Are the factory skid plates worth $140?
#1
11-21-2005
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#3
11-22-2005
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#4
11-22-2005
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It depends on what you do. If he does not see any real bad offroading, then yes. they are really are not as bad as some poeple make them out to be...they served me well for a while, until I got bored and wanted something stronger. The hassle of making/finding custom ones is not worth it for some people.
#5
11-22-2005
Aftermarket plates could be built much stronger but I doubt that you could buy a set for anything close to $140. The factory plates are OK for light duty use but won't stand up to serious rock bashing. Someone who does his own fabrication could make a killer set of plates for $140 in materials.
If he is going to do much off roading, he should really think about a front plate, too. The factory front LII plate 1L5Z-5B018-AA is an easy bolt on and way better than nothing but overpriced for what it is.
If he is going to do much off roading, he should really think about a front plate, too. The factory front LII plate 1L5Z-5B018-AA is an easy bolt on and way better than nothing but overpriced for what it is.
#7
11-22-2005
I agree with Bob, the front plate is definitely a good addition. If the xlt is anything like my 04 Edge, the only thing that is protecting the bottom of the radiator is a piece of plastic over the bottom of it.
As for the mid/aft skid plate, its not too expensive, and better safe than sorry.
As for the mid/aft skid plate, its not too expensive, and better safe than sorry.
#8
11-22-2005
Anything is better than nothing.
However, both Tom and I destroyed our in Wharton -- and not even on rocks. We had the very thin stainless ones. However, they STILL prevented major damage. My new stainless one is very thick compared to the original, and gives a bit better coverage.
The carbon steel one is much stronger than the stock stainless one, but of course it will rust so you'll neet to keep hitting it with paint if that would bother you. I don't know if you can even get the steel one anymore.
However, both Tom and I destroyed our in Wharton -- and not even on rocks. We had the very thin stainless ones. However, they STILL prevented major damage. My new stainless one is very thick compared to the original, and gives a bit better coverage.
The carbon steel one is much stronger than the stock stainless one, but of course it will rust so you'll neet to keep hitting it with paint if that would bother you. I don't know if you can even get the steel one anymore.
#9
11-22-2005
#10
11-22-2005
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#12
11-22-2005
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How much does a new radiator + install cost? How about fuel tank? Brake lines? Maybe a new t-case..
I'm glad my truck had them factory installed. I'm shocked more trims don't come standard w/ the plates.
Although looking at Bob's last post.. I don't know why anyone would go for the stainless plate.. it's inferior and costs MORE!
I'm glad my truck had them factory installed. I'm shocked more trims don't come standard w/ the plates.
Although looking at Bob's last post.. I don't know why anyone would go for the stainless plate.. it's inferior and costs MORE!
#14
11-22-2005
Originally Posted by Cape Fear
#16
11-22-2005
Originally Posted by NHBubba
Although looking at Bob's last post.. I don't know why anyone would go for the stainless plate.. it's inferior and costs MORE!
unless, of course, you turn it into crumpled scrap while off-roading:
#18
11-22-2005
Originally Posted by Ranger1
I am not aware of any aftermarket ones.
Says it's for 98~2000 but I can't think of a reason why it wouldn't fit later with little or no modification.
http://www.ultimateautoaccessories.c.../PROD/SKP/9619
(For Rangers with Superlift only)
#19
11-22-2005
well i got the front skid plate first... the crappy stainless one. i dont do any "major" offroading, so it works for me, and also looks nice. the other major advantage to it, is that it keeps crap out of your engine compartment, like water, mud, and sticks, and grass and stuff... got an uber clean engine? drive thru a muddy puddle wait 10 minutes and pop the hood.... eww yuck! mess galore. the skid plate prevents alot of this, as does the driverside wheel well splash gaurd which is not there on the 04+ models.
as far as cost wise? I paid $65 shipped to my house, shipping was $40, not $130 from colorado to buffalo, via fedex ground.
the mid skid plate, is MUCH heavier, just pick it up, it wieghs about 2x as much and is 1/4 the size
the gas tank skid plate, id say is about the same thickness as the mid skid plate, and was alot more difficult for me to install, ended up using a jack to hold it up while i bolted it up. the front skid plate i think is pre-threaded, tho i could be wrong. i ended up using stainless stell bolts to hold my plates on, incase i trade my truck in, i can take the plates off.
but like i said, if your not gonna go rock climbing, or do anything crazy like neilz and the rest of them do hehe,.... stick to well beaten paths, and mud puddles that jump out in front of you, the stock plates are a good deal, especially if you can get them on ebay like it did.
Total skid Plate Pkg: $180 (all 3, shipped)
tho thats from three different sellers and waiting a year for them to become available for bidding on ebay.
also, the ford explorer fual tank skid plate looks as tho it WILL NOT fit, by comparing the pics i have of the explorer, and mine, it doesnt look compatible
oh ya, my front skid plate came pre-dinged and the one hole for the bolt, the tab was mangled, lil tlc got it straightened out tho, also, throw a coat of wax on it and u get a mirror like finish like this:
as far as cost wise? I paid $65 shipped to my house, shipping was $40, not $130 from colorado to buffalo, via fedex ground.
the mid skid plate, is MUCH heavier, just pick it up, it wieghs about 2x as much and is 1/4 the size
the gas tank skid plate, id say is about the same thickness as the mid skid plate, and was alot more difficult for me to install, ended up using a jack to hold it up while i bolted it up. the front skid plate i think is pre-threaded, tho i could be wrong. i ended up using stainless stell bolts to hold my plates on, incase i trade my truck in, i can take the plates off.
but like i said, if your not gonna go rock climbing, or do anything crazy like neilz and the rest of them do hehe,.... stick to well beaten paths, and mud puddles that jump out in front of you, the stock plates are a good deal, especially if you can get them on ebay like it did.
Total skid Plate Pkg: $180 (all 3, shipped)
tho thats from three different sellers and waiting a year for them to become available for bidding on ebay.
also, the ford explorer fual tank skid plate looks as tho it WILL NOT fit, by comparing the pics i have of the explorer, and mine, it doesnt look compatible
oh ya, my front skid plate came pre-dinged and the one hole for the bolt, the tab was mangled, lil tlc got it straightened out tho, also, throw a coat of wax on it and u get a mirror like finish like this:
#20
11-22-2005
#21
11-22-2005
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Originally Posted by rwenzing
The only reason I can think of is appearance on the earlier truck. The 98~2000 bumper valance is much shorter than the 2001+ part.
#22
11-22-2005
Originally Posted by NHBubba
That's certianly true. I've seen a few Rangers from that era running around w/ the stainless plate. It IS quite visible when facing one at a stop light..
#24
11-22-2005
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