I just got home from getting an oil change and as always started looking everything over to make sure nothing was amiss. When I crawled under the truck I noticed oil spots all down the underside of the truck as far back as the t-case cross member. Well, it was easy to see why...the chinsey front skid plate had collected a bunch of oil when they pulled the filter and of course they didn't wipe it out before they sent me on my way. Driving home at 60mph blew it all over the place. Please don't flame me for not doing my own oil change. I know if you want it done right you have to do it yourself.

So it got me thinking that I might just remove the front "skid" plate to avoid this in the future. Also, since I do no off-roading I don't really think I need whatever extra protection plate could offer. I guess maybe if there was some debris on the road that got kicked up it would protect stuff but I don't know.

Those plates kind of look like they might cause more trouble than they prevent anyway. They'd make nice scoop and retain areas for mud, snow, grass, crud, whatever, if I ever did actually take it off-road.

Anyway, I was wondering how many FX4 owners have removed them and if you have any thoughts/experiences to share regarding it. Thanks!

 

i removed mine a few months ago to clean them off. had a solid 40 lbs of mud and rocks hardened on them. i havent put it back on mostly because im lazy and havent had a reason to yet since i dont really have a chance to offroad during the summer. about the only reason to have them on if you dont offroad is for road debris. its only a matter of time before you come across a blown out tire in the road. and yes the do retain a lot of crap if you dont spray them out, but ive abused mine pretty nicely on rocks and stumps and stuff and theyve done their job. if you dont think you need them, then theyre just added weight and you may as well leave them off

 

I took mine off, both the engine and t-case skid plates and haven't missed them one bit. Besides my truck is street queen anyway.

 

Thanks for the comments. I think I will end up taking off the engine and t-case as you did 05Red. Mine is a street queen too. In fact I'm debating on pulling the rear block at some point. I know you're lower than that now, but after seeing your "original" before and after shots I really started liking the idea of leveling my truck in that manner. We'll see.

 

I just sprayed mine with truck bed coating so they don't look as fugly...

Mines about 75% street queen and 25% off roader... So I like to have them on just incase.

 

wanna sell em? PM me

 

If anyone wants to sell theres. I would be interested as well.

 

I haven't pulled the trigger on removing mine yet. I was all fired up after that oil change mess but still can't decide to leave em or take em off.

Not sure if I'd sell them even if I do take them off just in case I change my mind.....again

 

I off road during hunting season so I'm keeping mine on!

 

How much do these plates weigh (collectively)?

 

Not too sure on what they weigh but like someone else posted when I removed my front plate it was HEAVY. Around here we have good ole clay based mud and it sticks to everything. Dropped the front plate and had a perfect cast of the front pumpkin that must have weighed 50-60 lbs.

 

Put a lift kit on mine so they won't fit anymore. I'll sell mine if anyone is interested!

 

Remove then for a few days, if its preferred y you, keep them off, sell them and their bolts for some good cash.

 

any aftermarket skids that will bolt right up?

 

will the fx4 skid plates fit an XLT with no drilling?