Lets talk skids in a different kind of way!

[spooky0512]

Skids

Dude, angelos in Pcola has a bunch of 3rd gens....
Been there several times, good guy too.

Jason

 

[Chill will]

Are you sure about that? Aluminum is over 7x stronger but less than 5x denser, so it has a higher strength/weight ratio. I've never seen anything except maybe a light weight ATV using plastics as a protective piece.

I first saw this used on extreme 4x4 and they built a buggy using the stuff. As far as warping goes due to heat I find that unlikely. I only base this on most modern cars that have a plastic shroud covering the engine compartment. I have no experience with his stuff just an idea. In my wife's GX the engine has a plastic shroud and there is no heat distortion. The plastic they use for skid plates is most likely not the same as the shroud but is much thicker and a different polymer.

 

[lude and rude]

actually in the world of off road buggies they use the UHMW but attach it to plate steel or tubing. they dont use it by itself or with huge openings anyways. plus you have to run it pretty thick (around 3/4") and its not light. this is so it slides over the obstacle and not hang up on it. plus you cant curve it very easily. this stuff is totally different then what they use on atvs i believe... the UHMW is pretty hard to find in different sizes and shapes and not cost friendly. and yes its a totally different material. this material is pretty close if not same as a cutting board.

UHMW skid plate tech questions - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

heres a link all about the UHMW skid plates.

back to the thread.... i would keep the oem skid. i beat on mine all the time and never have an issue. if your mud bogging around like your stating then i would upgrade to the full kit with thicker front plate but if your just hammering around the woods and sand and not bashing into to many things keep the oem you bought.

12MM Head, 8MM Thread Dia, 1.25 Thread Pitch, 25mm Length. heres the bolt size. i believe. but it has big washer if i remember correctly (found this info on the forum)

 

[AZ4Running]

I have stock skids and they do ok. I have taken a few hits from rocks on trails and i do t do anything crazy. A good set of full front skids is on my wish list for sure.