Steel or Aluminum for the Fuel Tank Skid?

[Dantastic]

I have an aluminum skid plate ordered through JcrOffroad but I’m debating switching to the steel. They have long lead times, so I’m pretty sure I could still switch.

The weight difference is less than 30lbs between the steel and aluminum. I’m all about saving weight where I can but with as low as the fuel tank is, I’m wondering if this isn’t the place to save weight.

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[DoYouBronco]

It depends on what type of offroading you do. If you do high speed Baja style through the sand and dunes, aluminum will be fine. If you do rock crawling or plan to beat the skid plate up, go steel all day

 

[userdude]

You can't go wrong with a steel plate unless you really need the weight savings. Also, the Ford gas tank plate is pretty good, if you can find one.

 

[DefNotBuddyLee]

Cast iron!
Honestly, I have aluminum on most of my other skids, but steel on the gas. With a 4 door, that area is too prone to turtle on obstacles.

 

[TEAMSLO]

I just ordered aluminum, for the gas tank, more worried about punctures, aluminum will be fine for me.

 

[Dantastic]

You can't go wrong with a steel plate unless you really need the weight savings. Also, the Ford gas tank plate is pretty good, if you can find one.

Finding one is the issue. I don’t want to order all of them and have to go through the hassle of selling the ones I already have.

 

[Dantastic]

It depends on what type of offroading you do. If you do high speed Baja style through the sand and dunes, aluminum will be fine. If you do rock crawling or plan to beat the skid plate up, go steel all day

I live in Missouri, so although I will not intentionally be trying to beat it up, hitting/scraping rocks will happen with how low that tank is. I think I am going to switch it to steel.

 

[Bill K]

You can't go wrong with a steel plate unless you really need the weight savings. Also, the Ford gas tank plate is pretty good, if you can find one.

Luckily for me I found one stock on the bottom of my '23 Big Bend 2 door

 

[Los]

I am also looking for a steel skid plate for my WT fuel tank, but Ford does not sell by piece is either all or nothing.... sucks...

 

[Dantastic]

I am also looking for a steel skid plate for my WT fuel tank, but Ford does not sell by piece is either all or nothing.... sucks...

Yeah. I was half tempted to post in the local Facebook group trying to find someone who has a 4dr pavement princess and convincing them to swap out for the skid plate for my brackets plus cash to save on fuel economy.

 

[Los]

Well, good luck, I hope you find one soon, I am still looking for one (RCI) Rough Country carries them, but I don't like that they are a two piece, I rather have one for more strength and longevity. I might buy their Trans and transfer case skids but won't do the 2-piece fuel tank skid. so far, the price doesn't look too bad,

 

[SS Bronco]

On rocks steel slides, aluminum catches and rips. For dirt, sand and snow aluminum works fine.

 

[Dantastic]

Well, good luck, I hope you find one soon, I am still looking for one (RCI) Rough Country carries them, but I don't like that they are a two piece, I rather have one for more strength and longevity. I might buy their Trans and transfer case skids but won't do the 2-piece fuel tank skid. so far, the price doesn't look too bad,

Seems like Ford is the only one who is doing the one piece, which is weird. Usually after markets are an upgrade.

 

[AdamF@IAG]

Seems like Ford is the only one who is doing the one piece, which is weird. Usually after markets are an upgrade.

The downside to the designs out there, 1 or 2 piece, is that the tank is directly on the skid. It's tough, sure, but take the transmission pan for instance. Woud you rather have a steel plate mounted to the pan itself, or have that extra space for things to move independently? Ours gets you 2 solid, welded tubing tank mounts which alone you can jack up the entire rig with. Then add to it the skids with a small gap for insurance. The seam is completely supported and therefore will act like a single piece. I personally think its the only upgrade from a factory offering on the market, biased opinion or not.

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