RCI Transfer Case Skidplate Vibrations

So for about 4 months, I've been getting this random vibrating chatter between 1400-2200 RPMs.

The chatter always seemed to come from the engine area, but after some careful observation, I narrowed it down to the exhaust U pipe area that goes under the transfer case.

Anyway, I took the RCI skidplate off last night and now the chatter is gone. Does anyone know if there is a permanent fix to this while still using the RCI skidplate?

My initial thought is to adhere some sort of heavy duty thin pad on the plate so that if/when the exhaust pipe vibrates on it, it absorbs the vibrations.

On the other hand, is there a way to use some thick washers as spacers and create a larger gap between the plate and the exhaust?

 

Fix the problem for good and do a reroute.

 

Use foam washers with the regular washers in between the mounting points. If it’s the pipe rubbing it you may need to reroute or drill out the holes some to allow a little movement away from the pipe

 

I knew someone would suggest a reroute haha. But then I'll be stuck with a skid plate with a random bump on the bottom for the stock exhaust

 

I might try that. I think all I need is just 1/8" of clearance. Unless the issue is caused but gravel and tiny rocks that get stuck between the pipe and the plate. Then I guess ultimately a re-route is gonna have to happen...

 

What solution did you end up doing?

 

Pressure wash it after trail runs. Problem solved. It's just from "stuff" getting wedged between the plate and the exhaust. You should be cleaning your truck after trail use if you expect it to last in any case.

 

Bummer, I just installed mine today and I can already see and hear it hit the plate when idling. I’ll probably try the washer stack fix.

 

I have to wash out the rocks and mud out of mine or it does the same thing. Was thinking of taking it off and drilling some holes right under the pipe to see if the rocks would just fall out.

 

I have the URD Y pipe and I had to notch my skids and add spacers. Just a FYI for reroute folks.

 

Is there any danger in the vibrations and rubbing? I bought the plate so I wouldn’t scrape the exhaust lol

 

I am sure over time the rocks could work a hole in the pipe. The actual plate doesn't contact the pipe though.

 

When I idle mine shakes enough to touch, even when completely clean.

 

Just take it to a muffler shop and do the crossover pipe re-route. One of the cheapest ways to gain an inch of ground clearance there with no functional drawbacks. Ask the shop to use stainless piping so it'll last as long as the OEM exhaust.

 

I looked again and now I don’t think it’s the exhaust pipe. The search continues

 

For me it happened to be gravel/rocks that got built up. They're hard to wash out during the regular car wash. I feel like some kind of thermal insulation would worked well if you either adhered it to the plate or wrapped that piece of the exhaust pipe. Or, like someone else said, an exhaust reroute.

 

Currently having this issue with my RCI engine and transmission skids. I've added washers to where the engine and trans skids meet but it's still vibrating. Going back under the truck today to keep searching and maybe add washers in the other mounting points. Any new info from anyone?

 

For anyone still trying to narrow it down, I have the same problem with my Cali Raised (CR) transfer case plate and the problem seems to be the small black OEM (same as seen in 3JOH22A's image) transfer case skid plate rubbing against the CR plate. I removed it and there were 2 visible rubbing marks on it. I will attempt removing the OEM plate, and retightening the CR plate to see if the rubbing goes away.