skid plates?
- Thread starter TEETS
- Start date
Bob_Sheaves
Observer
3/16 thk AR X10 (Abrasion Resistant Exten-50,000lb yield). X10 provides a rust seal coating that prevents further deterioration after the initial rust is formed. This is the same chemical and strength spec material used in ISO containers used for shipping "stuff" overseas.
Sidebar-common A36 COMM or 1010/1018 is 36,000 lb yield steel. X10 is the high strength version.
Best as always,
Bob Sheaves
CEO
catNET Incorporated
http://www.catnetsolutions.com
Sidebar-common A36 COMM or 1010/1018 is 36,000 lb yield steel. X10 is the high strength version.
Best as always,
Bob Sheaves
CEO
catNET Incorporated
http://www.catnetsolutions.com
Metcalf
Expedition Leader
Don't forget that there are other options....
Some of the new plastics work pretty well like UHMWPE and others. They have been using this stuff on rally cars for years. It takes a lot of punishment if designed correctly. Its also pretty slippery and the overall weight is pretty low.
Then there is aluminum. This can also be used to make some killer skidplates that are not nearly as heavy.
I think far too many people use too heavy a material for most skidplates. If designed and built properly I rarely see the need to use anything more than 1/8" steel. Build smarter not just with bulk. Keeping your vehicle light is going to buy you a good margin of performance on and off road as well as with mileage.
Some of the new plastics work pretty well like UHMWPE and others. They have been using this stuff on rally cars for years. It takes a lot of punishment if designed correctly. Its also pretty slippery and the overall weight is pretty low.
Then there is aluminum. This can also be used to make some killer skidplates that are not nearly as heavy.
I think far too many people use too heavy a material for most skidplates. If designed and built properly I rarely see the need to use anything more than 1/8" steel. Build smarter not just with bulk. Keeping your vehicle light is going to buy you a good margin of performance on and off road as well as with mileage.
HenryJ
Expedition Leader
Are there factory shields that would work?
My truck had no option for shielding. I was able to use shields from other models and years to outfit my truck with .250 formed aluminum alloy steering, front differential and transfercase shields. The fuel tank shield is .120 steel and came off of a first gen. Some of the braces had to be modified to fit with a fully boxed frame.
I have less than $50 invested in all the shields, including hardware.
Salvage yards do not always inventory shields. They can be picked up pretty cheap. Around here they go for $5-$15 each.
A little time scrounging can be time very well spent. I don't know if this is an option in your case, but it may be something to think about.
My truck had no option for shielding. I was able to use shields from other models and years to outfit my truck with .250 formed aluminum alloy steering, front differential and transfercase shields. The fuel tank shield is .120 steel and came off of a first gen. Some of the braces had to be modified to fit with a fully boxed frame.
I have less than $50 invested in all the shields, including hardware.
Salvage yards do not always inventory shields. They can be picked up pretty cheap. Around here they go for $5-$15 each.
A little time scrounging can be time very well spent. I don't know if this is an option in your case, but it may be something to think about.
Bob_Sheaves
Observer
Please see inline comments:
"Build smarter" also means to determine the loading and forces on the vehicle BEFORE selecting materials and making determinations.
Best regards,
Bob Sheaves
CEO
catNET Incorporated.
http://www.catnetsolutions.com
Metcalf said:
"Build smarter" also means to determine the loading and forces on the vehicle BEFORE selecting materials and making determinations.
Best regards,
Bob Sheaves
CEO
catNET Incorporated.
http://www.catnetsolutions.com
xcmountain80
Expedition Leader
Did some one say skid plates?
Aaron
Aaron
p1michaud
Expedition Leader
Bud Built skids.
I'll second the Bud Built skid plates. Very heavy, but worth the protection is worth peace of mind. Additionally, there is something to be said about a quality product. My skids bolted right up with no issues (OK, one nut was hard to put on due to the clearance between the existing cross membere and catalytic converter being tight).
Front skid = 55 lbs
Belly pan = 50 lbs
Cross member = 15 lbs
There is another thread about the Bud Built Skid Plates.
Cheers,
P
xcmountain80 said:
I'll second the Bud Built skid plates. Very heavy, but worth the protection is worth peace of mind. Additionally, there is something to be said about a quality product. My skids bolted right up with no issues (OK, one nut was hard to put on due to the clearance between the existing cross membere and catalytic converter being tight).
Front skid = 55 lbs
Belly pan = 50 lbs
Cross member = 15 lbs
There is another thread about the Bud Built Skid Plates.
Cheers,
P
Last edited:
Metcalf
Expedition Leader
Do not underestimate the importance of light weight....please.
I still feel that more exotic materials can be used very effectively. If they couldn't you wouldn't see them in places like the Dakar rally, baja, about every WRC race, aluminum jet boats, fishing boats, competition level rock crawling, and many other applications.
I still feel that more exotic materials can be used very effectively. If they couldn't you wouldn't see them in places like the Dakar rally, baja, about every WRC race, aluminum jet boats, fishing boats, competition level rock crawling, and many other applications.
xcmountain80
Expedition Leader
Yes I know but I was trying to give perspective if he wanted to build his own. AL might be that way to go depending on what you want it to do. Its always about what you want it to do.flyingwil said:
Aaron
xcmountain80
Expedition Leader
Metcalf said:
Yeah but 4 out of 6 of what you mentioned get replaced after the event anyway, bend it beat it swap it repeat. I don't imagine those guys run the same AL protection over and over. Though I do agree there has to be something else. AL would be my second choice If I could get the image out of my head of the 4runner being hi centered. Though if just light armor is what your after AL but if you have to be able to resist small arms fire and rocks, steal may be the only price conscious way albeit not that light weight it will leave your wallet heavier.
Aaron