Skid Plate

[71-CRUISER]

I finaly got around to making a skid plate for the FJ. It is 1/4" steel with 2 bends in it. The passenger side frame rail was spaced down with 2x3x.125 tube. It doesnt curnetly have any cross bracing but i dont think it should ba a problem.

 

[Poser]

It doesnt curnetly have any cross bracing but i dont think it should ba a problem.

Least not till it bends....

 

[Desertdave]

Least not till it bends....

Long ago, before I could do such things myself, I paid a shop to make me a skidplate. It wasn't as cool as the one pictured, it basically was a flat box, with 3/8" plate on all four sides as stiffeners. And I bent it enough to contact the transfer case. It took forever to reverse the bends with an 8 lb. sledge hammer. I then reinforced it with 2" 1/4" wall angle through the middle, additional angle on the rear, and a rear bumper mount off a mini-truck in the front, curved around the cutout for the front driveshaft.

I still have bent it since, but not enough to yet contact the transfer case again.

I suggest stiffening your skidplate before you bend it, it's a lot easier!

 

[65swb45]

Whoever had the machine with the kahones to bend that plate ought to bend you a couple more for a front and back brace. Then it will be as strong as it is beautifully simple.

I think drainplug holes are overrated!

 

[redrustbucket]

I think drainplug holes are overrated!

LOL

Sweet skidplate.

 

[Pinion]

Is your driver side axle tube bent??

 

[Poser]

I would get a piece of thick wall DOM and make little protectors for the heads of the bolts that WILL be torn out of the frame...that is if it gets used...


Good luck!


-Steve

 

[71-CRUISER]

I think drainplug holes are overrated!

The plate was Free (thanks Auburn) so I was in no position to complain. All i had to pay for was $30 to get it bent.

 

[72cruiser]

Is your driver side axle tube bent??

i think it just looks that way b/c of the brake line...


malphrus

 

[camcruiser13]

i think it looks better than mine. looks good man

 

[Gundy]

beefy indeed!

It will be a devil to straighten when you "accidentally" bend it.
I've found driving the truck over a stock plate can "help" with
this task. With that bad boy....I'm thinking torch first...then truck press.
Kudos for a job done well. That's one stout looking piece of hardware.