I heard if you order Toyota parts for your Toyota on line they are not covered by the Toyota warranty. They only cover over the counter parts which come at a higher price.
I agree with you my built up rubicon lets me use 4 lo not only for climbing but also for braking down hills and driving at slow speed shifting into 2,3,4 moving as you said about 1500 rpm . The Tacoma is a different animal.
I look under the skid plates when I do the oil change on my Tacoma and jeep. I only drop the whole plates when I change the transfer case oil. Not really much to look for unless you really smashed them on some rocks or went through a lot of mud.
I have an RCI front skid with a hole. I can stick my hand around the edge or through the hole and screw on my Femco hose with a 45 degree and put the hose through the hole and into an old oil bottle. No fuss or mess.