Skid plate budbuild vs relentless

Hi,

I'm looking for new skid plate. Would you recommend the budbuild over the relentless ?
I have the stock 2-1 exhaust portion at this time, not relocated.

I'm not a rock crawler but we found big rock in the Canadian trails; is the 1/4'' steel thick is recommended or 3/16' steel thick is enough.

What about 1/4'' aluminum ? The reduced weight seem interesting but what about rock impact ? Anyone try them ?

I'm in a rush to get the Black Friday sale.
thanks, Martin L.

 

1/4" if you bash rocks hard is worth it 3/16" is good for most off roading just be easy on them. 1/4 alum is nice for pre running but I'm sure I would bash them in no time. Cost vs durability is not worth it to me. Bud built is the way to go get the exhaust re routed. But relentless makes good stuff as well. You will be happy with either

 

Hey there. I have the relentless skids. I would go 1/4. I have already dented my skids from having a little too much momentum on the trail (3/16 steel). As for bud built vs relentless can't say really. Only had relentless. Fit is okay, had to do a bit of I ovalling out of holes for shit to line up right on the transfer case skid. Also I needed to reroute my exhaust. The cutout the skid offers was rubbing so i made it flat.

Shipping from relentless is through fasenal which has its pros and cons. Can't really track anything but it's super cheap and you can run across the border to pick it up. No duties just applicable taxes if they decide to bring you in.

Other than that can't speak much for bud built. My experiences were from a couple years ago so I'm not sure if products have been changed or shipping has been changed.
Edit#1
Pics to show you what I mean


Edit#2 with steel you can always go back and reinforce stuff a it easier than aluminum. From my knowledge and limited experience in metal work.

 

I have dented the shit out my 3/16" as well I don't have either one of these just giving advice.

 

I would go 1/4 if I could do it again. Will keep straightening stuff out for now.

 

I need to pull mine off and beat them out and re enforce them ike you did

 

My trans skid bent dropping off a sand ledge to fast. Even sand will bend 3/16" with all the weight of the truck slamming down. I have just left it bent it gives more clearance .lol

 

Definitely helps. I think I may have gone a bit over board with 1/4 wall c channel but the scrap pile is so cheap lol.

Yeah I slammed into a rock. I straighten it out enough so I could weld the c channel in. Works for know.

 

The problem is the transmission skid doesn't have any crossmember support like the others. They will all bend. Don't think anyone offers a 1/4 full set of skids. Just 1/4 ifs. Haven't shopped for a long time though

 

I have ATO on my taco and its good stuff. But on my 81 truck I have budbuilt, great fit, quailty, and customer service.

 

Pilferybilt has a good deal right now as well. There is so many options. And now is the time to buy.

 

I think your right on that. I thought I heard someone was going to offer them but I still haven't seen him post them on his site yet.

 

Meh, I think with just extra support where ever needed and just 1/4 up front it should be pretty bullet proof.

I was going to say 1/4 would be too heavy all the way around but hell my trans skid with the c channel is heavier than my ifs lol. Oh well better safe than sorry

 

aluminum Doesn't rust. So that may or maybe not be a big deal to some people. When I skid plates Ill be going with aluminum. Being Lighter is a big factor as my truck is my daily driver.