Skid Plates

[Lefty]

I am thinking of buying a basic front skid plate for my 2003 2WD Ranger Edge. I could be wrong, but I'm assuming that all Gen II Rangers would fit the same. I don't want to go overboard. I don't want to remove the front valance or buy a bull bar. My own needs are simple. I don't have to protect a transfer case Mostly I'm looking to protect those transmission oil lines and also my new paint job on the underside, especially on gravel roads. I don't search for off road stuff adventures, but I sometimes work off road on my son's farm.

OEM Ford would be okay. Have you got one? I've never even seen one. But what about you? I'm even thinking they wouldn't be that hard to make. Please show what you have. I'm all eyes!

 

[97RangerXLT]

OEM Gen 1,2 and 3 (83-97) the transfer case and gas tank skids *may* work/ bolt up as the frames are pretty much the same through that range of years, but some differences in gas tanks might make a difference. Gen 4 and 5 (98-2011) had completely different front ends and suspension, so any skids from older Rangers will not likely bolt up. Gas tank and transfer case will likely be a direct bolt in though.

AJ

 

[Lefty]

OEM Gen 1,2 and 3 (83-97) the transfer case and gas tank skids *may* work/ bolt up as the frames are pretty much the same through that range of years, but some differences in gas tanks might make a difference. Gen 4 and 5 (98-2011) had completely different front ends and suspension, so any skids from older Rangers will not likely bolt up. Gas tank and transfer case will likely be a direct bolt in though.

AJ

I don't even know what a front skid plate looks like. The internet offers a lot of photos on Ebay and other places. The trouble is that I can't tell which ones fit where. I'm just that clueless

 

[James Morse]

For front I'd check Affordable Off Road also check pics this site in the tech resources and articles.
I'd think it depends do you want to replace your front bumper which is I think usually how it's done but maybe not mandatory.

You should be able to find the underbody ones in your gen, for sure FX's had them (xfr case and fuel tank). I think some listed 3 skids so maybe one of those was front?
My '97 has the two but they don't talk about it in the brochures so I think they were standard w/ 4x4, vs later I think they were only standard on FX (some years had FX Level 2).

 

[Lefty]

Do you know what this one is for?

 

[James Morse]

No idea. Is it for Ranger?
My best guess is it's a front skid plate of some type. If that's supposed to fit your truck, I'd look underneath to try to match up the cutouts with what is under there. If it's in fact a skid plate then there must be parts sticking through the cutouts which seems contrary to the reason for a skid plate.
Maybe it's something else entirely. Probably someone knows. If it has a Ford part number that might help.

 

[Ranger850]

Do you know what this one is for?

Genuine Ford Under Cover 9L3Z-5D032-A - According to Google image search.
Looks plastic and sells for $18.00 US.

 

[Josh B]

Here's one for my transfer case, 93 ranger 4.0 XLT 4WD. I had just touched it up.
It might be something you could put there. I'm not certain what specific years it was used

 

[Curious Hound]

Here's one for my transfer case, 93 ranger 4.0 XLT 4WD. I had just touched it up.
It might be something you could put there. I'm not certain what specific years it was used

That could probably be made to fit for the transfer case. But the original post seemed to be asking about a front skid plate which would be completely different.

 

[Lefty]

I hope to crank up the garage heater soon and take a good hard look at the underside as soon as the weather warms.

 

[Josh B]

That could probably be made to fit for the transfer case. But the original post seemed to be asking about a front skid plate which would be completely different.

How would it be different? I mean, yes, it was installed over the transfer case but it appears to be suited for other locations, and it is a lot stronger than plastic

 

[Curious Hound]

How would it be different? I mean, yes, it was installed over the transfer case but it appears to be suited for other locations, and it is a lot stronger than plastic

A front skid plate is usually angled from the bottom of the bumper down toward the axle/steering components. Totally different shape.

 

[Josh B]

A front skid plate is usually angled from the bottom of the bumper down toward the axle/steering components. Totally different shape.

This one is too if you look closer I lightened it up a bit

 

[4x4prepper]

Duff Tuff Skid Plate, Ford Bronco II, 83-92 Ranger, 91-94 Explorer

Duff Tuff Skid Plate, Ford Bronco II, 83-92 Ranger, 91-94 Explorer | James Duff Inc.

Back by popular demand! Our 1/8″ aluminum Duff Tuff Skid Plate gives a finished look to your front end while adding extra protection for your radiator. Backed with a steel frame for strength…

dufftuff.com

I believe this is what the OP was looking to protect his front end, maybe JD could be convinced to do a 4th generation skid plate?

 

[Curious Hound]

This one is too if you look closer I lightened it up a bit

Not even close to what we’re talking about.