UPDATE PSA: Make sure to add a spacer to RCI trans skid IF you are running Icon Stage 3+ Suspension

[DangerMTBBronco]

UPDATE PSA: If you are running the Icon Stage 3+ suspension kits they have a sway bar relocation bracket spacer added on the swaybar mount which means that you need to drop the RCI plate further with spacers to provide enough clearance or your s will end up looking like mine. Easy fix and RCI was great with their customer service along the way..


[Original Post]
Have you ever seen this? As you can see, the sway bar hydraulic valve block is grinding away the RCI aluminum trans skid from the top down and has removed a large amount of skid. It's just a matter of time before it eats all the way through the skid.

Disregard the fluids on the skid and sway bar; the transmission has a leak and Ford is fixing it on Monday after waiting weeks for parts.

Thanks for your insights!

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[the poacher]

Wow, first I have heard of this. The obvious question is whether your skid had been impacted enough to push it in to the point that the rubbing is occurring. Is this possible?

 

[DangerMTBBronco]

Wow, first I have heard of this. The obvious question is whether your skid had been impacted enough to push it in to the point that the rubbing is occurring. Is this possible?

I do wheel often but theres not even marking on the underside. My guess is RCIs design doesn't allow enough clearance for the swsy bar block. They may have even
Mocked this up in a non-squatch with out sway bar. They wouldn't be the first to miss something in early aftermarket Bronco dev on a non-squatch and finding out later.

Likely many may have this issue but have no idea because they never pull and inspect their skids unless they change their own oil or like in my case have a trans leak.

I emailed RCI and will see what they say. They may not be aware either and I may just be the canary in the coal mine.

 

[the poacher]

I do wheel often but theres not even marking on the underside. My guess is RCIs design doesn't allow enough clearance for the swsy bar block. They may have even
Mocked this up in a non-squatch with out sway bar. They wouldn't be the first to miss something in early aftermarket Bronco dev on a non-squatch and finding out later.

Likely many may have this issue but have no idea because they never pull and inspect their skids unless they change their own oil or like in my case have a trans leak.

I emailed RCI and will see what they say. They may not be aware either and I may just be the canary in the coal mine.

Very possible that RCI designed it on a Bronco without the sway bar, hence the issue you are experiencing. I will be interesting to see what RCI responds with. Keep us posted.

 

[KABQ]

The easy solution involves 2x4s and a hammer. The even easier solution is to do nothing since it seems to be clearancing itself haha

 

[DangerMTBBronco]

The easy solution involves 2x4s and a hammer. The even easier solution is to do nothing since it seems to be clearancing itself haha

right? Created its own “relief” lol

 

[noliveaxle]

So anyone with a badlands should worry about ground clearance and this rotating valve body. Good thing it looks higher then the curbs at the mall or id be in trouble.

 

[SS Bronco]

As others stated , probably wasn’t designed for the electric disconnect. Maybe add a washer between the skid plate and frame so no more damage to the disconnect.

 

[Tricky Mike]

I'm using the Mabett trans skid and it might hang down a little lower because I was able to keep the hoop of the original sway bar skid. If you could squeeze that back in there it would help.

 

[DangerMTBBronco]

I'm using the Mabett trans skid and it might hang down a little lower because I was able to keep the hoop of the original sway bar skid. If you could squeeze that back in there it would help.

yeah no room to leave the hoop.

 

[DangerMTBBronco]

Looks like RCI did design this for a Bronco with sway bar disconnect since there is one in this picture from the install instructions.

 

[SS Bronco]

I would also make sure your swaybar assembly is tight. It looks as if there’s been movement between the two.

 

[DangerMTBBronco]

I would also make sure your swaybar assembly is tight. It looks as if there’s been movement between the two.

thanks great advice. It seems solidly in place but Ill recheck everything.

 

[DangerMTBBronco]

I would also make sure your swaybar assembly is tight. It looks as if there’s been movement between the two.

i think the wear from the movement is when the staybar is connected the whole thing rotates the body into the skid plate.

https://www.bwigroup.com/wp-content...ct-Display-Presentation-FINAL-v4-VF480p30.mp4

 

[nipeej]

Just for info, I am using the trans skid made by ASFIR 4x4. They have two models: with stabilizer disconnect and without stabilizer disconnect.

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