What Mods Before Sliders & Full Skids?

What mods should I take care of BEFORE installing rock sliders and full set of skids?

All my armor shows up next week, so I’m trying to create a logical game plan and order of installation.

I have a 2018 Pro w/ the wheels I want (SCS Ray 10) and don’t plan on upgrading suspension for another year and half. Future plans are 3” suspension lift, ECGS, reroute exhaust and dump, HC rear w/ swingout, & undecided on hidden recovery or full front.

But, for now, I want to see how capable my stock Pro (w/ a few aesthetic mods and roof/bed racks) really is. I plan to upgrade out of warranty and mostly owned. Hopefully the weight of the armor doesn’t force any early upgrades.

What mod am I missing that will be a pain to install AFTER sliders and full set of skids?

 

sliders first... always...

 

You may want to do the exhaust upgrade before the skids. They may get in the way and have to come down.

 

Suspension after lift and armor. So you’re already on the right track.

Might want to consider exhaust reroute and dump before you get the armor in though. It’s not hard to remove them, but why not just do it now

 

If the skids you're getting are steel, your stock suspension will not be happy with the skids, sliders, bed rack, etc

 

Copy that.
I have some bolt on sliders and skids being shipped to me Wednesday. I doubt the sliders will get in the way of any future mods but wasn’t sure. I’m sure I’ll have to pull them off occasionally to paint and clean up anyway.

The full set of skids are more my concern... Feel like I’m forgetting something and don’t want to pull those suckers on and off if possible.

 

Ok cool.

My thought was that I would need to remove skids for suspension upgrade so do it then. Trying not to cut before 2y/24k is up and I pay my note down.

 

Maybe a fumoto oil drain valve for easier/cleaner oil changes once the skids are on.

 

Yeah I agree. What do you think will suffer the most from the extra weight?

I’ve thought about some Ride Rite bags for when I have RTT on bed rack and loaded w/ camping gear. Not sure if it’s necessary yet.

I think the stock Fox setup can handle the 600lbs of armor and gear. How well?!!! Definitely not as good as an aftermarket kit.

 

I'm planning on doing the same this hunting season. I'll be running 265/75r16s and sliders and see how far I can take the truck without damaging it. Next year I may lift and go to 33s if I find it necessary.

 

I had full skids, sliders, rack and RTT when I was stock and I'd say the worst was the leaf springs. I was definitely sagging quite a bit. That and any bumps at speed caused my front end to jump up and down. Hopefully that's where the fox set up will help you