Advice on Skid Plates/Undercarriage kits

[87Ranger4x4xlt]

Folks, we just replaced the rotted out gas tank on our 87 XLT and shortly after the skid plate underneath which was pretty rusty too just gave out. I’m looking for advice on undercarriage skid plates/kits to replace the rusted original gear underneath. Quick searches shows me there’s a bunch of options at all kinds of prices so I’m looking for advice on personal experience— what kits do you all recommend? We are not using the truck off-road much at all but live on a dirt road so there’s a lot of rock and dirt kick up on a regular basis.

 

[franklin2]

I took my originals off and left them off. They are just dirt and crude catchers like you found out. They also make servicing and inspection more difficult. Never have had rocks on dirt roads causing a problem. Glad they are gone.

 

[Shran]

I concur that they are a waste of time unless you use the truck off road where things can jump up and poke the undercarriage.

Most people don't bother washing dirt out from between the skid plate and gas tank, and it's kinda hard to get it all out anyway even if you do. Much easier to spray off everything without them in place.

I have the entire under side of my Explorer covered by skid plates that I built and will tell you that they fill up with crap very quickly. I have to take them off 2-3 times a year to wash everything out.