Does it make sense to remove bash plates?

[BigMex]

I’m considering whether or not it makes sense to remove the factory bash plates for everyday-type driving, as a weight and fuel cost saving feature and minimize exposure to road salt this winter… and I’m not afraid to admit I’m a noob (never had bashplates on my 4Runner or FJ).

I figure I can put them back on when I hit the trails in the summer, right? Is this smart, stupid, crazy, dangerous? Help.

Sponsored

 

[710-oil-614]

i would think the bash plates might slightly (albeit slightly) protect the rest of your undercarriage from the salt exposure.

Fluid Film the whole underbody (bash plates removed) just to be sure.

I'm so worried mine is getting delivered to Ohio in February and I'm going to be laying in snow with my pressure washer cleaning the underbody off after driving 2.6 miles from the dealer to get the salt off so I can get it in the garage, dried off, and Fluid Filmed.

 

[Frankie945]

It won’t affect anything enough to matter leave em on. Or I’ll take them if you don’t want them.

 

[KANE COUNTY ILLINOIS]

I’m considering whether or not it makes sense to remove the factory bash plates for everyday-type driving, as a weight and fuel cost saving feature and minimize exposure to road salt this winter… and I’m not afraid to admit I’m a noob (never had bashplates on my 4Runner or FJ).

I figure I can put them back on when I hit the trails in the summer, right? Is this smart, stupid, crazy, dangerous? Help.

I have a Big Bend and I just realized that the bash-plate just under the front bumper is plastic, so no big weight-savings for me! I will never hit the trails, so it's not too much of a disappointment!

 

[Nolabel]

I’m considering whether or not it makes sense to remove the factory bash plates for everyday-type driving, as a weight and fuel cost saving feature and minimize exposure to road salt this winter… and I’m not afraid to admit I’m a noob (never had bashplates on my 4Runner or FJ).

I figure I can put them back on when I hit the trails in the summer, right? Is this smart, stupid, crazy, dangerous? Help.

If you want to save on fuel than just taking off 100lbs of sprung weight won't net you much.

Your best bet would be to reduce your rotational weight. That would be best if you are only worried about fuel savings and can also make it feel more peppy.

 

[BigMex]

i would think the bash plates might slightly (albeit slightly) protect the rest of your undercarriage from the salt exposure.

Fluid Film the whole underbody (bash plates removed) just to be sure.

I'm so worried mine is getting delivered to Ohio in February and I'm going to be laying in snow with my pressure washer cleaning the underbody off after driving 2.6 miles from the dealer to get the salt off so I can get it in the garage, dried off, and Fluid Filmed.

You’re totally hitting upon some of my concerns: brine and salt (I’m in Ohio). Another friend recommended FluidFilming too, and even gave me a “trial” can. I don’t have access to a lift and am wondering if I should splurge for some kind of jack stands and get all greasy before bad weather really hits…

 

[BigMex]

If you want to save on fuel than just taking off 100lbs of sprung weight won't net you much.

Your best bet would be to reduce your rotational weight. That would be best if you are only worried about fuel savings and can also make it feel more peppy.

Yeah… great observation! Thanks. I’d say that fuel savings is actually secondary to minimizing places where road salt and brine can get trapped all winter.
Please explain rotational weight. You calling me fat?

 

[Lifeliberty]

You probably won't need a lift to get under the carriage

 

[amccue90]

You’re totally hitting upon some of my concerns: brine and salt (I’m in Ohio). Another friend recommended FluidFilming too, and even gave me a “trial” can. I don’t have access to a lift and am wondering if I should splurge for some kind of jack stands and get all greasy before bad weather really hits…

Just pay someone. $2-500. Save on the tools and your time

 

[BigMex]

You probably won't need a lift to get under the carriage

I’m closer to 50 than 20… or 30… or 40… and although it is a Badlands, you give my flexibility and agility too much credit. Thanks!

 

[BroncoAZ]

i would think the bash plates might slightly (albeit slightly) protect the rest of your undercarriage from the salt exposure.

Fluid Film the whole underbody (bash plates removed) just to be sure.

I'm so worried mine is getting delivered to Ohio in February and I'm going to be laying in snow with my pressure washer cleaning the underbody off after driving 2.6 miles from the dealer to get the salt off so I can get it in the garage, dried off, and Fluid Filmed.

I convinced my dealer to deliver my Bronco to my house before the paperwork was completed because it was supposed to snow the next day and the roads would be salted. They were cool about it.

It’s sitting safety in my garage with 14.9 miles on the odometer until I have a chance to fluid film it, or I’ll just wait until spring to drive since it’s not a daily driver.

 

[710-oil-614]

I convinced my dealer to deliver my Bronco to my house before the paperwork was completed because it was supposed to snow the next day and the roads would be salted. They were cool about it.

It’s sitting safety in my garage with 14.9 miles on the odometer until I have a chance to fluid film it, or I’ll just wait until spring to drive since it’s not a daily driver.

Sounds eerily similar to what mine will do until fluid filmed. Told my wife I'm going to hold onto my Forester until winter is over.

I was debating asking the dealer if they would just throw my bronco on a lift and get lost for a few hours while I fluid filmed it before driving off but I am sure theres all sorts of liability with that.

Maybe I can get them to trailer it over to my house for me.

 

[da_jokker]

A lot of fuel efficient cars have covers underneath for aerodynamics to improve gas mileage.

It'd be curious to determine if removing the bash plates actually helps or hurt your mileage because of weight savings versus aerodynamics.

It doesn't snow where I live so I don't have to deal with road salt. But unless it's a full belly plate then I could see salt getting on top of the bash plates and preventing you from cleaning it out.

 

[GoTigersGoBronco]

Unless you took them off, you did have some form of skid plates on both the 4Runner and FJ.

 

[Bongo Fury]

"Is this smart, stupid, crazy, dangerous?"
>insert< not worth the effort
While great for their intended off road usage there's more practicality than just the trail protection. I've had them on a couple vehicles and the most noticeable result was a cleaner lower motor, tranny and linkage.
The daily road debris is knocked out just as a hood guard deflects bugs and stone chips.

Sponsored