I've pretty much decided to purchase the front skidplate for my truck. I do have the lame-a** plastic thing under the radiator. I'm of the understanding from reading the many related posts that I'll have to remove that. I plan on getting the black-cast version, not the shining aluminum one. My question has to do with coverage and ground clearance. How much coverage (width-wise) will I get with this plate? Additionally, does it take anything away from my existing ground-clearance? I've seen some that hang down an extra couple inches, meaning it may now hit bottom when in the past it would not.

 

If I remember it goes from the center where the control arms mount, up on say a 45 angle (aprox) To the frame rail. I had to remove the plastic piece but the skid plate covered it up. I did not loose any clearance if anything I gained to ability to "slide" over stuff.

 

Well, today I ordered a black skidplate for my Ranger. I was able to get it online, new, for $15.00 shipping. So, for the cost of the skid plate + shipping, I'm still getting off cheaper than paying the Ford dealership's $238.07 price tag. In addition, Torrie from http://www.fastpartsnetwork.com was very helpful and responsive.

 

Now that my front skidplate is on the way, I have to decide if it's a job I can tackle myself or if I'll have to take it to someone. It's my understanding that a black plastic thing at the bottom of the radiator has to be removed. Any tips, tricks or gotcha's that I need to be aware of?

 

I just pulled it off and installed it with simple hand tools.. If you need a hand let me know, I have lots of tools and a heated garage to do mods in( well my fathers shop)! LOL

 

Thanks Doc. I appreciate the offer.

 

For anyone interested, the shipping weight of the front skid plate was 18 pounds.

 

My front skid plate just arrived. Now I need to find the time (and hope I have the skills) to install it. As an editoral comment................ I was expecting something with much more strength. If this thing is more rugid than the shiney aluminum version, I'm really glad I didn't get that one. I guess this will due for what I plan on using it for, but I think Ford has big-ones for charging what they charge for this. Not to mention they don't include mounting bolts/hardware. On the bright side, I think I'm better with the plate installed than without it.

 

i would appreciate some more info, i've been looking for the same thing for a 98 4x4, any chance of getting a part# and where you got it from?

 

Sure, no problem. Here's the very cheapest I was able to find. I was pleasantly surprise at the shipping cost, considering everywhere else I called quote anywhere between $25-$40 for shipping to NJ.

I ordered it from http://www.fastpartsnetwork.com

Mr. Torrie R. McPhail - (Owner) was extremely helpful in our E-Mail communications. He quoted me an accurate shipping cost and shipping date. I'm very satisfied and plan to do business with him in the future. Those jerk**** at my local Ford dealer wanted $238.08, plus I'd have to pick it up in 3-4 days from them.

From Fast Parts Network, here's the breakdown:

Subtotal: $199.98
Shipping: $15.00
Handling: $1.50
Tax: $0.00
------------------------
$216.48

 

thanks for the info, I will get in contact with them at some point, don't plan on any major mods till i'm home for the summer

 

I'm on their site looking for a gas tank skid and I think the other is called a transfer case skid? The fuel tank skid is only $83.09 and the transfer case is only $22.75? Is this right here is a link to what I'm looking at Click Here I already have the one up front so I just need the others. I think I have a smiliar one to yours, mine is now dented up a little more than it is in these pics. It isn't anyhting hardcore at all.





here is what it looks like at a distance

 

that front skid plate is all i'm lookin for, just to protect the power steering cooler, trans cooler lines, etc., for some reason I think mine already has a skid plate for the gas tank, maybe the tansfer case too, i'll have to check when I get home in a couple weeks