Planning a trip to Moab. Which armor to add next?

[Ironiguana]

I have a Black Diamond with standard Ford skid plates and Barnes rear shock skids. I can budget for one more piece of armor before trip. I'm thinking rear differential. Is that a good choice or should I protect something else first? Thanks.

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[dadjoke]

(EDIT: TRANS) Oil pan (it's plastic, not covered)

posted this before coffee heh

 

[userdude]

Be aware there's some strong feelings this topic.

@Bird Dog Off Road has a video and guidance on skid plates. I believe there's a gap the stock plates don't cover where the transmission is, and RCI sells a plate for that. It might be more than you have to spend.

I've ordered rear shock and diff skids but haven't gotten them yet. The diff skid I've seen some differing opinions; there are also hardened diff covers.

You might get under and check it out yourself, if you haven't already. A lot of it is about what can be reached in the first place, so you might do best to have a good idea what you might be concerned with.

 

[Ironiguana]

Be aware there's some strong feelings this topic.

@Bird Dog Off Road has a video and guidance on skid plates. I believe there's a gap the stock plates don't cover where the transmission is, and RCI sells a plate for that. It might be more than you have to spend.

I've ordered rear shock and diff skids but haven't gotten them yet. The diff skid I've seen some differing opinions; there are also hardened diff covers.

You might get under and check it out yourself, if you haven't already. A lot of it is about what can be reached in the first place, so you might do best to have a good idea what you might be concerned with.

I did get under there and measured clearance. The rear shocks were an easy spot for the low point, that's why I started there. It seems the rear differential and front lower control arm are the next lowest points at just under 11 inches squatched. Transmission pan is up there but that would suck if that took a rock.

 

[Xjeepowner]

Don’t worry about your diff, the Bronco’s don’t have a bad design like the Jeep that has a vulnerable diff cover. Make sure the factory skids cover the engine, transmission and transfer case.

 

[Pseudoko]

Depends on which trails you plan to do. If you’re not out there to do any rock crawling, then tbh you should be fine … maybe add cross member skids since. If you plan on doing some crawling it just depends which trails so we can get a better idea on what you may need due to the obstacles

 

[Ironiguana]

Don’t worry about your diff, the Bronco’s don’t have a bad design like the Jeep that has a vulnerable diff cover. Make sure the factory skids cover the engine, transmission and transfer case.

I saw this that fits in my budget:
https://www.asfir.com/gear-box-skid-plate-599661.html

Anyone have any experience with this one? It's aluminum and fits with OEM skids.

 

[Ironiguana]

Depends on which trails you plan to do. If you’re not out there to do any rock crawling, then tbh you should be fine … maybe add cross member skids since. If you plan on doing some crawling it just depends which trails so we can get a better idea on what you may need due to the obstacles

I was going to start with Fins and Things and go from there.

 

[Snacktime]

Transmission or Rear bumper would be my choice. Transmission skid because a stick can take out the pan. 2nd item is the rear bumper, if you wheel you will slowly kill it.

 

[Snacktime]

I saw this that fits in my budget:
https://www.asfir.com/gear-box-skid-plate-599661.html

Anyone have any experience with this one? It's aluminum and fits with OEM skids.

You have a v6 or a 4 cylinder? I would stay steel if you plan to wheel Moab/rocks.

 

[Ironiguana]

You have a v6 or a 4 cylinder? I would stay steel if you plan to wheel Moab/rocks.

V6

 

[Lcubed]

if you're running the 2.7L engine, something to beef up the transmission crossmember wouldn't be a bad idea.

if you don't already have the factory rock rails, that would be a cheap bit of insurance

 

[Snacktime]

I would go Talon Garage (3/16) severe duty or Lod (10 guage) mild duty. From the price point your at LOD will probably be your best bet.

I run a modified Talon Garage skid, definitely the most full coverage skid that isn't a full skid system.

 

[Ironiguana]

I would go Talon Garage (3/16) severe duty or Lod (10 guage) mild duty. From the price point your at LOD will probably be your best bet.

I run a modified Talon Garage skid, definitely the most full coverage skid that isn't a full skid system.

I like these options. Seems to take care of the crossmembers also

 

[Snacktime]

I like these options. Seems to take care of the crossmembers also

@SS Bronco has beat his LOD skid pretty good and it's definitely a decent product for the price. If you go Talon pm me if you want my $50 off code.

Keep an eye on your rear bumper, mine is hammered. Be prepared to glue/screw/wire tie your license plate on!

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