Badlands OEM skid plate mod or replace w/aftermarket skid for easy oil plug access

[KreeHBronco]

I am planning on installing a Lobo hidden winch skid plate on my 2026 Badlands with 2.3L and manual trans, but I have read that it makes removing the oil pan skid plate more difficult for oil changes. I plan on doing most/all of my oil changes and would like to make them as easy as possible. So while I am at it, I am considering either modifying my OEM skid (maybe cutting an access hole) or replacing the OEM skid plate with something like the IAG skid plate with oil plug access. I was hoping to get some feedback from the forum to help guide me. I am also considering getting a Fumoto oil drain kit. Any help is greatly appreciated!!

This is the IAG plate I was looking at:

https://iagoffroad.com/iag-rock-shi...kFoRvs1D4gIb9p5QB0bh6AgDJGlW_gyAaAjqBEALw_wcB

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[PWillette]

I'm not familiar with the Lobo product but if uses the same bolts locations as OEM it's really no issue to remove the oil pan skid...loosen (don't remove) the two front oil pan bolts, remove the two rear oil pan bolts & slide the skid out. IMO removing the skids on a regular basis (like during an oil change) is a must to inspect for leaks or other issues. Can't see much with the skids in place.

 

[KreeHBronco]

This is an image of the back of the Lobo plate install instructions showing the three required bolts and an optional bolt that isn't used if you have the OEM front metal skid, only the plastic one. Instructions say if desired, a hole can be cut and this can be also be used (not sure if I am going to bother). From what I understand is the difficulty comes from the need to slide the Diff skid plate out/in from under the Lobo plate in order to remove it for oil access. The three bolts shown would have to be loosened/retorqued. The Lobo plate would have a winch installed on it, so the combined weight is approx. 125lbs.

 

[PWillette]

This is an image of the back of the Lobo plate install instructions showing the three required bolts and an optional bolt that isn't used if you have the OEM front metal skid, only the plastic one. Instructions say if desired, a hole can be cut and this can be also be used (not sure if I am going to bother). From what I understand is the difficulty comes from the need to slide the Diff skid plate out/in from under the Lobo plate in order to remove it for oil access. The three bolts shown would have to be loosened/retorqued. The Lobo plate would have a winch installed on it, so the combined weight is approx. 125lbs.

Yes, that looks right. Loosen those three bolts just enough to free up the diff skid then remove the diff skid rear bolts and slide it out. Only need to loosen the front bolts just a few turns...they'll still be plenty of engagement to support the winch.

Curious...what do the instructions say about the missing diff skid bolt (right hand side of the photo)? That's your second bolt for the OEM skids. Should be a bolt there IMO.

 

[KreeHBronco]

Yes, that looks right. Loosen those three bolts just enough to free up the diff skid then remove the diff skid rear bolts and slide it out. Only need to loosen the front bolts just a few turns...they'll still be plenty of engagement to support the winch.

Curious...what do the instructions say about the missing diff skid bolt (right hand side of the photo)? That's your second bolt for the OEM skids. Should be a bolt there IMO.

The instructions say that for the OEM metal skid, there is no hole and this bolt isn't used, but you can drill a hole through the OEM diff skid if desired, as the Lobo plate has a corresponding hole, but it's optional. For Bronco models with plastic skids, this bolt is used.

 

[PWillette]

The instructions say that for the OEM metal skid, there is no hole and this bolt isn't used, but you can drill a hole through the OEM diff skid if desired, as the Lobo plate has a corresponding hole, but it's optional. For Bronco models with plastic skids, this bolt is used.

I was referring to the other bolt hole below the two bolts on the right of the photo. I'm going by memory...this would of been one of two bolts that supported both the OEM skids, no?

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