Muffler skid plate?

[geofox784]

I'm working on installing my skid plates (full engine,trans,transfer & gas) and I am surprised that there are no skid plates available for the muffler. It seems like it hangs just as low as the gas tank and it looks fairly fragile. Do people ever have problems with damaging it?

 

[rochmpr]

I'm working on installing my skid plates (full engine,trans,transfer & gas) and I am surprised that there are no skid plates available for the muffler. It seems like it hangs just as low as the gas tank and it looks fairly fragile. Do people ever have problems with damaging it?

It's soft and fragile enough it will form to the shape of the rocks that make contact with it. Yes, it is huge, best thing would be to look for an aftermarket replacement that is smaller in size or not worry about it.

 

[Mutant138]

I'm working on installing my skid plates (full engine,trans,transfer & gas) and I am surprised that there are no skid plates available for the muffler. It seems like it hangs just as low as the gas tank and it looks fairly fragile. Do people ever have problems with damaging it?

My guess is they don't do this for heat and fire safety. A skid could trap grass and brush a potentially set your truck on fire. I know of people getting theirs tucked up a bit higher.

 

[Jetboy]

I think it's just flexible enough that it doesn't get damaged. I can't explain it otherwise. I think it's designed to deflect. https://redirect.viglink.com/?forma...lt="" class="post_inline_image" id="inline7">

 

[STX4Runner]

I've often wondered about it too. I've destroyed a gas tank skid, but the huge muffler at the same height 8 inches away is fine. I have no idea how this works. Does anyone make a smaller one that is not louder, or even a smaller one at all?

 

[MAST4R]

I assume you destroyed the gas skid in the Golden Crack because you approached with the driver side first? Not that I have been there in person...but it occurred to me. Isn't the gas tank front edge a bit further forward and closer to the BO angle?

Mine seems to have a couple minor dents or it may be like that from the factory.

I second the concern with heat above. I would not worry about destroying it. If it happens, then I will look for options.

 

[DanTh3Man]

Like others have said you don't want to put anything there that could trap combustible material next to the smoking hot muffler.

Also worth noting that as far as damage goes a punctured muffler is pretty minor.

 

[STX4Runner]

I assume you destroyed the gas skid in the Golden Crack because you approached with the driver side first? Not that I have been there in person...but it occurred to me. Isn't the gas tank front edge a bit further forward and closer to the BO angle?

Mine seems to have a couple minor dents or it may be like that from the factory.

I second the concern with heat above. I would not worry about destroying it. If it happens, then I will look for options.

I don't think I destroyed it specifically on the Golden Crack. That just beat up the driver's side of the front bumper a little. It was just the constant pounding it took that day on Poison Spider/Golden Spike/Gold Bar Rim, particularly on Golden Spike.

The gas tank skid was an RCI one. They make great stuff and I'm not trashing it at all, but the edges are not fully boxed and it essentially tore at the front driver's side corner. Got a C4 one after that as it's fully boxed all the way around and it's been fine since then.

 

[MAST4R]

Yeah, thats why I got Shrock. After seeing your photo.

 

[Ray Dunakin]

I've beat my skids up and still haven't touched my muffler. I agree about the fire hazard of putting a skid on the muffler. I've seen all the sticks, leaves, and brush that gets caught in my skids. If that stuff was next to the muffler it would turn into a bonfire for sure.

 

[mo_mo]

I'm working on installing my skid plates (full engine,trans,transfer & gas) and I am surprised that there are no skid plates available for the muffler. It seems like it hangs just as low as the gas tank and it looks fairly fragile. Do people ever have problems with damaging it?

Damaging a muffler doesn’t generally make the vehicle in-op or drop gasoline everywhere. Replacement muffler is ~$180 at autozone. If you were crushing them every weekend, then get a skid fabricated, otherwise don’t lose sleep over it.