Removing was the first mod I made to my Gen 3 and Gen 4 Sports. I know they are pavement princesses but I drive in snow and it was a concern. I also found that it would hit a parking space bumper if I pulled into a spot too far. That is pretty sad for a 4WD truck. I do not need a heavy skid plate, but there are a few lightweight skids out there that protect the undercarriage from kicked up stones and road debris. I like the look with it removed, but hey, that's just me and more power to the owners that keep them own. Let's call it Taco's version of DEI