Integrated skids and sliders

[Friedom]

Why isn't anyone doing it? Slider to slider coverage!

Tossing around ideas for custom work on my brother's first 4x4 toy that recently joined the herd.

 

[Doc2012]

Look under the truck.

It’s not hard to see why it’s not being done.


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[Bad Luck]

Why bother with slider to slider protection if it's not necessary? Thats a lot of extra weight and fabrication to protect empty space and components that are already tucked up out of the way. That's not saying skid plates are useless, but slider to slider is overkill/excessive/not required.

 

[Doc2012]

Why bother with slider to slider protection if it's not necessary? Thats a lot of extra weight and fabrication to protect empty space and components that are already tucked up out of the way. That's not saying skid plates are useless, but slider to slider is overkill/excessive/not required.

I can see where he’s coming from; if there’s already belly pans out there, why not just go slider to slider.

I agree with you about the weight, however.

A skid that big would be almost impossible to get into place by yourself, and would kill ground clearance as well.

Maybe if it were made from titanium it would be worth it; but that’s gonna be ESPENSIVE! (Yes, I know I spelt it that way.)


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[Friedom]

Can't say I agree - we run skid plates from rail to rail of the frame, then from rail to the outside of the vehicle for sliders. If you're already running both? Why not have a smooth transition all the way across, curving up on both ends the way sliders do anyways. How many rocks do you stuff up in the holes between components? That's the only clearance that would be lost. There would be holes in the plate for access to mounting bolts, and it would likely be as heavy as sliders + the diff skid combined, but it's a pain to move armor under a truck any way you slice it. Prop up one end, lift the other, bolt on, go sledding.

 

[Doc2012]

Can't say I agree - we run skid plates from rail to rail of the frame, then from rail to the outside of the vehicle for sliders. If you're already running both? Why not have a smooth transition all the way across, curving up on both ends the way sliders do anyways. How many rocks do you stuff up in the holes between components? That's the only clearance that would be lost. There would be holes in the plate for access to mounting bolts, and it would likely be as heavy as sliders + the diff skid combined, but it's a pain to move armor under a truck any way you slice it. Prop up one end, lift the other, bolt on, go sledding.

How are you going to mount it?

You can get to the back crossmember easily enough, but what about the front of the belly pan?

Just going to mount it to the back of the front skid?

You can drill through the skid and crossmember, then weld a nut to the top of the crossmember, but what bolts are you going to use? Can’t use a standard bolt, because if you hit it on a rock, it’s FUBAR, and you’re not going to get a socket on it. A counter sunk Allen head might work, but the head is soft; meaning it strips out easily, and a long ass bolt you’ll need isn’t going to be easy to take on and off.

Going to weld tabs off the frame, right next to the fuel lines on the driver side, and the exhaust on the passenger, for mounting points?

A long, flat, piece of steel like that is gonna take a hit in the middle and fold right into the transmission pan or transfer case; unless you use something thicker than 3/16, or add gusseting, which is going to cause the skid to hang lower, thus decreasing ground clearance, and add weight.

My front skid will hold about 1/2-1” of mud on the flat part, increasing its weight significantly. I can only imagine what a belly pan the size you’re speaking of would hold/weigh.

If you’re running a flat belly, where everything is already tucked up above the frame rails, then I can see doing what you’re talking about.

But if you’re still running a stock location transmission/transfer case, it’s not going to work very well, nor is it a very feasible idea.


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[Friedom]

How are you going to mount it?

You can get to the back crossmember easily enough, but what about the front of the belly pan?

Just going to mount it to the back of the front skid?

You can drill through the skid and crossmember, then weld a nut to the top of the crossmember, but what bolts are you going to use? Can’t use a standard bolt, because if you hit it on a rock, it’s FUBAR, and you’re not going to get a socket on it. A counter sunk Allen head might work, but the head is soft; meaning it strips out easily, and a long ass bolt you’ll need isn’t going to be easy to take on and off.

Going to weld tabs off the frame, right next to the fuel lines on the driver side, and the exhaust on the passenger, for mounting points?

A long, flat, piece of steel like that is gonna take a hit in the middle and fold right into the transmission pan or transfer case; unless you use something thicker than 3/16, or add gusseting, which is going to cause the skid to hang lower, thus decreasing ground clearance, and add weight.

My front skid will hold about 1/2-1” of mud on the flat part, increasing its weight significantly. I can only imagine what a belly pan the size you’re speaking of would hold/weigh.

If you’re running a flat belly, where everything is already tucked up above the frame rails, then I can see doing what you’re talking about.

But if you’re still running a stock location transmission/transfer case, it’s not going to work very well, nor is it a very feasible idea.


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Current truck didn't come with any skids, so I can't reference stock locations. I'm picturing a flat belly from frame to frame, angling up at roughly 30° outside the frame rails and out past the rocker panels. Build gussets that straddle the frame rails, bolting on sideways(where sliders would attach anyways). That way the bolts aren't sticking straight down. Wouldn't even be sticking out past the pan. There would be access holes to get to the bolts, but I'd prefer a smooth connection up to the sliders than the usual bars which are a snag hazard in themselves. May run square or round tubing to finish out the steps/sliders.
The sliders would be wheel to wheel, but the center pan may be a little shorter as a separate skid would be needed under the rad/engine/trans anyways. A butterfly skid of sorts.
Valid point about mud collection and weight from it. Don't get much mud out here so I don't think about it. Drain holes would be fine.

 

[phattyduck]

Current truck didn't come with any skids, so I can't reference stock locations.

They don't go back very far... Just a front and engine skid are OEM:

It goes just past the steering rack and stops there.

-Charlie