(2008-2021) Land Cruiser 200 Series, LX570 Transfer Case Skid Plate and Crossmember
From overlanding to rock crawling, we feel this skid is the most important skid under a LC200 or LX570. The stock transfer shield is a simple cage that bolts to the transfer case itself.
The issue:
The factory drivetrain is built from cast aluminum, which is a superior material for what it is designed for. Cast aluminum is light weight, holds precision components together well, and dissipates heat wonderfully, it's great as a case. The only negative for it is... it can't take even moderate impacts.
This oversight leaves a lot to be desired in the factory shield. Even worse is the fact that almost all aftermarket skid plate manufactures bolt their skid directly to the transfer case also, which proves that they don't really go off roading in North America. We have seen multiple destroyed case from aftermarket skids that bolt to the transfer case. If you see a skid that bolts to the case, run away.
This is why we created a dedicated and specific crossmember that works around the transfer case and fuel skid. It's not easy to do, which is why we are the only manufacturer to create a crossmember that does not sit below the fuel tank. A crossmember that sits below the fuel tank simply kills ground clearance and creates a horrible hang up point. With the weight of a Land Cruiser or LX570, even we don't see how that design could be fabricated to where you won't damage the frame mounting area.
The crossmember itself is not a simple bar that a skid bolts to. The Crossmember and skid plate work together to create a cantilever design, this fights against upward bending when slamming the center of the truck on obstacles. Basically, this creates a triangulated structure that truly handles an absolute beating, but is light weight, small in physical size, and provides space to inspect your transfer case after adventures.
3/16" Stainless Steel and 1/4" Aluminum options include a black powder coated crossmember for no additional charge.
- Bolt-on design that can easily be removed
- Completely isolates the transfer case from impacts, an absolutely crucial feature
- Maintains near factory ground clearance under the center of the Cruiser
- 100% North American materials
- Laser cut and CNC bent for precision accuracy and tight tolerances
- 100% fabricated by the small team of engineers and craftsman that are BudBuilt
