are the same. RCI Offroad offers two distinct versions to match your specific trim. Whether your drain plug is on the passenger side (TRD Offroad/Pro) or the driver side (SR5/Sport), we have a precision-fit solution. This attention to detail ensures your armor doesn't interfere with standard maintenance.

22 lbs Steel Weight 3/16" Laser Cut Steel 1/4" Clearance Gap 100% Bolt-On
RCI Tacoma Differential Skid Plate close up

Real Owner Feedback ★★★★★

"Install took maybe 15 minutes. The fit is incredibly tight to the diff, so I didn't lose any meaningful clearance. I've already slammed it into a few rocks at Moab and it barely even scratched the powder coat. If you wheel your Tacoma, this is cheap insurance compared to a broken differential."

- Mark V., Tacoma TRD Off-Road Owner
Critical Fitment Guide

Identify Your Version: Please check your drain plug location before ordering.
TRD Offroad/Pro & Manual Sport: Drain plug is on the Passenger Side.
SR5 & Automatic Sport: Drain plug is on the Driver Side.

One Trail Mishap vs. RCI Protection

$3,000+ Rear Diff Replacement $500+ Off-Road Towing Fee One-Time RCI Skid Investment

Why RCI Offroad?

Feature RCI Rear Diff Skid Generic Guards
Installation ✓ Clamp-on (No-Drill) ✗ Often requires drilling
Serviceability ✓ Direct Drain Access ✗ Remove plate for service
Clearance ✓ Tightly Hugs (1/4") ✗ Large drop below axle
Material ✓ 3/16" Laser Cut Steel Thinner 1/8" Metal
Verified Fitment

Engineered specifically for the 3rd Generation Toyota Tacoma (2016-2023). Compatible with:

TRD Offroad & TRD Pro (All Transmissions) SR5 & TRD Sport (All Transmissions) Manual TRD Sport (Uses Offroad Version)

Pro Tip: All manual transmission Sport models utilize the larger differential housing found on TRD Offroad models. Please select the TRD Offroad/Pro model if you drive a manual sport.

RCI Tacoma Skid Plate underside

⚠️ WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

+ How do I know if I need the Sport/SR5 or the Offroad/Pro version?

The easiest way to tell is by looking at your oil drain plug location. If it is on the Passenger side, order the Offroad/Pro version. If it is on the Driver side, order the SR5/Sport version. (Note: Manual Sport models use the Offroad version).

+ Is drilling required for installation?

No drilling is required. The RCI Rear Diff Skid Plate features a clever clamp design that attaches directly to the axle housing using existing factory attachment points.

+ Can I still change my gear oil without removing the skid plate?

Yes. RCI designs these plates with integrated drain holes that provide full access to the differential drain plug, making maintenance as simple as it was from the factory.

+ Will I lose significant ground clearance?

The loss in clearance is minimal (approx. 1/4"). RCI's design hugs the differential as tightly as possible to ensure your off-road capability is not compromised.

+ What material is used for the skid plate?

The plate is constructed from heavy-duty 3/16" laser-cut steel and is black powder-coated for superior rust resistance and a durable trail-ready finish.

Prop 65

California Residents

Prop 65 Warning- Product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Proposition 65 is a California law passed in 1986. Its goals are to protect drinking water sources from toxic substances that may cause cancer and birth defects and to reduce or eliminate exposures to those chemicals generally, for example in consumer products, by requiring warnings in advance of those exposures.

The regulation requires the State of California to revise and republish yearly a list of chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm. The current list contains over 900 naturally occurring and synthetic chemicals. This regulation also requires manufacturers to place warnings on products that contain any of the chemicals listed by the State of California. No other states require warnings of this nature, and products with Prop 65 warning language are legal to sell in all states. Detailed information regarding requirements for compliance to the California Prop. 65 is can be found at: www.P65Warning.ca.gov

Why Buy From Us

We get it. You've got a lot of choice when it comes to online retailers.
Here's why we think you should shop with us at ExtrailAuto.

RCI Offroad Rear Differential Skid Plate | 2016-2023 Tacoma

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