The Ultimate GX550 Skid Plate System: 7075 Aluminum, Enhanced by UHMW Skid Surfaces
Off-roading can be rough on your new Lexus GX550, but with the 7000-Series Skid Plate System, you’ll be prepared for anything the trail throws your way. Not only is this built for serious off-roaders, it's been designed and engineered by real rock crawling enthusiasts. This modular skid plate system combines 3/16" 7075 aluminum, zinc-plated steel reinforcements, and a 1/4" UHMW wear surface to provide unparalleled protection and performance for your GX550. With skids for the Engine & Differential, Transmission, Transfer Case, Fuel Tank and Exhaust Systems, your drivetrain and undercarriage is shielded from the toughest terrain, minimizing added weight while maximizing seamless, smooth protection.
Whether you’re planning your first trip to the Rubicon, or your 10th trip to The Hammers, this one is built for you.
The Material Throw Down: Steel | 6061-T6 | 7075-T6
Done watching "test videos" where a MFG calls the product "bulletproof" because a small caliber bounces off their skid? We got creative and had some fun with a more analogous test. Spoiler alert: 7075-T6 really stands out. Watch the full video.
Modular Design for Maximum Coverage
Exhaust Skid — The exhaust skid features a gap-free design to prevent hang-ups, with steel reinforcements along all edges, and a 1/4" UHMW surface to ensure durability and virtually frictionless performance!
Engine & Differential Skid — This engine/differential skid features a gap-free design to prevent hang-ups, with steel reinforcements along all edges, and a 1/4" UHMW surface to ensure durability and virtually frictionless performance!
Transmission Skid — We have watched a few folks discover this first hand: any damage to the oil pans of your engine or transmission can leave you stranded on the trail, waiting for help. This transmission skid features a gap-free design to prevent hang-ups, with steel reinforcements along all edges, and a 1/4" UHMW surface to ensure durability and frictionless performance to get you home at the end of the day!
Transfer Case Skid — Built to absorb impacts, the transfer case skid offers superior strength with no gaps where it meets the engine & transmission skid in addition to the fuel tank skid, so rocks won’t find a place to lodge themselves. While the transfer case itself has no oil pan, its cast aluminum casing is something we have seen fail if left exposed to rocks, and even fail when steel skids beneath have collapsed and rubbed through the casing over time. A working transfer case is required for 4 low, 4 high, and even proper 2wd power transmission to your axles.
Fuel Tank Skid (3-Piece Design) — You won’t get very far without fuel, and it’s never a fun mess to clean up if you do manage to spring a leak in your fuel tank. Our three-piece fuel tank skid provides smooth, continuous protection for your fuel system, making installation easier without compromising on full, gap-free coverage. This skid meshes seamlessly with the transfer case and engine & transmission skids, and features the same steel reinforcements you’ll find across the rest of the skid system.
Heavy Duty Steel Crossmembers — Backing up the belly of the beast is a heavy duty 1/4" thick steel crossmember. This connects your front fuel tank skid, mid fuel tank skid, transfer case skid, and even ties into your frame's crossmember at the very center of the belly!
Frame Mounting Rails — Along the outside edge of the fuel tank, you'll find 3/16" thick steel mounting rails. These provide a strong cross section underneath your frame rails, and feature internal gussets for additional strength. These ultimately are covered up by UHMW, and feature a 40 degree "boatside" slope on them to keep you moving along on the trail.
Why Choose Next Venture?
At Next Venture Motorsports, we understand the demands of true off-road enthusiasts. From our early days of conception in the rocks of Southern Arizona, to product testing across the country and even Ultra 4 test vehicles, our product development team lives and breathes motorsports on the rocks.
Our 7000-Series Skid Plate System combines the latest materials and technologies—7075 aluminum, zinc-plated steel bracketry, and UHMW skid surfaces—to create a product that’s as durable as it is lightweight. Engineered to provide maximum protection in the most critical areas, this system is built to keep your GX550’s undercarriage and drivetrain safe while you conquer any terrain.
Made in USA — Done In House
We make these in house. That means developed, laser cut, CNC formed, welded, packaged & shipped from our facility in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Ready to Upgrade?
With our 7000-Series Skid Plate System, you’re not just getting a piece of armor; you’re investing in reliable, American Made, long-lasting protection for your vehicle. The combination of lightweight materials and corrosion resistance ensures your GX550 performs better and lasts longer, even in the harshest conditions.
Order now and get ready for your next adventure! Equip your GX550 with the ultimate in strength, corrosion resistance, and off-road performance.
Why next venture?
parts inspired by the trail
Our team got into the game after rock crawling, wrenching, fabricating and being inspired to design and build parts for what we love to do: hit the trail.
what our customers are saying
★★★★★They invited me and my whole crew in for a tour of the facility on our way to Moab. These guys not only produce amazing armor for your Jeep, they are really good people. So, I’ve been running their rear diff skid for 9 months and it has easily held up to everything I’ve thrown at it.
Gary Swogger
Felton, DE
★★★★★After this go around with Moab and Holy cross, the diff skids did their job and protected my Jeep. My rear aluminum bumper performed phenomenally on the trail!
Rennato Lopez
Colorado Springs, CO
★★★★★Can’t say enough about Dan and his ultra skilled team! Dan was able to get us in for a skidplate with UHMW & sliders for our JKUR. The fit, finish and quality are just out of this world! Can you say “stacked dimes”? Absolutely gorgeous welds…
Lance Wende
Montrose, CO
★★★★★2 years later I'm writing this review. I've beaten the crap out of this thing hitting rocks, winching, draging it down obstacles, and now exposed to the Florida elements. The bumper looks like it did the day they sent it. You will not find a better company to work with that cares about their clients and their products!
Kelly Colwell
Panama City, FL
★★★★★My rear Next Venture diff skid takes a beating! Best rear diff skid available. Well done!
Lee Bower
★★★★★Without a doubt, Next Venture Motorsports is my first stop for epic Jeep parts. Their JL aluminum front and rear featherweight bumpers are solidly built, easy enough to install, and crafted to perfection. I can't wait for more products for my 2 door JL!
Michael Collette
Kimberly, WI
★★★★★I like it because it lets you use factory fog lights if you want. They also have a featherweight aluminum option that doesn't have holes for fogs and is essentially a stubby bumper. I am very pleased with all of their stuff. [JL/JT Adventure Series Bumper]
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Los Angeles, CA
