RAT Products Skid Plate Install Write up

I'm making this thread as a general guide to installing my skid plates I sell. Also it can serve as a general information thread, and FAQ. Ask any questions you have.


This is the way I did it and it didn't take too long and was easy by myself. Use another guy if you think it will be necessary. Don't get hurt!

Hardware included:
(5) M8x1.25x20mm bolts and (5) washers
(2) 1/2"x3" bolts, (4) washers, (2) lock washers, and (2) nuts
(6) self-drilling 3/8"x1" screws

Tools I used:
12mm socket
13mm socket
9/16" socket
3/4" socket and wrench
Drill
1/4" drill bit
Impact gun

How to install RAT Products 3 piece skids:
1. Drive up on ramps if you would like more clearance to work.

2. Remove your stock front skids and the transfer case skid plate using a 12mm.


3. Place the transmission skid on a floor jack to hold it up in position. The large holes go toward the rear of the truck. They line up with holes in the transmission cross member. The front holes line up with the very rear set of factory skid mounting holes.


4. Lift the front IFS skid into position similar to the factory skid and support it (I used my knees) and put 3 black bolts and washers in the front lip hand tight.



5. Overlap the IFS skid on the transmission skid, then line up the holes in the rear of the IFS skid with the front holes in the transmission skid and factory mounting holes. Use 2 black bolts and washers to secure the plates hand tight.


6. Lift the transfer case skid up so the front holes will line up with the rear holes of the transmission skid. Overlap the transmission skid on top of the transfer case skid. Insert a blue bolt, washers, and nut in each hole from the bottom up. Hand tighten.



7. Align the transfer case skid wings evenly on each frame rail, then tighten all of the hardware. 3/4" for the blue bolts, 13mm for the black bolts.

8. Move the floor jack to apply pressure to one of the wings of the transfer case skid.


9. Use a 1/4" drill bit to make a pilot hole in each hole in the transfer case wing tab. You may need to do one at a time depending on how much clearance you have with the jack.


10. I used a drill socket adapter to drive in the self tappers until the battery died, then an impact gun. Either work. The impact can drive the screws in pretty tight. I didn't hammer on them long since you don't want to break one off or strip the hole. I believe 9/16" socket.



Repeat steps 8,9, and 10 for the other wing.

That's it for install. Drink something cold now!

 

Reserved for info and FAQ

 

Sweet, thanks! I have these skids and need to install one of these days (currently on a long list of "to do's"). I needed this wright up because I wasnt too sure how to drill the frame...

 

It's pretty easy. Probably a 20 minute job if you keep these steps in mind.

 

How do the wings of the t-case fit if say an 01 DC already has the Trail-Gear sliders welded on? Are the sliders and t-case skid fighting for the same real estate of frame?

 

I can take pics of positioning for you in a little bit. My guess is that they won't interfere. I'll try and measure from reference points too.

 

Ok, so the wing starts about an inch from the back of the crossmember, and then goes back roughly 10 3/4". So total about 11 and 3/4" from the rear of the crossmember.

 

Thanks! I just checked, and the front and rearmost leg attaches to only the side and the 2 middle legs attach to the side and under the frame. Plenty of room for your skids

 

Thanks John! I have 26 stitches in my leg so I'm in no condition to be crawling under my truck! @MtnClimber if you would like skids pm me and I can set you up.

 

Yowser, that sucks. What did you do? Hope it heals up for you quickly.

 

Took the foot peg on my motorcycle through my leg. Gashed it real nice.