Noise/Vibration after installing skid plates

I just installed a 4 piece Budbuilt skid plate set on my 2013 DCSB. First of all, the plates are great. The craftmanship is excellent, and the powdercoat is really well done. The plates are 1/8th inch steel, and all use pre-existing mounting holes. Everything was installed correctly, all hardware was properly used, and everything is tight. On my 20 minute drive home from my friends' house, I noticed a little bit of noise accompanied by a vibration when I am accelerating from a stop or almost dead stop, or if I am keeping my foot on the brake while the truck is still in drive. When accelerating, the vibration goes away after a second or two. When I am staying on the brake at a stop while still in drive, it is fairly persistent. So, what is it? Here are my thoughts, please tell me if I am way off base.

1) The plates shifted a little bit and got seated as I drove. I will check everything and re-tighten accordingly, double check for any play, etc.

2) Since the plates are the thinner 1/8th (vs 5/16th), they are a little more pliable, and the vibration is coming from the plate itself vibrating, and that's just how it is going to be.

3) The only time I have had noises/vibrations like this before on other vehicles is when the issue is exhaust related. The back plate comes VERY close to where the exhaust crosses from one side of the truck to the other. Due to the angle and the plate, I cannot measure it, but it is definitely less than 1 CM. Any chance the exhaust is vibrating and actually hitting the plate? And how could I troubleshoot or remedy this?

As always, thanks in advance.

 

Yeah, those BudBuilts (I have the 4-piece) vibrate. I bought some muffler wrap and put it around the V6 crossover, it was definitely rubbing I could see the scrapes on the pipe. DoorDing had the same problem.

However, I still have the vibration. Now I think it's from the trans crossmember, I'll wrap that also and I figure I'll put some double side tape on the mating surfaces where plates meet or some foam weatherstrip.

It's not exactly driving me crazy since it only happens at certain RPM's, but it's kind of annoying.

 

I wrapped the exhaust crossover, and it seems to have reduced the noise and vibration about 90%. It's barely noticeable. That was also when the wrap was still wet, so we will see how it does on the highway tomorrow once it has dried out.

 

Well I just painted my skids, Buds. Not installed yet though, but i did have the exhaust rerouted previously. I am going to install my B.A.M.F sliders first and my rear CBI Trailryder bumper. Will post if I have same problems.

 

BTW, the vibe I had after wrapping the crossover was the front skid bolts had come loose. I put lockwashers on them, no vibes since.