After my first time wheeling, I learned quickly that in order to stop my butt cheeks from clenching over every rock, I needed to get a skidplate.

Being the budget conscious consumer that I am, I searched for the best price on a quality skid plate. While I agree that Budbuilt is the way to go, the funds were just not there. I asked around locally, and found a welder/fabricator. He looked over the truck, and I told/showed him what I wanted to accomplish. He called back with an estimate of $250 for the job (approx. 4 hours).

Before taking the truck over to him, I made up a template out of cardboard, and dropped it off. They had a few problems during the build, mainly not having the equipment to bend 3/16" steel. So, it took a week, instead of the 2 days they expected, but the results were quite satisfying. I'll find out soon how it holds up.

The plate was solid when I got it back. I spent the extra 4 hours or so cutting out the holes in the front.





The bottom of the plate is actually 3/8" around the edges, with recessed holes for the bolts.

 

looks good!! I cant wait to see it in action!!
TWO WEEKS WOOHOO

 

looks good! I am planning on building my own skid that is simular to that. I like the holes you cut into it.

 

i decided against the holes because in all actuallity it would make it weaker at those places. I guess i kinda got lucky with the shop i found. $75 was what it cost me and i had it in an hr or so. took it home and painted and installed it.
skidplate_2869.jpg?t=1238858861
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/n...g?t=1238859020
skidplate_2876.jpg?t=1238859064

 

I cut the holes, mostly for show. Also, mine goes completely under the LCAs, that was my major concern (4" lift, with the extra bar across the rear of the LCAs). If the front seems to start to get bent, I'll just take it off and get some strips welded to the back of it for more strength.

 

Looks pretty damn good IMO. I like the idea of the holes to allow air to flow.

 

Why do you need airflow through there?

The first time a stick pokes through one of the holes and jams something or goes into the radiator, or you REALLY hit a rock and the plate bends/cracks you'll think the airflow is a pretty minor issue.

Mine doesn't have the holes (it's a Budbuilt) and is pretty seriously bent on that front face...

 

nice skid plate especialy for a custome job

 

The way I see it, the more airflow the better. I live in Arizona. In the summertime my engine is at operating temperature before I even start it. When it's 125* outside and you're in the middle of the desert you will want all of the airflow you can get.

 

Yeah mine has support bars on the backside. I origianlly drew in holes and decided against it. It covers upto the point of the LCA to keep free of any movement. Also designed long enough to add on later for tranny back

 

Nice lookin skid plate!

 

nice skid plate