Installed 4-Door skid plate set on a base 2-Door with plastic bumper

[VoltageDrop]

For whatever reason, the price of the 4-door and 2-door skid plate sets are the same, despite the 4-door set including a massive fuel tank skid plate that the 2-door set does not because they already have tank skids. So, I bought the 4-door set from our very helpful forum sponsor @flip (Phil) using the B6G discount and had it sent to the local freight terminal. I have the fuel tank skid plate for sale here so feel free to make an offer.

https://www.ruxerparts.com/oem-parts/ford-kit-skid-plate-mb3z5d032e

I don't think they're available but the part numbers on the individual plates are:
MB3C-5R108-BC bumper skid
MB3C-5B018-AB engine/rack skid
MB3C-7E063-A transfer case skid

Looking at pictures on Levittown's site, the 4-door "engine" skid plate, which is really protecting the steering rack, has some extra metal surrounding the rearward holes but I'm not sure why. No matter, it bolts up fine. All 3 plates are simple enough but I did have to cut the tow hooks off for front plate clearance. I'll have to find another front recovery point solution until I get around to building a bumper.

The 4 plates are 150 pounds when palletized. The 3 I used aren't too heavy but they seem thick enough to do the job unless you're more of a rock bouncer than a rock crawler. I used the bolts from the kit but they're the same as the ones I took out. The transfer case skid required the 4 bolts and 2 nut clips included with the kit.

I did throw a couple coats of paint on those cut ends to keep them pretty. You can buy the brackets without the tow hooks but they were about $100 each, as I recall.

The metal skid doesn't come as far forward as the plastic one did so there is some gap fore-aft, though you don't see it from a normal vantage point.

There's about 2" gap between the frame and the plate if you want to attach a recovery point to the bottom of the frame.

This area is still exposed, though nothing critical is hanging too low. Ford does sell a skid plate that covers the front part of this area to protect the sta-bar disconnect but I'm hoping somebody comes out with a higher clearance transmission crossmember and skid plate. Ford could've done a much better job tucking that part up.

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[Copperhorse73]

I have the transmission skid en route from @ASFIR 4x4 , hate seeing that plastic pan exposed

 

[Oldhippie]

Thanks fir the info....I have the skid kit waiting for my Bronco...

 

[VoltageDrop]

Here's what I came up with for a front tow hook solution. I used Rough Country RS150 shackle adapter brackets which are intended for 09-20 F150 trucks. They fit perfectly between the original tow hook bracket and the downward bump at the end of the frame rail. I did have to cut the original tow hooks back almost to the frame bracket. I spaced the skid plate down with a couple washers behind each front screw since I didn't want to notch it. I did notch the plastic on the bottom of the bumper a little so it didn't have to sit so high. Not much, maybe 1/8" or so.

I'll get better pictures when I take these off to put in grade 8 bolts since I was hastily installing these before a trip so I'd have a tow point for the tow truck if my 2.7 dropped a valve Yeah, funny/not funny.

Oh, and I scored a pair of U.S.-made Crosby 3/4" shackles on ebay for $40. I see no reason to buy chinesium shackles of unknown quality control or $425 aluminum shackles but you do you.

Ignore the cutting I did up higher on the bumper by the trim cap. I was experimenting with a different shackle bracket through the end of the frame but I gave up on that. It does appear I tested my skid plates this weekend.

 

[Bronco_joe]

@Go Devils they are the same

 

[Jeffola]

Here's what I came up with for a front tow hook solution. I used Rough Country RS150 shackle adapter brackets which are intended for 09-20 F150 trucks. They fit perfectly between the original tow hook bracket and the downward bump at the end of the frame rail. I did have to cut the original tow hooks back almost to the frame bracket. I spaced the skid plate down with a couple washers behind each front screw since I didn't want to notch it. I did notch the plastic on the bottom of the bumper a little so it didn't have to sit so high. Not much, maybe 1/8" or so.

I'll get better pictures when I take these off to put in grade 8 bolts since I was hastily installing these before a trip so I'd have a tow point for the tow truck if my 2.7 dropped a valve Yeah, funny/not funny.

Oh, and I scored a pair of U.S.-made Crosby 3/4" shackles on ebay for $40. I see no reason to buy chinesium shackles of unknown quality control or $425 aluminum shackles but you do you.

Ignore the cutting I did up higher on the bumper by the trim cap. I was experimenting with a different shackle bracket through the end of the frame but I gave up on that. It does appear I tested my skid plates this weekend.

I wonder if the shackle mounts for the bronco fit as well with the metal skid plate, any input?

 

[Jazer]

Bump

@VoltageDrop Do you have any photos from the front (from this angle?) I am possibly picking up a set of takeoff skids locally and doing some research on how I can incorporate my brackets (ie skid plate modification) and how much of a gap there really is.

I wonder if the shackle mounts for the bronco fit as well with the metal skid plate, any input?

Doubtful as the Bronco version doesn't have as an agressive as a angle designed into it. Here is a photo of mine.

 

[VoltageDrop]

Bump

@VoltageDrop Do you have any photos from the front (from this angle?) I am possibly picking up a set of takeoff skids locally and doing some research on how I can incorporate my brackets (ie skid plate modification) and how much of a gap there really is.

Doubtful as the Bronco version doesn't have as an agressive as a angle designed into it. Here is a photo of mine.

This is the best shot I can find showing the gap from a normal viewing height. It never bothered me and things like that usually do bother me so it must not have been terrible. Maybe I was just distracted by those sweet Crosby shackles

 

[Jazer]

This is the best shot I can find showing the gap from a normal viewing height. It never bothered me and things like that usually do bother me so it must not have been terrible. Maybe I was just distracted by those sweet Crosby shackles

Thanks so much! That really doesn't look bad at all!

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