Anyone made some skid plates

I think 3/16"steel would work great...use the signs as garage decoration

 

Soooo, I am embarking on a journey to build my own skids for my '07 PreRunner. That said, would 1/2" be overkill? I see known brands typically use 3/16" which seems thin-ish. Don't want to build a tank, just add some protection from if (when) I decide to make a bad decision. Thank You for your input!

 

Yes, 1/2 inch is overkill. 1/4 inch is the thickest most go with and your right 3/16 will get bashed pretty quickly on rocks, logs, or tree stumps.

 

Awesome, Thank You!

 

I disagree with logs and tree stumps. With proper reinforcement, 3/16" works fine. Even 1/4" is easily bent without reinforcement

 

1/2" will be a bitch to make and put on/take off.

 

Tanks generally have armor 4+ inches thick

To your point in building your own armor, you might want to consider a layered/sandwiched set of plates...
I am not much of an engineer, but I do know that many tanks use more of a layered approach to get more penetration protection per pound of armor...

maybe layer kevlar or teflon sheets between two steel plates.

 

lol thanks!

 

Ya, its a balancing act. Still havent started, it seems like by the time I gather enough info, I would be time-ahead buying armor.

 

It's really not terribly difficult, I say go for it. Choose 3/16" or 1/4" and go buy a sheet of it. Also by some 1/8" x 1" angle and some tube if you want to recess the hardware. Used cardboard to make a template. Cut the metal (borrow or rent a plasma if you can). Test fit and whiskey bend or weld pieces together. Mark for bolt holes and protect or recess the hardware. Tough one is the t case skid because you'll need to make a new crossmember. Or find someone with skids and copy theirs

 

Right on Man! I have 2wd, so I don't have a t case to build around. I found some brand new 3/16" sheets near me cheap on offerup. I have a friend with a plasma as well. It will be the largest fab project that I have done to date, so it is a little intimidating. Your encouragement helps too, Thank You!

 

Pm me if you have any questions. You'll be happy you made when all is said and done. My skids were my first fab project and since then I've fabbed and welded axle perches, shock mounts, shackle flips, sliders, a high clearance rear bumper and swing out tire carrier just to name a few! It's addicting

 

Awesome, Thanks!!!

 

Normally I would say go for it too. However, everyone is going to be running Black Friday sales on armor. With 20-25% off it's probably easier to just buy.

 

ARGGGG! Lol. Thanks for the reminder! I actually think Im going to build. It will be a nice challenge. I want to keep a stock-ish look, since I use the truck as my dd for business. By stock-ish, I'm thinking beefier, follow similar profile however, add material where needed to cover exposed areas, making extra protection. I have an idea for a bumper mod as well, and I think the knowledge I gain on this will help me when I go to make that. I'll keep my eye out for Black Friday deals though for sure

 

Do you have and measurements for the holes and how long are your stand offs?