Front factory skid plate rusting off! Replace??
- Thread starter Jeff T
- Start date
AuSeeker
Elite Member
HUUUh, do you think you could post some larger photos, I'm having trouble viewing them ????? :shocked:
The Yin
Member
wooooo man, big picture is large!
But to answer the question, as far as I know it should have a front 'splash guard' in that location. I believe splash guard is the factory term if you're looking to get it replaced. There should be one there and then one right under the engine.
octanejunkie
Elite Member
Yes, replace the bottom engine covers, they serve a purpose. Without the front shield/cover the plastic radiator bottom tank is really vulnerable.
The bottom covers are often best sourced from a junk yard or from other forum members that have upgraded to actual skid plates/armor for wheeling purposes.
I'm just visiting form the 3rd gen forum but thought I'd chime in. Good luck!
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The bottom covers are often best sourced from a junk yard or from other forum members that have upgraded to actual skid plates/armor for wheeling purposes.
I'm just visiting form the 3rd gen forum but thought I'd chime in. Good luck!
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
If you need used parts, these guys are awesome.
https://m.tlsautorecycling.com
I grabbed a new driver’s side seatbelt and it was in great condition. They have extensive pictures of the salvaged vehicle they pull the parts from too, which is always nice to see where they came from.
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https://m.tlsautorecycling.com
I grabbed a new driver’s side seatbelt and it was in great condition. They have extensive pictures of the salvaged vehicle they pull the parts from too, which is always nice to see where they came from.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sporin
New member
Digging around for options for my rusty skid plates and google found this thread.
I think I’m going to prep and paint the gas tank skid in place but the engine skid is so rough. I figure I’ll break every rusty bolt getting it off, too.
Any advise from other rust-belt folks who’ve done it?
Who makes the best reasonably priced replacement?
I think I’m going to prep and paint the gas tank skid in place but the engine skid is so rough. I figure I’ll break every rusty bolt getting it off, too.
Any advise from other rust-belt folks who’ve done it?
Who makes the best reasonably priced replacement?
Terminator03
New member
I ended up getting in on the last RCI group buy right before the holidays because mine never came with any shields. Since I live in MA and there was a lot of rust to deal with, I assume the originals rusted off, or were removed because they were in such tough shape they might have made the underside look even worse. The RCI plates I bought are seriously nice quality, and lighter than most aftermarket ones because I opted for the powder coated aluminum version. I got the front that protects the engine area, as well as the bumper filler plate so it’s a contiguous plate right from the bumper all the way under the engine. I don’t do a lot of off road at this point, but it’s nice to know it has some serious plates should I ever need/want to. I researched this for a long time, and unless you find a deal from a southern state with no salt use on a set of factory ones, the rest are overpriced junk, which is why I ultimately opted for aftermarket “real” skids. As for the hardware, my aftermarket plates used the factory attachment points, and I did have to drill out one of the bolts and retap the hole because someone had previously sheared off a bolt, as well as chasing the other holes with the tap because the threads had a lot of rust in them. I coated the new hardware in anti-seize so I won’t have that issue in the future. In your case, I’d start now soaking the bolts with PB Blaster every few days so hopefully they’ll break free when your ready to take them out. You could also hit them with a torch when you’re about to remove them, as heat helps a lot. Good luck!
Sporin
New member
Great advice, much appreciated. :high5:
I don't plan to do much wheeling with it but I am going up 2/1 when I pull the old XREAS and maybe looking at a taller tire next time I purchase rubber. Might as well do an upgrade to the skid if I'm going to go to all the trouble of dealing with the old plate removal.
I've got the same issue - both front skids are really rusted and the front one under the engine is about to fall off @183,500 miles. The truck was garaged by the previous owner, but there are areas that are starting to rust pretty good - plan to address those with some POR15 or similar. Sounds like a decent aftermarket skid is the better choice - tax time is going to get used up quickly this year as it needs a set of tires badly, lol.
Sarge
Sarge
