The Factory Skid Plate Is A Joke

[HenryMac]

Having removed the skid plate a few times and feeling it’s weight, I never would’ve guessed for it being that simple to damage. Then again dropping the weight of the truck on a rock versus scrapping it is two different scenarios.

Agreed.

It's purpose is to protect the components that it is covered from being "Bashed" (Hence the name bash plate).

Any reasonable person would know that a 2,000 lb force bashing into a localized area of a piece of sheet gauge steel will in fact dent the steel.

But that sheet gauge steel will yield to some of the load, dissipate some of it and distribute the rest of it across sheet.

Sponsored

 

[P. A. Schilke]

I am showing my age here, but I was a kid in the 70's and had a Pinto, when they recalled them for the exploding gas tank issue the plate or shield they installed was made of plastic. and I think the gas tank was steel.
really has no relevance to the skid plate topic I suppose, but I just remember that dumb fact. dont ask me what I did two days ago however...

Hi Bob,

You are correct...the plastic shield was to stop penetration of a bolt sticking out that punctured the fuel tank.

 

[AdamHarris]

TremorOwner what he was trying to tell you is the 4wd selector knob must be able to spin freely without stops for this reason: if you select one of the terrain modes the system can and will select 4h or 4low on its own. If the knob has only 3 detents then it would be in the wrong position once the system changes the selection.

 

[P. A. Schilke]

Hey Phil,

Given some conditions I'd agree plastic may have flexibility merits over metal, but certainly not across the board.

By example sliding over some smooth river rock, stones, or well worn soft rock trails the plastic may flex enough to not crack, where a metal skid plate could crack and slice the fuel tank. Where as the many of the trails I have here, are over fractured granite with sharp, exposed edges. Slide plastic skid plate over that and it slices through like butter.

Dropping on a broken 2-3 inch sappling will punch right through plastic guard and tank, not likely through a metal plate.

Also have to wonder why all the other Ranger plates, upgraded skid plates, and after market skid plates, and wheelers around the world all use metal.

Not looking for an argument, I see and respect your credentials, but my real world experience, tells me different. My skid plate money goes to metal plates.

Hi Jay,

I am on a non disclosure so I have to speak in general terms. We did a study, testing and documentation of plastic vs steel. The lawyers made us destroy all material and filming showing the poor performance of steel vs plastic....Enough said...I can't really discuss specifics but results of the testing were simply amazing. Engineer on the project was crushed that his baby was withheld from production by lawyers. I am treading on thin ice here so enough said from me...do what you feel is best for you!

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

 

[JACKSMYDOG]

Hi Jay,

I am on a non disclosure so I have to speak in general terms. We did a study, testing and documentation of plastic vs steel. The lawyers made us destroy all material and filming showing the poor performance of steel vs plastic....Enough said...I can't really discuss specifics but results of the testing were simply amazing. Engineer on the project was crushed that his baby was withheld from production by lawyers. I am treading on thin ice here so enough said from me...do what you feel is best for you!

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

Hi Phil,

Just steel or aluminum as well?

Just the fuel tank skid plate, or plastic is better for all skid plates?

I respect your NDA, not trying to get you to say the wrong thing, but you have peaked my interest.

 

[GTGallop]

Sure the stock skid is better than nothing but I think anyone looking for protection above and beyond what would be provided by the average Middle School Trapper Keeper is going to be sorely disappointed and replacing parts.

 

[P. A. Schilke]

Hi Phil,

Just steel or aluminum as well?

Just the fuel tank skid plate, or plastic is better for all skid plates?

I respect your NDA, not trying to get you to say the wrong thing, but you have peaked my interest.

HI Jay,

Aluminum at the time was way outside of the affordable targets. So it was steel vs. Plastic for Tanks and skid plates.

 

[JACKSMYDOG]

HI Jay,

Aluminum at the time was way outside of the affordable targets. So it was steel vs. Plastic for Tanks and skid plates.

Thanks Phil.

 

[dcg]

I'd just like to take a moment to congratulate us all for making it to page 5 of this thread and still no pictures of the damage.

 

[TremorOwner]

I'd just like to take a moment to congratulate us all for making it to page 5 of this thread and still no pictures of the damage.

I was honestly seeing how long I could go before someone called that out after all that.

This was the best I can do with my current camera options. I tried getting an angle for the bend.

The rock didn't seem leave a much of a mark when it first made contact and bent the plate. It only left the scrape when I backed out of it while turning for earlier tire contact hoping to avoid more damage. Hindsight, perhaps I should have just continued forward as backing up must have dug the rock back in its original location and caused the scraping (and maybe more bending, I dunno). I did shotput that effing rock pretty far... kind of proud of that.

I could care less about scratches to the plate. It's warped on the right/center now and that's what I care about. A proper plate would never have warped in this situation. I'm not an inexperienced offroader. My Tahoe, which weighs a lot more, has been subject to much worse and its plates have never bent - they're also like 2-3x as thick and ribbed.

The truck's entire weight wasn't hanging on the plate, never was. The truck was simply sunk atop the rock very, very slowly. No tire slip. No tires off the ground. Wheel travel not maxed out. The truck just went down into a "pothole" on one side that I couldn't see over the hood. I was going so slow and already holding the brake that the truck effectively stopped on contact.

This stuff happens off-roading, I get it. But this isn't a plate for anything but show and tell.

So, let the... "you started all this because of that" commentary. Have fun with that... adults.

 

[MrAnalog]

The front skid plate on my FX4 is 0.090 thick steel.

 

[arbjosh]

I hit the skid plate with a rock pretty lightly. I mean... I knew the rock was there, I did misjudge it some because the ground dropped right after it more than I expected, but I just tapped it at like .000005 MPH. A brief millisecond of scrape sound. That's it and the skid plate completely bent down the middle.

What a piece of junk!

Mine is black - I don't know if that's because I have a Tremor or what. I go to see how much a new one is... lord save me, Ford. Are you serious? Wow... and only in silver.

I understand, look at the price of one of your tail lights. 1200, for one.

 

[TremorOwner]

The front skid plate on my FX4 is 0.090 thick steel.

I have the same one, the Tremor's are just painted black.

 

[AzScorpion]

So I stayed out of this discussion mess until I could see pictures and yes I will say "you started all this because of that"? In all honesty it looks like the skid plate did its job. I was expecting to see something that looked like a torn up beer can. Sorry it's not what you want to hear but if this upsets you I would never off road again until you replace every skid plate with 3/4" steel plates. ?

Last year when we were in UT I came off an off camber turn and heard something scrape and hit hard. Later I noticed a slight vibration through the floor and found that I bent the metal skid plate protecting the front of the tranny. Had to bring it to the shop because it bent around one of the bolts so I couldn't get to it. My point is shit happens when off roading and sometime no amount of skids are going to protect you.

 

[TBR17]

I get 22mpg.

Not likely to see that with a Tremor. Only rated for 19 19 19.

Sponsored