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Member
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Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: The Republic of Texas
Posts: 262
Real Name: Kirk
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: The Republic of Texas
Posts: 262
Real Name: Kirk
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gamma Ray
I was watching this video last night from Victory 4X4 about their install of the Victory 4X4 skid plates.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JLF9z_18SY
I saw that they removed some parts that they called crash bars and another thing they referred to as braces of some sort. They put the skid plates on after removing those parts, but those parts remained off.
Is keeping those parts off really a good thing? They look like they're rather sturdy things that would provide structure for the vehicle, and I'm not sure if the skid plates would be good replacements for those parts. I've got to wonder if skid plates that go on over these parts would be better for the vehicle in the long term.
I'm reminded of these cracks in the wheelwells that I've seen people have. Perhaps there's a correlation between removing these parts and a stretching of the wheelwell to the point of cracking? And if not this, then maybe something else? |
My .02...I have a PRO with the factory Pro skidplate. I chose RCI for my skids specifically because they have an engine skid that integrates with the factory skid. A GX460 obviously does not have this. so...maybe not apples to apples, but close.
That said, those curved "crash Bars" (NOT the ones to the radiator support) were also removed with the RCI units. I was satisfied that the skid itself took on most of the stiffness of the removed bars. I based this on how the skids bolted up to the vehicle; using the factory bolt holes for the removed bars, to secure the skid plate. Very solid.
The PRO skid plate bolts up to the same place on the radiator support as the "s" shaped braces, and to the cross member in back. Is it as strong as those braces...dunno. But the Pro skid is a stout piece of metal, and I'm willing to consider that an "acceptable risk".
Good luck!
AMLOR
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2019 TRD PRO: Victory 4x4 Blitz bumper & sliders, Smittybilt 12K, Factor 55, Bubba Rope, Van Beest, C4 Fab, Power Tank, Xenon Depot, Cali Raised LED, ARB, SPC UCA's, Rad Rubber, REDARC, StrongBox, TRD Pro front coils, CE Auto Elect., Blue Sea, SDHQ/SP9100, Cornfed, RCI skids, BajaRack "basket", Revolution Gear 4.88's, Dobinsons 300lb over stock rear springs. DrawTight Class IV frame mounted hitch, Method Racing 703 Bead grip.
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