Front Skid Plate

[RumPunch]

Anyone built a front skid plate for 1st or 2nd gen RBV? Planning to utilize the sway bar mounting tabs but just want to see others opinions etc.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I don't have a good picture of my truck... but AOR uses a bracket that bolts to the frame where the skid plate attaches at the rear and bolts to the bumper in the front. Different bumper then yours... but it might be some fuel for thought.

 

[RumPunch]

I did see there's. Same brand as my bumpers. Couldn't bring myself to $200 though when I can likely make on but like the idea.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Ii bought mine before inflation took over. But I also figured I would have close to the price in materials and my time to build it.

I guess when I did it... I had more money then time...

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I did see there's. Same brand as my bumpers. Couldn't bring myself to $200 though when I can likely make on but like the idea.

Duff has one for only $199.95, not much but it is a lil cheaper...

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

 

[RumPunch]

Duff has one for only $199.95, not much but it is a lil cheaper...

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 like that one but with the issues I have had with Duff unless they gave it to me with free shipping I wouldn’t give them a dime. Such a shame too..

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I have looked many a time but I have never ordered anything from them.

 

[RumPunch]

Not sure if you’ve seen my build thread but I have ranted over the lift I bought and poor quality hardware is the main issue but it’s resulted in massive issues and hold ups. And their customer support is one poor guy named Tony who is EXCEPTIONAL but it’s truly really sad that they put that burden on a key employee like that to catch all the slack of the lack of American Made stuff they have stuffed into their “American Made” lift kit. Hopefully they pay Tony a lot of money but I’m sure it’s not enough. I wouldn’t touch doing business with them again, ever.

 

[RumPunch]

I agree.. I grew up thinking if I ever built had or used a full size Bronco, F150 or RBV that’s the route I would go and I couldn’t wish harder I took a different avenue.

 

[Elutheros]

Anyone built a front skid plate for 1st or 2nd gen RBV? Planning to utilize the sway bar mounting tabs but just want to see others opinions etc.
View attachment 85267

I built one from steel diamond plate just to protect the bottom of the Explorer radiator I installed.

 

[RumPunch]

I like it thanks for the idea!

 

[scotts90ranger]

Why is everyone so obsessed with front skid plates anymore? I don't have the stock crossmember that protects the steering and besides the steering the only thing vulnerable is the lower radiator hose that I have zip tied to the bottom of the radiator (converted from 4 cylinder to 6 cylinder radiator which involves flopping sides...). Looks like you have some trans cooler lines which makes sense on protecting... I'm sure I'll add something on my Explorer build but there's nothing off the shelf that will work. From the looks of it I'd just go from the front of the frame rails to the sway bar brackets at about that angle (maybe a piece of angle iron between the brackets for some structure), other than for weight purposes holes shouldn't be necessary, 1/8" plate or diamond plate should be just fine.

 

[RumPunch]

Why is everyone so obsessed with front skid plates anymore? I don't have the stock crossmember that protects the steering and besides the steering the only thing vulnerable is the lower radiator hose that I have zip tied to the bottom of the radiator (converted from 4 cylinder to 6 cylinder radiator which involves flopping sides...). Looks like you have some trans cooler lines which makes sense on protecting... I'm sure I'll add something on my Explorer build but there's nothing off the shelf that will work. From the looks of it I'd just go from the front of the frame rails to the sway bar brackets at about that angle (maybe a piece of angle iron between the brackets for some structure), other than for weight purposes holes shouldn't be necessary, 1/8" plate or diamond plate should be just fine.

That's exactly my thoughts. Got a cover from an old engine core 1/8". Going to use the sway bar brackets since the Duff lift doesn't incorporate reusing the sway bar. And yes you are correct, the only reason I feel like I need one is the trans cooler lines... As soon as I installed them I was like huh... What a terrible location. But their routed per factory so I just want something to protect them from getting snagged.

 

[4x4prepper]

Front skid plates can prevent you from jamming snow and mud directly into the radiator and fan shroud. Plus protect the radiator from branches and trees (slash) when you run them over. Going 3 MPH into a snow field to break a trail that is up to your bumper, can push the snow into the shroud and push it into the fan. One time I went through water deeper then I should have and a wet leaf came up from the front, landed on my starter relay on my 1988 B2, shorted the vehicle out, and stuck me door deep in stinky water. Probably never would have happened with a front skid plate.

You think you are all smart, putting on a 3" body lift, and running dual 2" exhaust down the pass and driver side between the rear bumper and tailgate. So, you not jam your exhaust while backing up making trails or stall it in deep water. Then you get taken out by a wet maple/oak leaf.