Skid plate suggestions for non - rock crawler

[23OBX2.7]

For $400 this looks to be an ARB knock off kit, you would just need a fuel skid to complete it...

https://a.co/d/0b1m21tG

Looks pretty good like all the ventilation holes....too bad it's will add 100 lb +

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[bronc_moose]

I would look at something like the RCI aluminum skids and buy individual plates to cover whatever you are most concerned about scraping after looking underneath. The rear diff, the fuel tank and the rear shocks are the lowest points, so start there. The skid plate that comes with the modular bumper is excellent and lightweight to cover the front. Otherwise, a lot of the underside is tucked above the frame, so plates for those bits don't seem overly necessary for most uses. If you find a deal on a full set of OEM bash plates + fuel tank, that would work too, although probably not fully necessary.

 

[23OBX2.7]

Had a rock puncture steel fuel tank once ...after 130 MPH on gravel road.

 

[BlueWaffle]

Looks pretty good like all the ventilation holes....too bad it's will add 100 lb +

Oh no, 100lbs 🫨🫨🫨 that's gonna rob a whole tenth of a second at the drag strip

 

[Brian_B]

I agree the OEM ones are the best bang for the buck. Aluminum is fancier, but spendy.

Go full steel if you really want protection though, and realize they are a consumable item and gonna get mashed up.

One of the stupider things I did was start running before I replaced the plastic skid. The lower 3 or 4 rows of my intercooler are completely smashed in. One of these days I'll aftermarket it, but it still works and that hasn't been a priority.

 

[23OBX2.7]

Oh no, 100lbs 🫨🫨🫨 that's gonna rob a whole tenth of a second at the drag strip

Haha then I'll need to blow $12 K on suspension to recalibrate with active valve!

 

[Snacktime]

Factory Ford skids and an aftermarket transmission skid are the combo. Rubicon, moab or desert your good to go.

 

[MickeyT]

I did a ton of research on this and targeted specifically for the areas / terrain where I off road. RCI checked all of my boxes.

Here’s what I considered:
1. What existing plates are on your Bronco
2. What are the areas you want to protect: lower hanging? most expensive to replace? Damage that will “end” an outing and require a tow??
3. Aluminum or steel
4. If you’re adding in phases, what is the best order. Front to back? Low to high?

My WT has a modular bumper and the two engine plates. I just added the following plates in three stages in this order
1. Fuel tank (this was a little more complicated) - aluminum
2. Transfer box - steel
3. Transmission & cat guards- steel

After about 5-6 rides I’m gonna crawl under the Bronco to see any fresh marks…and determine if I need additional plates. Lower/rear arm? Cross member?

Your mileage may vary.

 

[rblume73]

I would search the for sale forums here for used factory steel ones. I have them on my 2022 Badlands which has a capable bumper, so I'm not sure why everybody is saying you may need the modular bumper.

 

[zuke]

I would search the for sale forums here for used factory steel ones. I have them on my 2022 Badlands which has a capable bumper, so I'm not sure why everybody is saying you may need the modular bumper.

I said he may need a modular because the Ford kit I linked is literally titled;

"Bronco 4Dr 2021-2026 Steel Full Body Bash Plate for vehicles with Modular Front Bumper "

I've never been able to confirm that the Modular Bumper skid plate is the same skid plate as the one paired with a capable bumper, is it?

 

[Oldhippie]

I put the factory skid plates on my big bend with plastic bumper,…bolts right on and they have held up fine after some good hits (the LOD transmission skid has needed some “hammer“ work)…party on!

 

[Boss Broncos]

We have a few of the heavily discounted 4WP skids left (they are re-branding to Smittybilt). We've had them on our Bronco while tackling many hard trails. Are there better skids available? Yes, but for the price these are a great value and fit well.

4WP Front Skid - $69.99 (10+ left), SB price $229.99 once those are gone
4WP OIl Pan Skid - $179.99 (2 left), SB price $259.99 once those are gone
SB Tcase Skid - $259.99 (in stock)
SB Trans Skid - $269.99 (in stock)

Plus FREE SHIPPING!

 

[JayOhJay]

I recommend taking a look at this one if you're invested. I don't think it's anything crazy (I'm not a real off-roader so I wouldn't know), but I've been pretty satisfied with it so far.

https://broncoforge.com/products/dv8-steel-front-skid-plate-ford-bronco

 

[crzyhawk]

If my usecase was what you describe, peace of mind, I'd probably be looking at the market place and see if I can get some OEM takeoffs for cheap.

 

[Yeti'sBronco]

New to the Bronco world. I just got a SAS Outer Banks and I’m not going to be doing any crazy stuff. However - I would just like a little added piece of mind over the plastic skid.

Any suggestions for a medium priced skid? Aluminum or steel? Or can you send me a couple of previous topic links on skid plates. I did a brief forum search - but I must be looking in the wrong place.

Thanks!

After reading this thread, I bought the Ford 2 dr skid plate package for 2 Dr, "with modular bumper"
I have a 2 dr 23 outer banks, so it already has gas tank metal plate, but plastic bumpers & plastic factory bash plates.

If you have front tow hooks with a plastic bumper, the Ford metal front "bash" plate will hit the tow hooks.
The tow hook bracket is available from Ford, but why spend more $ ?
Oh, thank you to those who mentioned the Memorial Day 20% off sale!

I cut two 1-1\4" x 5" rectangles out of the metal front plate to clear the tow hooks.
I also added a piece of landscape edging, since the metal plate does not rise up to the bumper (where the plastic plate has two more bolts). I just didn't want a gap to collect crap.
I was going to cut up the plastic plate, but why bother?

I bought rear shock pates, but installation is a little bit more than a 1 person job.

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