Skid plate / trans support combo

[kcustom73]

So after my last off roading adventure with my stretched 40 I really need to build a skid plate to protect the t-cases and trans. I high centered a few times because of the length and really need some protection. After some measurements I can move the t-case up a little (1" - 1.5") by changing the angle of the engine from 5º to 3º without much issues (long drive shafts with the stretch give me a little more option).

To do the move I will need to modify the transmission support and was thinking of incorperating it into the skid plate. This is a 5500lbs + 40 that my get high centered on occasion so most of the weight might be on the skid plate. Pro's & con's would be greatly appreciated from folks that have done something similar.

 

[ferg]

After my v8 swap I made a cross member out of 1x3x.250 rectangular steel tubing. It worked really well. The idea of supporting the t-case on a skid plate seems like a future failure. If the skid plate takes enough of a hit to bend it will screw with all of your driveline geometry. Not to mention that it could send trans/case up into the floorboards (I have seen this).

 

[kcustom73]

That's sort of my feeling too. I would think a little gap between the skid plate and the cases would give the whole system a little room to flex.

 

[mano002]

Mini-trucks do this all the time. I have beat on mine for years with no issues.

 

[reddingcruiser]

I built a skid plate tranny support several years ago for a guy that wanted it that way. I'm not worried about the skid plate bending since there's a piece of 2x2 box tubing to stiffen the area the trans rests on. It DOES, however, complicate trail repairs if you have to drop the skid plate somewhere other than on flat ground. And we all know you only break on smooth, flat surfaces.

 

[kcustom73]

redding, good point on the trail repair. Went out to the shop yesterday afternoon and laid on back under truck to try to figure it all out and think that I've come with something that will work well. Designing it to be easily removable for repairs and service. Time to go get some steel and breakout the welder

Thank you for the input.

 

[reddingcruiser]

I had pondered using a modified 'propeller' type with jack screws to lift and support the rear of the t-case when removing a skid plate-type mount.

Keep us posted.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

If you build a proper skidplate it shouldn't bend. It should be able to support the vehicle's weight as a point-load in any spot.

80 series guys do this kind of thing all the time. Look at the IPOR style crossmember/skidplates that are everywhere. People beat the piss out of them without issue.

 

[kcustom73]

I know my current transmission cross member took a beating my last off roading trip, maybe even getting high centered on it (unsure because I was behind the wheel). I think I might beef up my current cross member and go from there. Might be a combination of both that can be easily removed for service...