Aftermarket skid plate reviews

Thanks.

 

Does the Pelfreybuilt IFS skid have a cutout for the oil drain plug? I assume it does and looks to from the pix. Thanks!

 

Yes.

 

It does. This photo of my Pelfreybilt IFS skid shows the cutout for the oil drain plug.

Also shows what a beating my truck would take without skids. This beating is from 6 months worth of wheeling since last paint.

 

Sub'd for a great thread! I've been looking to pull the trigger on a skid plate set and this is perfect! I vote this is made a sticky...

 

I'd like to again point out a design feature that I feel is important. The coverage for the alignment cam tabs and lower control arm (LCA) bolts. One reason I went with Pelfreybilt was because of the coverage their design has for this area.

Take a look at my beat up Pelfreybilt IFS skid (that I dropped to put my sway bar back on) and note the impacts in the areas that protect the alignment cam tabs and LCA bolts. The Pelfreybilt IFS skid clearly protected these somewhat fragile areas of my truck.

Some designs cover this area, others do not. I think it is important.

 

This is why I chose Pelfrybilt. Just ordered a 3-piece set. Now to move my exhaust crossover...

 

Ive been busy. Ill try to put some time in on this over the weekend. Keep posting reviews and pics guys.

 

After all my research and consideration I narrowed my IFS skid selections to Pelfreybilt and ATO with the additional LCA protection in mind. After a really tuff decision, I ended up going with ATO.

 

I received my Budbilt gas tank skid today. Very nice product...

 

No (Sport model). So I bought some from Budbilt as well.

 

Hmm. I'll post a report on here as to how well Budbilts work.

 

I got the RCI aluminum transfer case skid. I don't do anything hardcore, but wanted to protect this vulnerable part that's right at the breakover point. The plate didn't come with the right hardward to secure the front to the crossmember if you do not already have their transmission skid. $2 at the hardware store and 20 minuts later is was installed. It looks like it will do a pretty good job of protecting the t-case, but there's a few things i don't like about it. Aluminum doesn't save any weight really since the crossmember is steel. (But aluminium gets you a powdercoated crossmember, so its a wash with the cost anyway.) Also, i rerouted my exhaust so that i can maximize ground clearance, but then they just don't include a 1.25" spacer at the t-case crossmember and the plate angles down toward the middle of the truck robbing you of 2-3" of ground clearance where you need it most. Ultimately, i think i'm going to ditch it and go with an ATO.

 

BTW: Big thanks to Mademan for organizing this thread--it's an awesome resource!

 

Thanks. Ive been to busy to finish it and people lost interest and stopped posting reviews and pictures. Ill have some more freetime in a couple weeks and ill try to finish it up.

 

ATO Full Skid (Not Including Gas Tank Skid) Set Review

Pros:
The fit of these skids are great, and the IFS even helps protect against damage of the LCA cam tab bolts by being fairly wide in the front. IFS is 1/4'' steel and very heavy duty. It weighs about 70# and is quite a beast to put on by yourself, (but doable) although a floor jack definitely helps. Transmission skid is 3/16'' steel and weighs about 30#. Fits well and protects a large area. Transfer case skid is also 3/16'' steel and weighs about 50# with the crossmember piece. They all fit together very nicely, and all holes lined up great.

Cons / Observations:
You will have to reroute your stock exhaust to fit the transfer case skid. The bolts provided from ATO are cheap allen heads, which I highly dislike. I tossed all the allen bolts after stripping two of them while just test fitting the skids, and upgraded to Grade 8 hex bolts for all holes that didn't reuse stock bolts. I highly recommend doing this if you get these skids. These skids are very heavy (about 150# for full set) so be prepared to see a drop in your front suspension, especially if you are not running at least 650# coils. This is just an observation, although it could be a con to some users. Just be wary of the weight you are putting onto your truck, as it affects acceleration, braking, turning, etc.

Overall, I am happy with the ATO skids, and I fully trust them to protect my undercarriage.

Matt

 

Whenever I get skids, I'll post reviews!

 

Nice review and I like your sig. Ill add it to the original post soon.

 

Thanks and thanks!

Matt

 

Matt, how does the tcase skid attach? Is it fully bolt on? I can't figure out how the supplied cross member attaches since it looks like it hits the frame where its not boxed. I haven't been able to get ATO to email me back. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!