RCI Skid Plates Installed

AnthemMike · Jun 16, 2024

Installed the RCI Skid Plates on my truck to get rid of the Ford flimsy felt shields and way better quality than the Ford skid plates on the FX4 pkg. I purchased the full kit to cover the engine/oil pan, front diff, PSR, transmission, and transfer case. No there isn't a lift on my truck (2021, SCREW, 4WD), but I needed a little more protection at the hunting property in certain locations....since Ford loves to utilize plastic for everything.

Install was pretty straight forward install. Buttttt...I will say the instructions RCI has on their website are about as useless as a wooden frying pan. But if you have a little mechanical knowledge it's rather easy to figure out and understand where to put the speed clips and mounting locations.

The skid plates are very impressive and looked great, all of the hardware seemed to be of good quality. I installed them by myself but I'd definitely recommend getting a buddy to help.

Hobkvet · Jun 16, 2024

Now that you have them installed- do you think a FRONT receiver hitch could be installed?

AnthemMike · Jun 16, 2024

Hobkvet said:
Now that you have them installed- do you think a FRONT receiver hitch could be installed?

I think it's going to depend on the brand and where they require it to be mounted. But thinking back to the install I don't think there's enough room. I'd give RCI or Stage3 a call/email.

ThumperF150 · Jun 17, 2024

How is the access to the oil drain plug and filter? Do the RCI skids protect the catalytic converter from theft at all? I'm looking at these and Talon Garage. TIA

Static · Jun 17, 2024

Fair warning, my first oil change after installing the skid plates was a cluster, I'm definitely going to be getting a drain plug valve for the next one. At least on my 2.7 the oil drips onto the skid plate and then pools and drains on whatever edge is lowest.

KirkBay · Jun 17, 2024

Oil changes are a definite mess w/o the drain plug valve. The access plate is in a really odd spot and is pretty small. Made the mistake of forgetting about and then parked my truck on our driveway. Gave me the perfect opportunity to test out a product that leeches oil out of pavers.

AnthemMike · Jun 17, 2024

ThumperF150 said:
How is the access to the oil drain plug and filter? Do the RCI skids protect the catalytic converter from theft at all? I'm looking at these and Talon Garage. TIA

They don't protect the cats. They do sell a cat kit to protect them. They mount to the transmission cover I believe.

Access to the drain plug is tight but I think it's doable.

AnthemMike · Jun 17, 2024

Static said:
Fair warning, my first oil change after installing the skid plates was a cluster, I'm definitely going to be getting a drain plug valve for the next one. At least on my 2.7 the oil drips onto the skid plate and then pools and drains on whatever edge is lowest.

I'm going to take a thin sheet of metal and bend it to slide under the oil pan to help it drain into the pan. I thought about a ronnin plug. But $80 for a plug...no thanks. I've always eliminated a mess as I just hold the plug loosely for 20-30 seconds then pull it all the way out and it prevents it from splashing all over the sway bar. So, I will build that plate out of some scrap metal I got and see how it works.

in_venere_veritas · Jun 17, 2024

Looks good! Mine are on order.

mxwrk · Jun 18, 2024

I have the same skids on mine. Love the extra protection off road. Bought a fumoto valve and then ran some tubing from it to the edge of the plate for oil changes. Easy breezy

travisN000 · Jun 18, 2024

Hobkvet said:
Now that you have them installed- do you think a FRONT receiver hitch could be installed?

This would probably work with most all aftermarket skids:

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/thr...-tow-hook-to-hitch-receiver.2575/#post-107821

Pelican · Jun 19, 2024

AnthemMike said:
Installed the RCI Skid Plates on my truck to get rid of the Ford flimsy felt shields and way better quality than the Ford skid plates on the FX4 pkg. I purchased the full kit to cover the engine/oil pan, front diff, PSR, transmission, and transfer case. No there isn't a lift on my truck (2021, SCREW, 4WD), but I needed a little more protection at the hunting property in certain locations....since Ford loves to utilize plastic for everything.

Install was pretty straight forward install. Buttttt...I will say the instructions RCI has on their website are about as useless as a wooden frying pan. But if you have a little mechanical knowledge it's rather easy to figure out and understand where to put the speed clips and mounting locations.

The skid plates are very impressive and looked great, all of the hardware seemed to be of good quality. I installed them by myself but I'd definitely recommend getting a buddy to help.

Do you want to be my buddy and help me install mine??

JoeWpg · Dec 19, 2024

I bought the RCI engine and transmission skid plate for my 2021 Powerboost - my question is about the active air dam... I am installing the skid plate for 4x4ing in deep snow - without a skid plate snow gets packed up into the engine area. Also the fragile dynamic air dam is very weak/vulnerable (as is the plastic front valence) - too much plastic up front!

I understand the RCI plate can be used with the active air dam, but I want to remove the AAD.

My question is what happens if I remove the active air dam - do I need some sort of plate to cover the hole between the bumper and the RCI engine skid plate?

The_Auto_Tech · Dec 22, 2024

JoeWpg said:
I bought the RCI engine and transmission skid plate for my 2021 Powerboost - my question is about the active air dam... I am installing the skid plate for 4x4ing in deep snow - without a skid plate snow gets packed up into the engine area. Also the fragile dynamic air dam is very weak/vulnerable (as is the plastic front valence) - too much plastic up front!

I understand the RCI plate can be used with the active air dam, but I want to remove the AAD.

My question is what happens if I remove the active air dam - do I need some sort of plate to cover the hole between the bumper and the RCI engine skid plate?

They make a skid plate that goes in that area.

JoeWpg · Dec 23, 2024

Hi Cody - I just contated RCI and they said they do not have a plate which covers the space left if the active air dam is removed. Their site shows the following:

The AAD is still there - it does not bolt directly under the front bumper - it seems to go "above" the AAD and covers some of the gap. My concern was stuff getting into the engine area when in deep snow. All good - will give it a shot when they arrive.
Thanks!

RCI Skid Plates Installed

AnthemMike

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Hobkvet

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AnthemMike

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ThumperF150

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Static

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KirkBay

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AnthemMike

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AnthemMike

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in_venere_veritas

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mxwrk

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travisN000

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Pelican

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JoeWpg

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The_Auto_Tech

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JoeWpg

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