RCI gas tank skid installed!

[unfortunate]

Just installed the RCI gas tank skid for my 4 door Big Bend bronco! Fits great! No complaints. They have good instructions so if you follow them to the T, it’s a straightforward install. It took me about 3 hours doing it solo but I was taking my time. My weekends has been busy, so I haven’t been out wheeling with them yet but the weight of the aluminum(they have a steel option as well) ones didn’t change the day to day driving characteristics from the extra weight at all.

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[2020FordRaptor]

Just installed the RCI gas tank skid for my 4 door Big Bend bronco! Fits great! No complaints. They have good instructions so if you follow them to the T, it’s a straightforward install. It took me about 3 hours doing it solo but I was taking my time. My weekends has been busy, so I haven’t been out wheeling with them yet but the weight of the aluminum(they have a steel option as well) ones didn’t change the day to day driving characteristics from the extra weight at all.

Looks good! These would be the same exact skids we'd install if we were getting a Bronco.

 

[SROC3]

Nice!!!! I just installed my RCI front section skids and my Fuel Tank skid is arriving Friday

I got the Steel Black powder Coated ones. Although it is heavier, 100+ lbs isn't going to make a difference in handing dynamics when it's that down low in the vehicle's center of gravity. Nice look on the Aluminum for sure!!

 

[F150rubyred]

I was thinking about going with steel package on the RCI but thought I would go with aluminum on gas tank skid to save a little weight. Is this a good idea? It would only save 30# I think?

 

[F150rubyred]

Nice!!!! I just installed my RCI front section skids and my Fuel Tank skid is arriving Friday

I got the Steel Black powder Coated ones. Although it is heavier, 100+ lbs isn't going to make a difference in handing dynamics when it's that down low in the vehicle's center of gravity. Nice look on the Aluminum for sure!!

Did you get the RCI skids installed? How was it? Any pictures? I am thinking about order the RCI steel skids and looking for some input.

 

[SROC3]

Did you get the RCI skids installed? How was it? Any pictures? I am thinking about order the RCI steel skids and looking for some input.

Yes. I love mine. I have the powder coated steel version. From Front Engine Guard all the way back to the Fuel Tank Skid. Depending on how you off-road, if you are going to likely be rock-crawling I would definitely get the steel version. Otherwise you can get the Aluminum one and save 50% in weight. It's a lot. I mean the weight does sit low on the vehicle....but I DID feel it the first time I drove off with it. Then you get used to it in one day But I also have a Pedal Commander and that helped a lot

I don't have better pics than the website does as we did the install on my friend's driveway. no space to take a good shot. But I did a LOT of research and for the money, the way it is designed and well thought out - I HIGHLY recommend getting this one.

 

[F150rubyred]

Yes. I love mine. I have the powder coated steel version. From Front Engine Guard all the way back to the Fuel Tank Skid. Depending on how you off-road, if you are going to likely be rock-crawling I would definitely get the steel version. Otherwise you can get the Aluminum one and save 50% in weight. It's a lot. I mean the weight does sit low on the vehicle....but I DID feel it the first time I drove off with it. Then you get used to it in one day But I also have a Pedal Commander and that helped a lot

I don't have better pics than the website does as we did the install on my friend's driveway. no space to take a good shot. But I did a LOT of research and for the money, the way it is designed and well thought out - I HIGHLY recommend getting this one.

Thanks, I had pretty much made up my mind to get RCI steel black powered coated. I have had 2 sets already on FJ and GX460 so they make good stuff. There is just not much feedback on Bronco RCI stuff yet. I do either Moab or Colorado every year so I need steel, my FJ steel was scratched up pretty bad from Moab but I was only on 33s.

My new Bronco here got rid of the 2 door silver one.

 

[meh]

How was the strapping process? I didn’t realize I needed to support the tank while installing when I ordered it, I assumed I could just bolt it over….

Im semi nervous about the install now. Did you use a lift?

 

[Gene Dios]

How was the strapping process? I didn’t realize I needed to support the tank while installing when I ordered it, I assumed I could just bolt it over….

Im semi nervous about the install now. Did you use a lift?

I removed my gas skid today for a different type of project. Just loosen all of the bolts about 3/4 out then fish the tip of a ratchet strap between the tank and skid. I stapled the strap to a long and very sturdy zip tie which allowed my to push it through very easily. One at the front, one at the back. Just find some frame spots that will allow the straps a clean path.

I was able to lie underneath the skid with my legs applying pressure, remove the last couple bolts, let the weight down gently. The one bolt up above the driveshaft required socket extensions.

Oh and get the gas as low as possible. I think I'm under 1/8th tank right now.

 

[meh]

Mine doesn’t have the factory one - so I’ll just need to remove the factory straps first.

 

[F150rubyred]

How was the strapping process? I didn’t realize I needed to support the tank while installing when I ordered it, I assumed I could just bolt it over….

Im semi nervous about the install now. Did you use a lift?

Just make sure gas tank is almost empty the lighter the better. I just used my floor Jack and a 2x4 to hold up gas tank it’s not very heavy. My wife did give me a hand also.

 

[ssmegapunish]

I put the full steel RCI plate set on my Wildtrak. Seem to be holding up well to the salt they bathe I-25 in Colorado with all the time. Can't say I noticed much if any difference due to weight but the Bronco was already a slow heavy brick. I still average 20-21 MPG in the semi-hilly front range terrain daily driving 160 miles a day on the interstate.

For the install, I'm not a pro at all and had no issues bolting them on without a lift by myself. Like others have said, just used a floor jack to position the plates and a couple ratchet straps to hold up the tank. When you have the tank skid bolted up loosely you can release the ratchet and pull the strap out from under the plate and then tighten things up. Easy enough to do in an afternoon.

 

[unfortunate]

 

[unfortunate]

How was the strapping process? I didn’t realize I needed to support the tank while installing when I ordered it, I assumed I could just bolt it over….

Im semi nervous about the install now. Did you use a lift?

it’s intimidating at first but it’s not that bad. I’ve attached some pics of different points I used the ratchet strap to hold the tank before removing the factory brace. Like someone mentioned just run you tank near empty before doing it. If you’re doing it by yourself like me you definitely want a jack to help hold the skid up so you can get some bolts started. Another tip is to make sure you put the ratchet strap side where it makes sense so that when you bolt the RCI skid up you can take the strap apart and be able to just pull the strap through and not get stuck by the hooks and strap itself.

 

[unfortunate]

Don’t do this…. The ratchet will be in the way when you put the skid up. Lol

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