Installed a Skid Plate

[Great A'Tuin]

Here are some pics of the skid plate I built....









Thanks to LiftedAWDAstro for the plans! The transfer case on my 2000 was in the way and there was no way I could flatten that bend back out, so I notched it out w/ a skil saw and sawzall. Next is the 2nd battery...or maybe the second fan...
We took it for a drive out on the tank range south of town for a test drive. I guess since I didn't hit anything this time, I'll have to try harder tomorrow!

[MountainManJoe]

Cool!
What did it set you back? How much weight does it add? Can you change the oil filter without taking the plate off?

[Great A'Tuin]

Thanks!
The Aluminum was $112 w/ tax, bending included. Hardware was another $5-ish. I never did weigh it, but I think it's about 45lbs.
It has to come off, unfortunately. It's only 4 easy to access bolts in the front and 4 more in the cross member. It took the better part of the morning to install, but w/ a jack under it, I think I can drop it in about 5 minutes.

[MountainManJoe]

Won't it be difficult to remove the plate when the bolts get damaged?

Maybe you can make a hole just big enough for your hand and the filter to pass through, and the oil drain.

[Great A'Tuin]

The filter is pretty easily accessed just from the side and I could cut a hole for the drain, but I figure, if I hit anything hard enough to damage the bolts, I've likely got bigger problems than the next oil change

I'll get some more pics in action tomorrow...

[loopie]

Awesome