ASFIR 4x4 Skids are back

[Bluetribal]

What’s the total weight of the set?

*Disclaimer cheap bathroom scale*
Asfir Skid Plate weight + steel mounting bracket.

Front Skid:20 + 5 = Total 25lbs

Middle Skid: 17 + 7 = Total 24lbs

Gas Skid: 20 + 7 = Total 27lbs

Combined Full Skid Set = 76lbs

Curious about the weight for the stock skids and the net gain with these gains.

Stock Skid Plates:

Front: 13lbs

Middle: 5lbs

Gas: TBD (Haven’t removed it yet)

 

[JLee]

18.2 lbs for the OEM gas tank skid.

 

[JLee]

So, 39.8lbs increase, if I did the math right.

 

[Bluetribal]

18.2 lbs for the OEM gas tank skid.

Thanks for getting this was too busy installing my lift this weekend that I didn’t get around to it. Plan to install them this week.

 

[JLee]

Cut to fit KDSS. It needed a couple tweaks - I'll get a writeup done soon.

 

[Bluetribal]

Were the tweaks due just for KDSS? Or did you have fitment issues?

 

[GXO]

KDSS. I have the same set on my 03 (non-KDSS) and the only thing I had to tweak was to cut the back off the gas skid because my spring kept pinging off it when I flexed. Plus I gusseted the crossmember to add some strength.

 

[JLee]

KDSS. I have the same set on my 03 (non-KDSS) and the only thing I had to tweak was to cut the back off the gas skid because my spring kept pinging off it when I flexed. Plus I gusseted the crossmember to add some strength.

My center skid hit the exhaust as well. I had to space it down half an inch.

 

[Bluetribal]

Cool I will pick up a 1/2" aluminum spacer this week then.

 

[GXO]

Mine came with spacers for the exhaust area...but that was in 2011

 

[JLee]

Mine came with spacers for the exhaust area...but that was in 2011

My front skid had spacers, nothing for the center one though.

 

[Bluetribal]

Got the front two skids installed and the stock gas skid off this evening.

Some helpful info for those looking to order and install. The middle skid will not fit with the stock gas tank skid in place so you really should buy as a full set. Plus the middle skid does not come with the bolts and spacers for the front because it is meant to overlap the front skid and use the bolts and spacers from the front skid plate.

The directions are kind of like IKEA directions and you basically connect the dots by a diagram. I wish the bolts were a little longer in fact I couldn’t even get the front two bolts to go that screw into the radiator support. Picking up longer bolts tomorrow! And the back bolts of the front skid where the two overlap should be longer as well, it would make it much easier to get them started.

One more tip is that I highly recommend a M8x1.25 Tap to clean out the threads on the frame. It will make installing these bolts much easier!

I couldn’t figure out what to do with the middle brackets of the second Teansfer Case skid, would love to see some photos on what to do.

 

[JLee]

I didn't use them. I couldn't figure out where they went either. I hear you on the bolts - I went with longer front bolts as well, and had the same experience with the gas tank skid. I also had to space the back bolts on the middle skid to avoid hitting the exhaust cross pipe.

 

[Bluetribal]

I didn’t notice the middle skid hitting the exhaust but will be back under it tomorrow to install the gas tank skid.

Yup it is touching the exhaust pipe. I might just cut off the piece of the skid that bends up.

 

[Bluetribal]

So what is the consensus on the steel brackets for these skids? They appear to be plated but is anyone going to paint them? I just installed them for this weekends camping trip but will be taking them back off to change the hardware to rounded bolts with an allen head and longer length to make them easier to install especially after they get bent up. I will also be adding a brace to the cross bar.

 

[JLee]

I didn’t notice the middle skid hitting the exhaust but will be back under it tomorrow to install the gas tank skid.

Yup it is touching the exhaust pipe. I might just cut off the piece of the skid that bends up.
View attachment 1571323

I just put some nuts in as spacers (1/2" tall) and it's fine now.

 

[Bluetribal]

Installing the gas tank skid Friday evening before heading out for a camping and mild wheeling trip I had an issue with one of the back brackets and the thread being welded incorrectly. I just sent an e-mail to Leonard who was my shipping contact so we will see how ASFIR wants to remedy this fabrication error.

Unfortunately without this bracket installed I think it made the inner rear bracket shift when the frame was tweaked and then the drive shaft bolts would hit it and make an annoying sound all weekend.

Phot while flexing

 

[Bluetribal]

Forgot to update this issue, the response I got back from my contact at ASFIR gave me this response.

Dear Mark,

We are very sorry that there is the problem with the bracket nut and apologize for the inconvenience.

I have been advised that the easiest and fastest solution is to just hammer the nut off the bracket and re-weld it on again in the correct position.

Once again we apologize for this unfortunate overlook and if you have a problem please get back to me.

Best regards,

Not the response I was hoping for but kind of expected it to be honest. I am debating if I want to push the issue and request a new bracket or if I want to hit up my boss to just re-weld it when I have him add the brace on the cross beam bracket for the middle skid.

 

[JLee]

Forgot to update this issue, the response I got back from my contact at ASFIR gave me this response.

Dear Mark,

We are very sorry that there is the problem with the bracket nut and apologize for the inconvenience.

I have been advised that the easiest and fastest solution is to just hammer the nut off the bracket and re-weld it on again in the correct position.

Once again we apologize for this unfortunate overlook and if you have a problem please get back to me.

Best regards,

Not the response I was hoping for but kind of expected it to be honest. I am debating if I want to push the issue and request a new bracket or if I want to hit up my boss to just re-weld it when I have him add the brace on the cross beam bracket for the middle skid.

That's a disappointing response - if that's a galvanized part, you'll want to strip that off so you don't get poisoned..

 

[Bluetribal]

It definitely seems to be nickel plated because no painting or powder coat seems to be required on any of the steel brackets.