O.K. This may be a really dumb question, but since I don't have a front skid plate, I'm not sure of dimentions and fit. Does the stock front skid plate interfere with access to the oil filter in any way? I'm asking because I think I remember reading somewhere on an F150 board about those front skid plates covering or making access to the oil filter a PITA. I would really like to put a front skid plate on my truck, but if it is going to make something as simple as changing the oil into a big process I might reconsider. Any input would be appreciated.

 

The Level II front plate does not interfere at all with an oil change. It does get in the way for some things but not normal maintanence.

 

Thanks for the info. I just won a stainless front plate on ebay for $50. :D From the way the back is tapered I didn't think it would be a problem, but I would hate to find out I have to drop it every oil change.

 

I have the stainless plate and haven't had to remove it for almost 2 years now. It dents easily, but doesn't collapse all that easily surprisingly enough -- and I've tested it a bit. It's going to seem a bit flimsy to you if you've seen the carbon steel ones, but it's strong enough to be quite useful.

 

Hey bill when you get that skid plate do you think you could let me know I would like to take a look at it before you put it on. I am going to make a skid plate and that would make a perfrect example for me too look at.

 

Double check your measurements of the front mounting points. The stainless ones have some "spring" to them and tend to not be in exact alignment in the front where they bolt to the frame, though the crossmember mounts will be fine. Just make sure you measure the spacing of the front mount on the frame, and don't just trust the skid plate measurements if you're going to fabricate something.

 

Yea, no problem. I'm waiting to hear back from the person I'm buying it from on how much damage the shipping is going to be. I hope to have it by the time the meet rolls around.

 

thanks John for that I will keep that in mind... I tried to make one out of cardboard but it was too hard maybe I will have better luck looking at one... plus I have to modify it to fit around the safari bar brackets

 

Probably UNDER the brackets somehow. The stock one, the tabs face OUT towards the side the truck, so the plate supports would be inboard of the bar. But if the bar is wide enough, you'd have to design the front a bit narrower to fit between them, or wider to curve around them. Wider probably is not a great idea since it would block access to the bolts unless you can do something real clever. When you see the stock one you'll see what I mean.

Provided CarDomain cooperates, here's a picture of mine. If not, go to my site and 1/2 way down the first page or so is this picture as well. Note how the front part of the plate bolts to the frame. I think those holes are used by many aftermarket bars as well. This was when my plate was brand new. You should see it now, lol!

Edit: Okay, I just hosted it here. I'll do the same for Colin's for continuity of the thread.

 

I'm not sure how the Safari bars mount, but I had to modify my stock steel plate to fit my brush guard. I had to take a grinder and chop about 1" or so off each side of the front of my plate. I have images on page 5 of my Cardomain site (here). Normally the plate comes to a point on each side, forming a isosceles trapezoid shape if you follow. I had to chop the outer, accute angled sections.

 

Here's Colin's pics. Top one is "before" with the leading edge facing left, and the bottom one is "after" with the leading edge facing right.

 

Actually they are both after pictures. I didn't have the fore-though to take before pictures.. One is right side up and the other is not..

But thanks for attaching them John..

Edit: And I still have the grease/grim stains on my carpet! There goes the security deposit! I really should learn to put something down on the carpet before I drag car/truck/motorcycle parts into the house. That same section has bleach stains from where I cleaned some furniture..

 

DOH! The one looked like the side was longer! Oh, well, my pic is the "before" then!

 

I finally got the skid plate today, now I just have to wait for the weather to cooperate so I can put it on. Does anyone know what size bolts I will need to install it?

Ford Part # is: YL5Z-5B018-AA if anyone is interested.

 

just go to an ace hardware or similar store and pickup
6 "ford body bolts"

I know Autozone sells them too. in 2 packs

Rand