backatit

just wondering if there is any type of skid plate that will also protect the 02 sensor on the lower exhaust by the oil pan. I put one on a couple days ago and today went out and had a rock break it off so now have to buy another. This could get expensive.

BlueXJ

Some companies make an engine skidplate. Try SkidRow and even Rusty's.

Can't believe I am recommending Rusty's for anything but how bad can you screw up a skid plate and they are cheap.

backatit

i looked at both and for what i can see from pics the plates that they make don't go up that far under the engine. I may have to look into making something on my own. Has anyone else had any problems with there 02 sensor getting damaged.

muddeprived

Rusty's should cover the entire exhaust that comes down under the oil pan. I run his skid plate:







I never heard of the o2 sensor getting damaged, especially if you run a skid there. You could weld on another plate on the left side, in the last picture to run it up alongside the exhaust if you wish but unnecessary IMO.

Rusty's and Skid Row's are almost identical. Just go with rusty's and save $$.

muddeprived

You can recommend rusty's skids. They do the job. They may need modded a little, like you can see in my picture, but they work. The only complaint to his skids is that he has to have his name on it SO GODDDAMN BIG.

BlueXJ

Always some kind of drawback to any Rusty's product IMO.

COSXJFAN

I don't like free advertising on my stuff!! I'd fill it with weld and grind it smooth, unless he's willing to pay me to run his name on my rig!!

JayM

Hey what's the deal with Rusty's
I have the 4.5" long arm kit, and perhaps I got real lucky, because I have had no issues at all. THis is a great kit, with tons of flex, and the highway manners are better than stock. Have folks had an issue?
He even warranted a tie rod end the was out of warrenty by 6 months.
I am very pleased wiht this kit, waht issues are folks having?

JayM

Skid plates are easy to make, just go to your local metal stock yard, adn get yourself some plate 1/4 inch should be fine, but if you really hammer it in the woods go a bit heavier.

A oxygen aceteyln (cant spell) tourch will cut this stuff like butter, or you can use a saws all if that is what you have, a grinder to clean up the edges, and you are there. Get some angle iron for making the brackets to supprot the plate and yu are good to go. May not be pretty, but you made it, and did not give you money to some corporation.
If you need to put some bends in the plate, just heat it up and use a BFH.

Good luck.

muddeprived

Yeah but not everyone has the ability to make a skid, or the tools. I love making and fabbing my own stuff but i have limited tools at my location so i buy what i need. The skid didn't cost that much either. I wonder how much 1/4" plate and steel to make the control arm bracket would cost?

BlueXJ

I bought a half sheet of 1/4" plate 4' x 4' and paid $75.50 if that helps mudd.

backatit

thanks for the reply's i am probably goin with the rusty's plate.