ARB vs Factory skids

KCcarguy

KCcarguy

New member
I ordered a set of ARB skids and I'm really happy with them. They appear to be well made and came with a nicely-done (but unattractive, IMO) grey powder-coat finish. I spent yesterday painting them with Rustoleum "hammered" paint and plan to install this weekend if I can find time, Anyway...these are NOT a substitute for Budbuilts or Schrockworks skids. My friend has those on his FJ and they are amazing, but way overkill for me. However, the ARBs are a significant ugrade from the factory skids in both coverage and thickness; and at $360 shipped, you can't beat the price! I know there are some other threads discussing these skids, but I hadn't seen any pics of thickness vs factory. So, for anyone who's curious, here you go:

IMAG0197-1.jpg

IMAG0195.jpg
 

Attachments

  • IMAG0195.jpg
    IMAG0195.jpg
    91.9 KB · Views: 2,188
  • IMAG0197-1.jpg
    IMAG0197-1.jpg
    138.2 KB · Views: 3,802
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
Those look pretty nice.

There are several classes of skid plates:

a) decoration
b) brush and stick protection
c) light impact protection
d) boulder protection

Where do the ARB's fit? I know our stock plates were on the weak side of b).
 
homeyclaus said:
Those look pretty nice.

There are several classes of skid plates:

a) decoration
b) brush and stick protection
c) light impact protection
d) boulder protection

Where do the ARB's fit? I know our stock plates were on the weak side of b).
Click to expand...

Well, I'm no expert, but I would put them in category c.
 
KCcarguy said:
I ordered a set of ARB skids and I'm really happy with them. They appear to be well made and came with a nicely-done (but unattractive, IMO) grey powder-coat finish. I spent yesterday painting them with Rustoleum "hammered" paint and plan to install this weekend if I can find time, Anyway...these are NOT a substitute for Budbuilts or Schrockworks skids. My friend has those on his FJ and they are amazing, but way overkill for me. However, the ARBs are a significant ugrade from the factory skids in both coverage and thickness; and at $360 shipped, you can't beat the price! I know there are some other threads discussing these skids, but I hadn't seen any pics of thickness vs factory. So, for anyone who's curious, here you go:

View attachment 83696

View attachment 83695
Click to expand...

Very nice! Was that $360 for the whole set?
 
homeyclaus said:
Those look pretty nice.

There are several classes of skid plates:

a) decoration
b) brush and stick protection
c) light impact protection
d) boulder protection

Where do the ARB's fit? I know our stock plates were on the weak side of b).
Click to expand...

Definitely C.
I have needed to have a metal fab shop "fix" mine a few times. Latest is a new version of the rear cross member mounting plate, where the trans skid attaches in the back. I always manage to bend that one into a pretzel.
 
x3 on C

I believe it was Adio3x that crushed them on his first run. I drug mine a few times before selling the truck and they looked great when I pulled them off.
 
JayG said:
Very nice! Was that $360 for the whole set?
Click to expand...

Yes. $360 for the set.

brockeverly said:
x3 on C

I believe it was Adio3x that crushed them on his first run. I drug mine a few times before selling the truck and they looked great when I pulled them off.
Click to expand...

Yeah. I remember reading that thread. I think he said he hit a tree stump. I don't plan on driving over any terrain that crazy. The extent of my off-roading is pastures and fields in Kansas and Oklahoma and maybe a few light-moderate trails in the future.
 
KCcarguy said:
Yes. $360 for the set.



Yeah. I remember reading that thread. I think he said he hit a tree stump. I don't plan on driving over any terrain that crazy. The extent of my off-roading is pastures and fields in Kansas and Oklahoma and maybe a few light-moderate trails in the future.
Click to expand...

The ARB skids would likely be great for you then. You are probably fine with the stockers, but we all like bling :hatsoff:
 
Well, I'm not sure they're "bling", they're still a big step up from stock. I think they're a great middle-ground for someone who wants an upgrade and may go off-road, but isn't going to try and rock-crawl with Jeeps, etc. There is the occasional root, deep rut, or rock hiding in the grass/ creeks around here, and it's nice to have a little extra. But I'm definitely not going out there and looking to push my truck to it's limits.
 
KCcarguy said:
Well, I'm not sure they're "bling", they're still a big step up from stock. I think they're a great middle-ground for someone who wants an upgrade and may go off-road, but isn't going to try and rock-crawl with Jeeps, etc. There is the occasional root, deep rut, or rock hiding in the grass/ creeks around here, and it's nice to have a little extra. But I'm definitely not going out there and looking to push my truck to it's limits.
Click to expand...

Don't take it wrong, I had them and loved them. I wasn't being disrespectful :horn:

And at the reverse facebook angle, they are definitely bling :tongue:

421326_437336932978804_1524883754_n.jpg
 
Oh, sorry. I didn't realize you had some in your old 4r. I was just trying to explain where I was coming from. :cheers:
 
Awesome! I've been looking for a thread like this for awhile. Can you compare them in terms of coverage? Only thing I wish they had was a cutout for changing the oil filter.
 
The first two plates cover basically the same as factory, the third (trapezoidal plate) extends over the transmission, and the forth small piece replaces the factory transfer case guard.


ARB1165.jpg
 
Love the new skids. I'm in the same boat as far as not needing crazy thick armor but I do need something tougher because the factory skids are kinda weak. Especially the mesh part on the front skid. I've torn those parts almost completely off. I go to Tulsa fairly often. I may hit you up one of these days if I have some time to kill.
 
those look great, KC. for $360 shipped and net +50 lbs, seems a worthy improvement over the stock skids. good call on the paint too.
thanks for posting up the pics.
:cheers:
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

Total: 260 (members: 1, guests: 259)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,309
Messages
3,554,071
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top