I wanted to make this a poll thread but I guess that isnt an option on this forum.

This is a retarded thread, but was curious how yall run your rigs. This only applies to stock front ends mostly.

How many run your front skid and valance, how many run less one or the other, and why?

My truck, I have run skidless but installed it before a little trail running. My valance is bent up a good bit. However currently I run both.

 

hmm... interesting to see what people have to say...

me: both skid and valance, thinking about painting the valance

 

my skid if off temporarily till I find my stupid bolts. But with the 33's on there I am glad I removed my front valence because I needed to cut it's bumper corner bracket to clear. Personally I think the 84-88 trucks look better with the valence off where as the 89-95's look better with them on.

 

My 87 - Yes valence, no skid. I think they look way better with valence on. When they're off it's obvious something is missing. they are easily damaged though so I'm not surprised so many don't have them. My skid plate was ripped off wheeling years ago and never bothered to put back on, I think they look fine without the skid.

 

Stock skid plate no because my truck didnt come with one but I took off my valence because I think it looks better without it

 

No valence no skid plate... mangled both of them wheelin

 

On my 86 it was valance and skid before the bumper upgrade, looked pretty darn good. On the 89 I'll keep the skid until I destroy it, the valance never had a chance since it was missing when I got the rig. That and MC doesn't have a provision for valance mounting on the tube bumper. Hmm..... I wonder if I could put a valance on there with a little work?

 

TJM front bumper with a Budbuilt skid plate.

 

As I stated earlier, my valance is still on the truck but its beat up pretty good.. that said I use it as a 'curb feeler' for rock!

 

I've currently got both, and the valence is pretty mangled.

I was planning on replacing both the valence and bumper this spring, but found an ARB on CL for $350.

I had planned on removing the valence prior to replacement because I didn't like how it looked all bent up. I'd rather not have it there at all.

When I put on the ARB, I plan on re-attaching the factory skidplate.

 

currently running stock skidplate and chopped my valence after mangling part of it:

 

Stock skid, trimmed lower PLASTIC valence on my '95 4runner.

 

mmmm.....may have to pull the truck into the shop at break time and do a lil cutting to the valance on my 94 pickup. I want to take it off...but i feel it will look a bit odd. Some day i'll have a new bumper.....

 

NO doubt, im kinda digging the cut valance too. My center section is a bit bent but the areas in front of the tires are trashed.

What I dont like about the missing valance is seeing the bottom of the radiator. The crossmember doesnt look that bad naked, but seeing the radiator is kinda ugly.

 

Stock skidplate and valance, valance just has scratches in the paint.

 

Cut bumper. Stock skid.




With just the valance removed


The 87:
Valance no skid plate.


Valance removed:

 

i currently run mine with just a valence, no skid. no skid when i bought it, going to get one (either stock, or custom replacement) my valence has a nice square (hitch reciever on a lexus) dent in the center. my cross-member also shows a slight result from the lexus impact (not my fault)

will post pics in a minute

 

My own skid n valance.

 

Nice Tuef. Love those 33x10.5s.

 

Thanks , its a great size tire. Wish more made m.