Lowered trucks - which skid plates?

[The_Auto_Tech]

Lowered street truck guys - what are you using for skid plates? Leaving the fabric stock ones, removing them, or some sort of aftermarket? Thanks!

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[Davidwnuc]

Lowered street truck guys - what are you using for skid plates? Leaving the fabric stock ones, removing them, or some sort of aftermarket? Thanks!

i used oem stuff

Previous gen bolts right up

engine
FL3Z-5D032-A
FL3Z-5D032-C (small door thing)
W715288-S439 clips for door
W717461-S439 j nuts
no bolts needed

transfer case
FL3Z-7E063-A
W520813-S439 nut
W709390-S439 bolts

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

That doesn't cover in between the front bumper and the front subframe, correct? It seems like only the Tremor skidplate or aftermarket ones fit that area?

 

[SpaceWhiteF150]

I have a bracket for rwd trucks to make the front section of skid plates!

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

I have a bracket for rwd trucks to make the front section of skid plates!

I just need to figure out which setup I wanna go with at this point. From the looks of it the Tremor skidplate isn't what I'm going to want to run in the front due to how it attaches on the front bumper, and that you lose some ground clearance with it. Thinking of just getting the RCI/Talon setup minus the transfer case skid plate.

 

[Jmitchelltfo]

I just need to figure out which setup I wanna go with at this point. From the looks of it the Tremor skidplate isn't what I'm going to want to run in the front due to how it attaches on the front bumper, and that you lose some ground clearance with it. Thinking of just getting the RCI/Talon setup minus the transfer case skid plate.

I can tell you that the RCI skid from the trans forward is very low profile. My Pickup is lifted about 1.25" on 34"s and I have to bend over or squat down to see the front skid plate. The trans skid is also very snug also. I have no idea how low your truck is, but you'd have to be really low to be worried about dragging these.

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

I can tell you that the RCI skid from the trans forward is very low profile. My Pickup is lifted about 1.25" on 34"s and I have to bend over or squat down to see the front skid plate. The trans skid is also very snug also. I have no idea how low your truck is, but you'd have to be really low to be worried about dragging these.

Yeah, that's the reason I was looking at RCI/Talon Garage is because they are very low profile, but provide excellent protection. Since I'm running a lowered truck the Tremor front skid plate is going to be too much, plus I'm going to be using the RK Sport front splitter anyways.

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

Leaning towards the RCI front/engine/transmission skid plates in aluminum at this point. Not sure if I want raw or powder coated black. They are quite a bit cheaper than the Talon's Garage ones. Don't need the fuel tank (no worried about hitting it, the front is going to hit everything else first) or transfer case (2WD) skid plates, moreso just wanting something to keep dirt/debris out of the engine bay and replace the stock fiber boards. I'm not super worried about needing them since it's a street truck, but still a good idea for just in case.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

i used oem stuff

Previous gen bolts right up

engine
FL3Z-5D032-A
FL3Z-5D032-C (small door thing)
W715288-S439 clips for door
W717461-S439 j nuts
no bolts needed

transfer case
FL3Z-7E063-A
W520813-S439 nut
W709390-S439 bolts

This is the best deal going for a “splash pan” setup to limit road debris. Cheap and effective

 

[Jmitchelltfo]

This is the best deal going for a “splash pan” setup to limit road debris. Cheap and effective

Almost as cheap as the new RCI skid I found on marketplace for $125.

Poor guy bought a Powerboost skid on accident and missed his return window and said he just wanted it out of his garage.

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

This is the best deal going for a “splash pan” setup to limit road debris. Cheap and effective

I would agree that it's definitely better than the fiber boards, but if you want actual skid plates to protect things you'd want the RCI/Talon setup. Other downside is that setup doesn't provide any protection at the front, would still need the Tremor skid plate.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

I would agree that it's definitely better than the fiber boards, but if you want actual skid plates to protect things you'd want the RCI/Talon setup. Other downside is that setup doesn't provide any protection at the front, would still need the Tremor skid plate.

yeah, I agree, but the OP had mentioned about wanting to “keep out road debris”. The stock FX4 pieces will be fine for road debris, and if you note I did call them splash pans not skid plates.

they can also be found in a scrapyard for 25 to 30 bucks apiece

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

I'll probably just go with the RCI raw aluminum front and transmission skid plates at this time. They are a fair bit cheaper than the Talon's Garage ones, and the same material. I think the raw aluminum will look nicer than the powder coated black as well, and it's a lot lighter than the steel ones.

I don't need the transfer case skid plate since I'm 2WD, and not worried about needing the fuel tank skid plate. These are more-so just to replace the fiber boards and also keep the debris/water out of the front of the engine area, but also provide protection. The stock splash shields are cheaper, but I also know they don't really provide any protection either. With a lowered truck, I'd rather be able to count on the fact it'll actually do something if I encounter something in the road.

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

Bought the RCI front/engine/transmission skid plates in raw aluminum as well as the 2WD brackets from Space White. They aren't required, but for the 2WD guys it'll save you having to drill into the frame to add the holes that are there for the 4WD trucks. At least now I can remove those fiber board setups that are barely hanging on and hang too low.

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

Got all of the skid plates installed this weekend. I ended up just drilling the additional holes in the front subframe to add the speed clips and also relocated the EPAS ground wires to the back side of the subframe instead of the bottom. Nothing too difficult, just takes a bit of time to get the holes big enough for the speed clips. Glad I went with the RCI setup, the are very nicely made with awesome hardware. It's so nice to have all those crappy fiber splash shields out of there that hung down so low, and also no protection for the front of the engine bay area.

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