OEM Bash Plates - Gas Tank Bash Install help

[BadgerSix]

Has anyone installed the OEM Bash plate on the gas tank. It looks like you have to drop the tank by first removing the original straps, then lifting the tank in the skid and remount it.

Any tips or advise is greatly appreciated. I do not have a lift so I will have to install with the vehicle on the ground.

Muchas Gracias.

Sponsored

 

[TX-Dennis]

Only advice I have is to run it to nearly empty before you start. Weight of the fuel makes a BIG difference when dropping a tank. Two doors come with gas tank skids, so no experience here in installing one.

 

[Brian_B]

It's not that bad - especially if you do as @TX-Dennis suggests and run the fuel tank down as low as you dare. The tank itself is pretty light.

Throw a couple of ratchet straps around it to hold it up against the frame while you take the supports off and are lining up the skid plate.

Also, a hydraulic table to keep the skid plate on helps a bunch. I have the one similar to the picture, I just unbolt the handle and lay it on the ground when I need to roll it under the vehicle.

 

[Disciple Mike]

Similar to what’s already been said, I used ratchet straps to hold the tank, and then a floor jack with a cross beam to help get the plate into position.

 

[Phil B]

I installed mine by myself, without having to drop the tank or support it with straps. It was a little tricky getting it balanced on the jack.

Run the tank as dry as possible. Loosen, but do not remove the bolts for the straps holding the tank in place. The packing material makes good blocks to hold the skid plate up. Lift the skid plate into position. (I used a floor jack.) Remove the rear strap and screw the bolts in place through the (rear) skid plate mounts. Repeat the process for the front strap, then install the remaining bolts and torque everything down.

 

[Mjasi3]

Run your tank as empty as you can. In other words, just what you’ll need to get to the nearest gas station. That will make a huge difference as it will weigh barely anything. I had 3 miles till empty. You can always. An external gas with some gas. Here’s a good video.



It’s an easy install

 

[MachingBird]

I had 8 gallons of gas left in my tank. My son said, let’s just hold it up with cinch straps close to the mounting straps. Great idea! Did that and removed the front and rear mounting straps. Started all the skid plates bolts and ran them in a little past halfway, removed the cinch straps, then torqued the skid plate bolts to spec. We were fully prepared to cut the cinch straps, if necessary, but it wasn’t and we can use them again someday.

 

[MNBigfoot]

I had access to a lift, so basically cheated, but as others said, run it dam near empty, rachet it up, easy peasy with help. There are a number of youtube videos on it.

 

[BadgerSix]

Similar to what’s already been said, I used ratchet straps to hold the tank, and then a floor jack with a cross beam to help get the plate into position.

BAM!!!!!!
Just installed it using the jack method. I propped it up on 2 4x4s on each side then jacked it up in to place so I could get a couple of bolts started. The ratchet straps at either end were money.

I also installed the transfer case, engine, and front bash plates. Because I only have the stock bumper I had to notch the front plate to get it to clear the recovery hooks. Someone on here did that and inspired me to go for it.

 

[Mjasi3]

BAM!!!!!!
Just installed it using the jack method. I propped it up on 2 4x4s on each side then jacked it up in to place so I could get a couple of bolts started. The ratchet straps at either end were money.

I also installed the transfer case, engine, and front bash plates. Because I only have the stock bumper I had to notch the front plate to get it to clear the recovery hooks. Someone on here did that and inspired me to go for it.

Awesome. Is there enough room to get a hard or soft shackle in those recovery hooks? I’d cut out a bit more so they’re usable when you need them!

 

[BadgerSix]

Awesome. Is there enough room to get a hard or soft shackle in those recovery hooks? I’d cut out a bit more so they’re usable when you need them!

There should be enough room. The picture is deceiving. I may at some point in the near future cut out some additional material just to be sure.

 

[Mjasi3]

There should be enough room. The picture is deceiving. I may at some point in the near future cut out some additional material just to be sure.

Cool. And grind it down smooth in case a soft shackle is used in the future.

 

[Jossman]

I installed RCI Fuel Tank 2 piece steel skids [65#] By holding full 4dr fuel tank in place with 2 heavy duty ratchet straps and making sure when install was finished I could remove straps without cutting.While flat on my garage floor placed each half of the skid in place using a floor jack.Before I jacked the fuel skids into place did make sure all the bolts for install did match existing threads [I know being old + anal is a curse].Did not snug bolts down on either half of the skid plate until Had them both in place + bolted together then bolted all + tightened.I went with the 3/16 steel although the Aluminum is 1/2 the weight but thought at only 33 pounds heavier I wanted the steel for better protection. Before I ordered my skids was able to read online instructions + plan my work.After all bolted + torqued was able to pull straps out+ lay there a few minutes gathering tools ,rags + admiring the finished product.Check tightness of all bolts a couple weeks later + after a year they have not fallen off.

Sponsored