I was under the impression the RCI full skid package including that gas skid, but if it doesn't I will have to add it.
I did have plans on armoring as much of the underside as possible.
Thanks for the Group Buy Link... much appreciated.
I'm not sure it's a "get what you pay for" kind of thing. IMO, it's what you plan on doing with them.
ARB plates are good for an upgrade from the OEM in as much as they cover more of your expensive and exposed bits, and offer a slightly (I need to double check this) thicker material. They are stamped steel and are definitely NOT flat, which is what separates them from the Bud or RCI skids. I call them bash plates, and not skid plates which are designed to allow you to slide over obstacles as opposed to the occasional hard hit.
The difference between the BB and RCI is material thickness and price. Buds are much thicker and encompass more under the vehicle. The downside is they are ridiculously heavy. They are designed for more hardcore crawling and sliding. They do offer an "overland" option which is probably more comparable to RCI, and also offer aluminum in the "overland" edition. They are also the only vendor I know that offer stainless as an option for those with really deep pockets. BB will also powder coat their skids in a variety of colors.
I run a full RCI armor system (only thing I don't have is the LCA plates) and have been pleased with them. I think the welding and material is top notch, and their customer service has been great. I have them in aluminum and for what they are supposed to be used for, they have worked well. I have gone through (2) IFS skids and honestly consider them a wear and tear item at this point. I have recently outgrown the aluminum and have been heavily leaning towards steel for at least my IFS and mid skids due to the trails and damage I have exposed them to. My main issue with steel is not the weight really, but more maintenance. Just one more piece of metal I need to re-paint after every other trip.
I think the one advantage Bud has is that the IFS skid covers the cam bolts where RCI doesn't. I've done some nasty trails and I've never hit there or really been worried about it, but I guess the extra protection is always a consideration.
Also, one thing to consider is mounting points. I run Kings and because of the sway bar relocation bracket that also serves as my resi bracket, I've had to get creative in the way I mount my IFS skid, and I've had to ditch my stamped lower radiator chassis S supports to get the skid to stop making contact with them. I also ditched my front diff drop to gain some more skid clearance. So if you have an aftermarket suspension, it may be a small project to get everything snug without pieces touching each other.
