98+4X4 offroad factory skid plates?

[B30004X4]

I am just wondering why I see some 98 plus ford ranger 4X4s with factory skids plates. I dont see many but a few of them have the front aluminum skid plate.

 

[Bent Bolt]

They came on FX4 level II and seems to have come on a lot of the Mazda's for some reason.

 

[JohnnyO]

Some '98 (only) Off-Road Package Rangers had a front skidplate, along with skidplates for the transfer case and fuel tank. The front skidplate then disappeared for a few years until the '02 FX4 (and '03+ FX4 Level II) but the '99-'02 Off-Road and '03+ FX4 kept the t-case and fuel tank skidplates. I used to have an '02 Off-Road that I got new and it did not have a front skidplate. My neighbor* plus one of my dad's neighbors both still have '98 Off-Roads that they bought new and they both have front skidplates. Skidplates were a separate option on other 4x4 Ranger models.

Just a recap for late-model newbies:
'98-'02 Off-Road = '03+ FX4
'02 FX4 = '03+ FX4 Level II

* My neighbor has a Ranger that people would die for. '98 Reg. Cab, Flareside, Off-Road, 4.0. Try finding one like that.

 

[B30004X4]

Thanks guys for the replies. I just got my 98 so I want those skid plates. I called a bunch local salvage yards but apparently they dont keep anything small like that. Hopefully i can come across some.

 

[camodown]

just have a welder or you make something that actually protects. Those stock skid plates are not worth much for protection

 

[bcost882]

naw need some more serious metal for it

 

[JohnnyO]

I called a bunch local salvage yards but apparently they dont keep anything small like that.

Ford simply didn't build many Rangers with front skidplates. The t-case and fuel tank skidplates are far more common and very stout. The front skidplate, not so much. Assuming it is still available, a company called Miller's Fabrication makes a front skidplate that is much stronger than the Ford piece.

http://www.millersfabrication.com/prerunner.html

 

[Bent Bolt]

Ford simply didn't build many Rangers with front skidplates. The t-case and fuel tank skidplates are far more common and very stout. The front skidplate, not so much. Assuming it is still available, a company called Miller's Fabrication makes a front skidplate that is much stronger than the Ford piece.

http://www.millersfabrication.com/prerunner.html

Agreed. The front skid won't protect much. Fairly effective keeping the snow out of the engine bay.

 

[kiragyu]

kind of a noob question but would those front skid plates mount up to 98 mazda?

 

[JohnnyO]

kind of a noob question but would those front skid plates mount up to 98 mazda?

Yes, they are the same and I'm pretty sure the bumper is similar enough that it shouldn't be a problem. As mentioned, some Mazda trucks have front plates also.

 

[kiragyu]

one other question i just messed up my front plastic valence thingy under the grill of my truck and i really dont want to replace it i was looking at getting a grill gaurd/skid plate combo for a price within reason like 300? or close to it can you guys help me out if you guys have a website or something

 

[JohnnyO]

The Miller's Fabrication website shows a tube bumper, also I know Dixon Brothers makes them but it costs $550.

http://www.dixonbrosracing.com/content/view/7/2/

 

[bourbon5.0ranger]

my 2000 ranger came with a skid plate also but had to remove it when i did the body lift it didnt look right after the buper was raised

 

[montana]

98 Ranger 4-sale

My son just joined the Navy and wants me to sell his truck if the price is right. It's a 98 Ford Ranger FWD, four door, electric locks/windows, off-road (with skid plates), towing package, step side, stainless nerf bars(new), air, power steering, tilt, cruise, CD, sliding rear window, block heater, ABS, Alloy wheels, new battery, tonneau, bed liner, etc... Kelley Bluebook says it's worth $7350 in good shape. This pickup has 57,700 original miles and is in very good condition. The one negative may be that it's a 4 cylinder, but it seems to have plenty of power and gets great gas milage. What is a fair asking price?

By the looks this thread they are hard to come by, especially in this condition and low miles.

 

[Earl43P]

Gotta be a V6 in that truck.....4 banger 4WD in 98? http://www.therangerstation.com/resources/RangerHistory.htm says they dropped the 4 cyl from the 4wd lineup in 92.


Anyway, Welcome to The Ranger station.

You'll get better responses if you start a new thread, perhaps in the for sale section....

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=24