Hey I am looking for a front skid plate for my 99 Ranger. I was wondering if Ford made one for a 99 Ranger so I could just get one from the Ford dealership? If not (I know this has been asked before and im sry but...) how hard is it to make one? Do i need a welder or any other special tools because I am somewhat limited in the tool department and the DIY area.
Thanks,
Chris

 

John made one himself....

www.ebay.com

Ford dealerships

other places online....

 

I got the factory plate and itz junk. John and Tom have proof of that. Go out and have one made.

 

Yeah I did and they were all pretty dang expensive for a thin sheet of metal. I dont know why I thought the Ford dealership would be any cheaper?..silly me. But yeah I will look into making one myself...
Thanks,
Chris

 

Ford has made TWO in the past. One is the thin stainless one and another is the heavier carbon steel one. Doc has or had the carbon steel one and I got his old stainless one. Not sure if you can still get the carbon steel ones though. The problem is nobody has a reference to it typically at the dealer -- but if you go in with a part number, it may turn out that they can get it. I'm thinking you're looking at $250 plus to get one.

 

I got the Carbon Steel version for $170 to my door from some "online" Ford dealer in Florida.

Before I mount it however, I'm having a welder buddy add some "wear" strips of 1/4" solid stock as vertical bars down the skid plate to "possibly" prevent serious injury. This is just a theory of mine and its worth the $20 of steel to try it out and see if it adds some beef to the skid plate.

 

I can't find the exact model number, someone already posted it in another thread but the website I got it from is

http://www.fordpartscheap.com/

This has also been referenced previously and I can vouch for their FAST service and honest business, the skidplate came in the FACTORY Ford box...no hardware tho :(

 

The thicker carbon steel plates are standard on the Level II's. Listed for 2001~2005 Rangers but should be easily adaptable 98+. Retails for $202 at the dealer.

www.fordpartscheap.com

1L5Z5B018AA $152.05
Frame - Frame and components - Skid plate - Engine
Engine 2001 - 2005

 

I'll be making one from 1/4" aluminum that will be bolted together. This way, if I damage it, I can unbolt the damaged part and bolt in a new one assuming that the whole thing isn't damaged. I'll bend the wide piece and the top of the uprights, but where the uprights connect to the plate, it'll be attached with grade 8 bolts and stainless angle. It shouldn't be too difficult to do and won't require any sophisticated tools... Just an angle grinder and cutoff wheel to cut the material, drill, vise, and hammer.

 

hmm... thats interesting Tom. Any plans on selling a few ? and any guess about how much ?

 

wut do yall think the best material these things should be made out of? the material must be obtainable by a normal person with no connections and something that can take some hits.

 

My choices were either 1/8" stainless steel or 1/4" aluminum. I went with aluminum because of the weight and because the price of steel is climbing quickly. I also don't feel that the skidplate should be indestructable, rather it should take abuse and be repairable. Any steel mill can supply the material, it's just a matter of finding one in your area.

As far as selling skidplates, I only have enough material to make one right now and I want to see how this one works out before even thinking about making more.

 

Good point try it out first. You seem to be a pretty good welder after seeing your rock sliders and winch mount/bumber/brush gaurd. I will be interested in what you come up with.

 

Has anybody taken a good hit to the ford carbon steel skid plate ? Did it survive ?

 

The carbon steel one is alot stronger!
I have it although i havent bombed into anything with it yet... it seems alot
stronger.. both thicker.. and regular carbon steel is stronger than stainless...

I bought a fueltank skid off that fordpartscheap last night.. 112$ shipped
which isnt bad they had the tcase for 16$

 

$250 for front and tcase is that a good price ?