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SaharaScott
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/15/2003
11:16:29
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 Subject: Front Skid Plate for Gen III
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Message:
Hey all-
Currently I have a friend that owns a fab shop working on a skid plate for my Dak. I currently have the 3" PA body lift and I haven't liked the look of the frame that is now visible from the front of the truck. So this plate will basically be for cosmetic purposes only, but I think it would also work as a true skid plate for anyone that off-roads.
After installing the body lift I wasn't able to reinstall the plastic cover which is located behind the plastic lower bumper facade so the bottom part of my radiator is going to be susceptible to the elements (not a good thing living in Michigan with our winter road conditions).
From what I can see however I should be able to mount the skid plate directly behind the lower bumper facade directly to the frame. It will then angle back to the lower part of the frame where the lower A-arms attach. I then plan to bend the plate so that it raps underneath the frame and either mount on the backside or underneath.
I plan to make this plate out of diamond plate but not really sure how thick. I'm looking for any suggestions. Also if we can come up with a design that everyone would like I don't see a problem with producing more than one and selling them if anyone is interested.
Later,
SaharaScott
scott@dakota01.com
2001 Patriot Blue SLT Quad Cab 4x4, 4.7 V-8, K&N air filter, new Moog upper ball joints, Powerslot rotors, Hawk pads and a 3" PA body lift.
Soon to have 33x12.5x15 Good Year MT/Rs and 15x8 Center Line HellCats.
Pics will be available soon at http://www.dakota01.com
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2THEXTRM
GenIII
7/15/2003
11:34:48
|  RE: Front Skid Plate for Gen III
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Message:
Last Thursday, I made a custom 1/8" diamond plate skid that has two bends and tapers down from the radiator support down to the subframe for my Rancho lift. Although 1/4" would have much more practical for serious off-road use, I didn't want my front end sagging since I also fabbed up some custom brackets for my new pushbar so that sits where it is supposed to. It all looks great IMO although the skid seems to decrease the height appearance of my front-end now. I'll snap some pics of the skid if you like and email them to you.
Flowmaster cat back, Volant Intake, Poweraid TB Spacer, Splitfire Plugs, full synthetic fluids
4 inch Rancho/3 inch body Lift, 315 70-17 on AE 219's, Rancho 9000x's
Grizzly double/single rollbar with (6)Hella's, Manik Nerfs/Tailight Guards, Line-X, Hard Work & $$$$$$$$$$
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forexfour
GenIII
7/15/2003
11:47:56
| RE: Front Skid Plate for Gen III
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Message:
When DJ and I talked about making the plate for the front of our trucks we also were not sure what thickness to go with. We ended up going with 3/16". 1/8th was thought to be to thin and 1/4 was to thick and heavy. It holds up strong on direct hits. Look at the photo's Dj had them bend it where the radiator frame drops low to add strength to the plate.
Yes this was for the Hanson but I think you could come up with a Plastic Facia version pretty good.
http://claycdbj.com/plate1.jpg
http://claycdbj.com/plate2.jpg
http://claycdbj.com/plate3.jpg
http://claycdbj.com/plate4.jpg
Chris
Never late for a Tee time or wheelin with my buddies! Always ready for both!!!Forexfour's home
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SaharaScott
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/15/2003
11:50:58
| RE: Front Skid Plate for Gen III
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Message:
2THEXTRM
That would be great if you sent me the pics!
I am trying to get as many ideas as I can before I start with mine. I'm not worried about the height appearance because anything will look better than the frame. Besides I would like to think the aerodynamics must be a little better with the skid plate instead of the air hitting the frame.
Later,
SaharaScott
scott@dakota01.com
2001 Patriot Blue SLT Quad Cab 4x4, 4.7 V-8, K&N air filter, new Moog upper ball joints, Powerslot rotors, Hawk pads and a 3" PA body lift.
Soon to have 33x12.5x15 Good Year MT/Rs and 15x8 Center Line HellCats.
Pics will be available soon at http://www.dakota01.com
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SaharaScott
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/15/2003
12:00:23
| RE: Front Skid Plate for Gen III
IP: Logged
Message:
forexfour
Thanks for the great info and pics. That is along the ines of what I was planing to make however I was going to mount the plate on the frame which it appears that yours is mounted on the lower part of the bumper. That only means that mine will be a little wider at the top. I really want to use the diamond plate so that it stands out. I don't plan to off-road as extensive as I know you do so I can use a lighter gage material.
Later,
SaharaScott
scott@dakota01.com
2001 Patriot Blue SLT Quad Cab 4x4, 4.7 V-8, K&N air filter, new Moog upper ball joints, Powerslot rotors, Hawk pads and a 3" PA body lift.
Soon to have 33x12.5x15 Good Year MT/Rs and 15x8 Center Line HellCats.
Pics will be available soon at http://www.dakota01.com
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SaharaScott
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/17/2003
14:09:29
| RE: Front Skid Plate for Gen III
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey all-
For anyone that is interested 2THEXTRM was nice enough to send me pics of his skid plate. He also let me post the pics on my site so take a look and let me know what you think.
Front Skid Plate
I still have to call around about the price of the material and also see what my uncle will charge for labor. I should hopefully have some pics of my own skid plate and the price sometime next week if anyone else is interested.
Later,
scott@dakota01.com
2001 Patriot Blue SLT Quad Cab 4x4, 4.7 V-8, K&N air filter, new Moog upper ball joints, Powerslot rotors, Hawk pads and a 3" PA body lift.
Soon to have 33x12.5x15 Good Year MT/Rs and 15x8 Center Line HellCats.
Pics will be available soon at http://www.dakota01.com
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forexfour
GenIII
7/17/2003
14:42:18
| RE: Front Skid Plate for Gen III
IP: Logged
Message:
Nice work 2thextrm!
Trucks looks good bud!!!
Chris
Never late for a Tee time or wheelin with my buddies! Always ready for both!!!Forexfour's home
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