[FUGAZI]

Hey DFFers

I have a 4x4 and it only came with skid plate over rail mounted fuel filter. I want to get the ones over the engine and transmission. Looks like we SOL on the fuel tank….
Thinking steel is way to go from cost and protection standpoint. Weight is no issue since I will be tankering Jerry cans in the bed all summer since there will be rationing 😩

any recommendations on which plates to purchase? Not worried about a beauty contest here since it lives under the truck, just looking for value and reliability.!

 

[beaker]

We are not entirely SOL on the fuel tank. The FX4 package includes a skid plate made of plastic. It might not last on the Rubicon, but I bet it works for 98% of us. I have one that I liberated from my truck a couple weeks ago when I swapped in my 48 gallon Titan tank. Titan claims to be stronger than stock, and therefore do not need a skid plate...take it for what that is worth, but another option to consider.

You mention weight not being an issue, but seeing that you have a King Ranch, you may wish to reevaluate. I'd guess that your payload from the factory is between 1200 and 1300 lbs. Adding 100 - 150 lbs of steel skid plates is going to seriously cut into what little payload you have to start with (A Chrysler Pacifica has about 1500 lbs of payload for reference). The Ford skid plate package weighs in at 28 lbs and should be plentiful at salvage yards.

If I went aftermarket, I'd probably be looking at the aluminum stuff from Talon's Garage.

 

[FUGAZI]

@beaker thanks for your reply. I take it you have the 6.5 bed with the 48 gallon tank. I have the shorty, so only the 40 was an option…..I did read they are stronger

blowing my mind with the payload. I presumed I had 1500 with badge….I what I call the basic KR, so maybe I am lighter. Door sill of driver side door has a sticker I think?

On the FX4 package, I thought I was just the motor and the TA (plus the plastic fuel tank plate)….they didn’t offer one for the transmission. I like your idea of salvage yard…not a beauty contest!

 

[FUGAZI]

@beaker looks like i got 1500#
Regardless, the talon covers look awesome. Thanks for the info!

 

[beaker]

That's really good to hear about the payload. Weight adds up in a hurry; as the owner of a dually my experience is no matter how much payload you have, it's never enough.

 

[PeteK]

Payload, schmayload. I know there’s a reasonable limit, but it also depends on how far and how fast you’re going. A couple weeks ago, I used my 2021 Lariat FX4 to bring home a 1-ton Pallet of wood stove pellets. It sat a little butt low, so I just took it easy getting home. 6 miles of interstate and 3 miles of winding 2-lane, at legal or lower speeds. It didn’t bottom out.

If you regularly carry more than 1500lbs, sure, add some helper springs or air springs. But for only carrying a heavy load once in awhile, drive conservatively and use common sense.

 

[cheetah4570]

I got the aluminum skid plate from RCI off road and love it. Strong and light.