New ARB Skid Plate

[Jms81661]

But anyone can buy them for $666.40 brand new and not scratched and beat up and straight from the seller with receipt is my point. Be realistic and you could probably sell them to someone on here, but you’re going to take a loss, or just keep them sitting in your garage I guess.

Me and a buddy are gonna do them today. With a second set of eyes and more muscle it will be done.
It just keeps hitting the transfercase mount which leaves the back bolts with a huge gap. I don't get it? But they must fit, others have done it. I think my frustration and the weight just made me give up.

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[the5Gmartian]

Me and a buddy are gonna do them today. With a second set of eyes and more muscle it will be done.
It just keeps hitting the transfercase mount which leaves the back bolts with a huge gap. I don't get it? But they must fit, others have done it. I think my frustration and the weight just made me give up.

Sweet, well hopefully you get them on and then you’re happy with them. They look awesome. Maybe have a few beers set out while you do it lol

 

[103]

The instructions are crap, but the parts list per step is a great reference. That’s how we figured it out. It isn’t hard if you have the plate with the correct fasteners and spacers.

 

[XL_Ranger_Danger]

Me and a buddy are gonna do them today. With a second set of eyes and more muscle it will be done.
It just keeps hitting the transfercase mount which leaves the back bolts with a huge gap. I don't get it? But they must fit, others have done it. I think my frustration and the weight just made me give up.

@Jms81661, gimme a holler if you need some help. after round 2. The rear most panel on the passenger side uses the thin metal cage nut the instructions call out on step 2 BUT never tell you how to use them. The issue is the rear most panel only has 1 frame threaded mounting spot on the driver side. The passenger side has a circular gap with no threads.

 

[Jms81661]

SUCCESS!
"Finagle" my ass!
Had to do some serious cutting to get both plates to wrap around the transfercase mount. I almost thought it was for a 2wd, but then there wouldn't be a cut out at all.
Yeah boy, it was hitting the body of the mount, then we'd cut and it would hit the nut, then fit it again and ck, then cut again to totally clear the stud. I did NOT want the skid plate to have any contact with the mount whatsoever. And it doesn't.

Bottom cut had to be that wide cuz it ran into one of the oval openings. It looks like it contacts it, but it doesn't. This was before final torque which gave as another 1/16" clearance.
The top,as you can see, just clears the stud. I did pretty good for the first time at an angle grinder.

Everything meets up to the cross members, NO Gaps anymore.
Couldn't have done it without friends.
It's perfect. Next delivery will be sliders. Then a diff cover, when the prices come down.
Then I'm done!!

 

[XL_Ranger_Danger]

SUCCESS!
"Finagle" my ass!
Had to do some serious cutting to get both plates to wrap around the transfercase mount. I almost thought it was for a 2wd, but then there wouldn't be a cut out at all.
Yeah boy, it was hitting the body of the mount, then we'd cut and it would hit the nut, then fit it again and ck, then cut again to totally clear the stud. I did NOT want the skid plate to have any contact with the mount whatsoever. And it doesn't.

Bottom cut had to be that wide cuz it ran into one of the oval openings. It looks like it contacts it, but it doesn't. This was before final torque which gave as another 1/16" clearance.
The top,as you can see, just clears the stud. I did pretty good for the first time at an angle grinder.

Everything meets up to the cross members, NO Gaps anymore.
Couldn't have done it without friends.
It's perfect. Next delivery will be sliders. Then a diff cover, when the prices come down.
Then I'm done!!

Glad it worked out!

 

[103]

You should not have had to cut anything. If you did, that means you did not use the spacers supplied with the plates. We thought we’d have to cut, too, until we paid attention to the parts list per step.

 

[Jms81661]

You should not have had to cut anything. If you did, that means you did not use the spacers supplied with the plates. We thought we’d have to cut, too, until we paid attention to the parts list per step.

That's what I was hoping. But no. For the front, even with the spacer, that one for the left bolt it still wouldn't meet the crossmember without contacting the mount.
I mean we had to cut a lot! Not a little bit of trimming. It took quite a bit of cutting to get the two front ones to wrap around the mount. Idk, maybe they sent the wrong one? But sending it back would've been extremely inconvenient.
We did utilize the other two longer spacers and that was it. All out of spacers. (3)
Idk it's on and I got to learn how to use/play with an angle grinder. Which will be a new addition to the toolbox.
Does yours cover the mount or go around it? I'd like to see a pic of yours and what it should've looked like, if you get the time.
Also, ARB just answered my email, I'll see what they have to say. I'm definitely willing to install the right one. But if my kit was missing spacers then it's too late to get won't take these back.

 

[103]

I don't have a picture of that area, I don't think. But there is zero contact. I think I have a bad ball joint, so I should have it up on a lift again soon--when I do, I will try to take detailed pictures.

 

[Jms81661]

I don't have a picture of that area, I don't think. But there is zero contact. I think I have a bad ball joint, so I should have it up on a lift again soon--when I do, I will try to take detailed pictures.

Yours doesn't look like mine though. ARB is saying a diff drop is the cause and I already took the necessary steps. Lol
I'm not suspension savvy. I had the pros do my lift. It's an RC 3 1/2" lift. New UCA's and spacers on top. Blocks in the rear. Is that the cause of my issue?

 

[Jms81661]

Yours doesn't look like mine though. ARB is saying a diff drop is the cause and I already took the necessary steps. Lol
I'm not suspension savvy. I had the pros do my lift. It's an RC 3 1/2" lift. New UCA's and spacers on top. Blocks in the rear. Is that the cause of my issue?

Their response. I didn't know a diff drop was done so I couldn't have answered if they asked.
Screw it, they're on and rock solid.?

 

[Jms81661]

For those who do a diff drop (lifted 3 1/2") buyer beware.

 

[103]

lol, wow. That makes a ton of sense now. A differential drop would certainly require some cutting as the dimensions are super close.

 

[Jms81661]

lol, wow. That makes a ton of sense now. A differential drop would certainly require some cutting as the dimensions are super close.

Yeah I had no idea a diff drop was part of the lift. I'm not good with 4x4 suspensions. I'm learning as I go with this truck.

 

[sklnbnz]

Adding to this. Yesterday I went to the dealer to get my oil changed... (2 years free so it's on them and full synthetic)... They dropped the entire skid assembly (all three plates) in less than 10 mins in one piece then put them back after the oil change. No additional charge. Service advisor said it only took them about 15 mins longer than it would have with the factory skid piece of tin that they have to remove anyway. I was expecting to get hosed on this but not the case.

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