200 Series Skid Plates - pics and install notes

[linuxgod]

@linuxgod you might want to add that our skid plates are now made from:

• High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) has nearly twice the strength and impact resistance of general purpose mild steel (A1011 and A36). 30-36ksi Yield strength vs 50ksi yield strength minimum.

That means about 30-40% increase in strength for the same thickness.

Updated, thanks Christi. I don't really have much data on most of the metals used - "aluminum" can mean many different types and strengths, for instance.

Will the Slee skids work with a diff drop? I had to space down the factory skids and use some longer bolts, but they worked. It seems like some of the skids could be spaced down but a few others probably can't based on their design. From the photos and videos it looks like spacing down the engine skid would work but I noted this as a "maybe".

(Wishing I could buy just the Slee engine skids like with the 100-series and then score aluminum for the A/T and TC to save weight where I'm less likely to abuse the drivetrain).

 

[FJRanger]

I'm running the Dissent with the Dobinson diff drop and the forward half of the cats would be very difficult to get to.

 

[JetSurfer]

I’m aluminum up front and out back, stainless in the middle.
My biggest issues have been break over and getting high centered on rocks. The stainless center lets me use momentum to clear these obstacles. Sometimes the whole weight of the vehicle is on the center skids. Just something to think about.

 

[dcs111]

@linuxgod thanks for putting the skid system comp together! After weighing all of the current options it seems the Slee skids offer the best value for our use case:

- easy access to common maintenance items (oil/ filter)
- better than stock general protection for the occasional accidental hits (truck will go to Moab, Sierras, and Sawtooth ranges next year)
- structural protection for xfer case
- straightforward installation
- powder coated
- available!!!
- $$$ (out of $$$$$)


Someone talk me out of this choice for Bud or other?

 

[JetSurfer]

Someone talk me out of this choice for Bud or other?

I have Bud Built combo of aluminum and stainless since I’m in rusty NY-

I wouldn’t want to pay extra for powder coat.
Who’s gonna see it unless you’re wheeling hard, and they it’s just going to be all scratched up.

I recently replaced a bunch of hardware as mine were pretty smashed up, and I wanted to add the Jowett EZ oil change kit. I did rattle can my front one.
Oil change access is just fine.

Idk- I’m super happy with my Bud stuff.

 

[bloc]

@linuxgod thanks for putting the skid system comp together! After weighing all of the current options it seems the Slee skids offer the best value for our use case:

- easy access to common maintenance items (oil/ filter)
- better than stock general protection for the occasional accidental hits (truck will go to Moab, Sierras, and Sawtooth ranges next year)
- structural protection for xfer case
- straightforward installation
- powder coated
- available!!!
- $$$ (out of $$$$$)


Someone talk me out of this choice for Bud or other?

The only thing I didn’t like about my Slee system was the slotted tabs that go under the tow hooks weaken the tow hook attachment point. So I cut them off.

Otherwise I feel they fit your list really well.. big one being “available.” I decided I needed a set before a trip and they were at my place inside of a week.

Bud makes great stuff, but so does Slee and Turbo8 (what I have now)

 

[JetSurfer]

I got a little weird with a couple rattle cans I had. Great access on the Bud Built stuff though

 

[sleepycruiser]

@linuxgod thanks for putting the skid system comp together! After weighing all of the current options it seems the Slee skids offer the best value for our use case:

- easy access to common maintenance items (oil/ filter)
- better than stock general protection for the occasional accidental hits (truck will go to Moab, Sierras, and Sawtooth ranges next year)
- structural protection for xfer case
- straightforward installation
- powder coated
- available!!!
- $$$ (out of $$$$$)


Someone talk me out of this choice for Bud or other?

I went with LFD OffRoad. It is super thick and has access ports with doors for the oil filter and the pan drain bolt. I got the bare metal and sprayed it myself. Super easy to install and super beefy. I have pics in my LC200 thread. I’d link it here, but can’t figure it out on the app. Search “Touch of Grey” and they are on there.

 

[dcs111]

I got a little weird with a couple rattle cans I had. Great access on the Bud Built stuff though

View attachment 3425368

View attachment 3425369

View attachment 3425370

That’s fun!

 

[turbo8]

@linuxgod thanks for putting the skid system comp together! After weighing all of the current options it seems the Slee skids offer the best value for our use case:

- easy access to common maintenance items (oil/ filter)
- better than stock general protection for the occasional accidental hits (truck will go to Moab, Sierras, and Sawtooth ranges next year)
- structural protection for xfer case
- straightforward installation
- powder coated
- available!!!
- $$$ (out of $$$$$)


Someone talk me out of this choice for Bud or other?

Just throwing this out there.

My Labor day sale is still active until Tuesday.
Use LABORDAY10 to get 10% off.

 

[DrivenLyfe]

Anyone know if Slee ever puts their skids on sale? Veteran’s Day or Black Friday, etc?

 

[mfeferman]

Made my own.
30lbs made from aluminum and stainless steel.

View attachment 2315225

View attachment 2315230

Would love some more details on this, if possible.

 

[turbo8]

Would love some more details on this, if possible.

Check out my site

Ee-offroading.com

 

[highfructose]

Asfir 4x4 Aluminum Transfer Case Skid
1/4" inch stock
18.8 lbs

Edit - add weight removed and total
Transfer Case pipes and heat shields - 4.4 lb
Total added 18.8 -4.4 = 14.4 lb

Off Road Parts & Accessories | ASFIR 4X4

Buckle up and get ready to conquer any terrain! ASFIR 4X4 offers the most powerful off-road protection equipment, from skid plates, bumpers to rock sliders. Assemble everything yourself and hit the trails with confidence. Explore with ASFIR 4X4!

www.asfir.com

Kits includes an aluminum crossmember and shaped and welded aluminum skid for the transfer case. Critically the skid is not in contact with the transfer case, it bolts to the factory crossmember and the included crossmember/brace, which is bolted to the frame. Kit includes two frame connector options on the gas tank side for corrugated (stock) and flat (aftermarket).

Installation is straightforward. If you have sliders there may be contention for one of the frame bolt locations.

View attachment 2315199

View attachment 2315240

View attachment 2315241

Does the skid crossmember bolt onto the frame on this side:

 

[linuxgod]

Does the skid crossmember bolt onto the frame on this side:
View attachment 3488540

Yes. I don't have a good pic handy, but having installed it myself I can confirm it does. I think it shows up in the instructions (which I believe are available online)

 

[grinchy]

Does the skid crossmember bolt onto the frame on this side:
View attachment 3488540

Yes, I had some bolt contention at the rail with my Metaltech sliders. It’s been long Enough I don’t remember too much detail, but it wasn’t hard to fix. I think I had to notch one of them a little bit.

Won’t be an issue with most sliders, MT went the extra extra mile on fastening points to really up the burly on their sliders.

 

[HoffCruiser]

Quick question: it seems like most of these skid plates stop right under the radiator. Does anyone have any feedback on one that bridges that gap between the radiator and stock bumper? It seems like the one does it best.

 

[Supra Turbo]

Quick question: it seems like most of these skid plates stop right under the radiator. Does anyone have any feedback on one that bridges that gap between the radiator and stock bumper? It seems like the one does it best.

The one by EE-Offroad (@turbo8 ) skid does this pretty well.

 

[Lou Gill]

What skid plate is the most reasonable that has an oil change opening, not for off-road, but my stock plastic one is pretty beat up?

 

[linuxgod]

What skid plate is the most reasonable that has an oil change opening, not for off-road, but my stock plastic one is pretty beat up?

Define reasonable. Weight? Cost?

I don’t love the oil filter door design but my Asfir skid has one. It’s aluminum so it’s light weight and was fairly inexpensive compared to other options.