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iffer
Dodge Dakota
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2/28/2002
12:49:22
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 Subject: factory skid plates
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I am wondering if there is any advantage to ordering the factory skid plates,(180.00 can.) they are plastic and sound like a problem when changing the oil.Is there much for benefits? I am currently ordering a 2002 will be towing etc.
Any input is appreciated, thankyou.
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truthfully
Dodge Dakota
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2/28/2002
16:45:24
|  RE: factory skid plates
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Don't bother, the only metal one is for the fuel tank and you can get it separate.
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Chrys
Dodge Dakota
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2/28/2002
20:50:32
| RE: factory skid plates
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I have that option on my 01 CC. I like them alot. They are extremely heavy duty. And well worth the money. But they make changing the oil a little bit of a pain. I have to remove the front skid plate or the oil gets everywhere. But am glad that I got them.
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iffer
Dodge Dakota
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2/28/2002
22:15:35
|  RE: factory skid plates
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thank guys,
Chrys, do you do much 4X4ing, My local mechanic
said they can get alot of mud etc caught in them.
What do you like about them?
Truthfully, why do you not like them, because they are plastic?
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surferpug
Dodge Dakota
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2/28/2002
23:29:23
| RE: factory skid plates
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THe ones at the factory are composite material and yeah they suck in mud. Your dealer might have steel ones with big drain holes so they are better in the mud and protect the powertrain better.
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truthfully
Dodge Dakota
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3/01/2002
19:11:23
| RE: factory skid plates
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iffer
Bingo.
Cost-cutting morons must have designed the skids. Sorry, but there is no alternative to metal skids. If you never go offroad with your truck they're fine, but if you do go wheeling you might as well have cardboard skids because there is NO protection with plastic skids. Don't waste your money, the first time they come in hard contact they will shatter big time.
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Chrys
Dodge Dakota
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3/01/2002
20:18:43
| RE: factory skid plates
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If there was a reason that I don't like them, it's because I have to take off the front plate to change my oil. Other than that, they do just fine. If one of these composite plates were to shatter from a hit, a metal skid plate might not look much better if impacted by the same hit. It's all in what you want.
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truthfully
Dodge Dakota
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3/02/2002
00:00:28
|  RE: factory skid plates
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A metal skid plate would protect your oilpan, trans, transfer case, etc. from a hit. If your skidplate shattered where's your protection? I'd rather have bent skids than a hole in my oilpan. This is really a no-brainer.
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dasman
Dodge Dakota
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3/02/2002
17:43:42
|  RE: factory skid plates
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I have the plastic skids on my 2000 and I don't know what dodge was thinking. I am planning to disign my own and have them made at the local fab shop. I'll have to see how much it will cost before I make any final decisions.
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disapointed
Dodge Dakota
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9/04/2002
00:05:23
| RE: factory skid plates
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Message:
I just bottomed out on a curb...that's right 4
inches off the ground. Since some idiot at
dodge decided to save $10 and make an ABS
skid plate, I am now left a transmission that
needs it's catch resevervor replaced.
Flattened it like a pankcake. Not cause the
skid plate failed, but beacuse it flexed,
essentailly acting like a large hammer against
the transmission. The impact from those
channeled supports in the plasted was
perfect to destroy it.
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Gabriel
Dodge Dakota
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9/04/2002
19:49:07
| RE: factory skid plates
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How the &*^*% can you "bottom out" on a 4" curb... unless you slammed your dak... *[shutter]*
I have a 2002 4x2 4.7, but I do alot of camping in northern AZ and have to navigate large, jagged, granite outcroping that love the under side of my truck. Anyone know of a good aftermarket "metal" skid plate I can retrofit to a 4x2. I am thinking of putting about a 2" lift to help this problem... but, I know I will try to get into more trouble with more clearence.
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FSRBIKER
Dodge Dakota
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9/04/2002
21:13:52
| RE: factory skid plates
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Message:
How much interest is there in REAL skids? I have worked with the owner of Skid Row( www.Skidplates.com ) to get skids made for the Xterra along with other products. I have to say the skids were the best investment I made on my Xterra and everytime I heard a grind or whack from a rock or stump I could only smirk knowing everything was fully protected.
Now that I have traded my X in for the Quad Cab I could again work with Erick to get full skids made if there was enough interest.
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MCC
Dodge Dakota
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9/06/2002
15:39:20
| RE: factory skid plates
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Message:
Thanks for the info on the skid plates.
I sent an e-mail to the company off their web site.
They said that they have no current plans to make plates for our trucks.
If you can convice them otherwise, I would love to replace the plastic plates on my truck.
I've already shattered the plate "protecting" the transfer case.
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Dominic
Dodge Dakota
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9/08/2002
16:06:31
| RE: factory skid plates
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Message:
Hey Chrys,
I saw a posting on this website somewhere about using a 2-liter soda bottle with the bottom cut out to catch the oil during an oil change. This will allow you to drain the oil pan without having to remove the skid plate and without the huge mess. I tried it and it worked great! Not a single drop of oil on the ground. Well, maybe a drop or two. This also helps with removing the oil filter. Try it next time.
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forexfour
GenIII
9/13/2002
13:19:02
| RE: factory skid plates
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There are steel skid plate plans available on a post on this site. You can download the drawings and have them cut by a local fabricator for the same price as the Composite plates.
E-mail me if you are lookin for these. They only cover from the front to jsut after the transfer case. Yes they work for the V-8's.
Although you may have read post from doubters of these plates, If you go wheelin just more piece of mind. If you run the quarter mile or race in your 4x4 then I guess the weight of 95 lbs may be a consideration. Otherwise this is solid protection and the oil drains through the hole!
FXF
Never late for a Tee time or wheelin with my buddies! Always ready for both!!!Forexfour's home page.
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Lee
Dodge Dakota
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5/05/2005
23:49:22
| RE: factory skid plates
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I am purchasing a new "leftover" 2004 Quad cab Dakota 4x4. Dealer says they can add the "skid plate group" which apparently consists of transfer case and front diferential plates. Is this correct info? Are these factory skid plates steel or composite construction? Was also told that a Dodge brand fuel tank skid plate is available but is considered a "replacement part", and costs approx $ 345.00. Dealer says higher price due to not being offered as a factory option, however it(fuel tank skid plate) is supposed to be steel. Any info, reccomndations, further experience, and or recomendations would be greatly appreciated. I too can't seem to locate any aftermarket manufacturers of metal skid plates for my 04' quad cab Dakota. Thank you in advance for any help you could provide.
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Kotagious
Dodge Dakota
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5/06/2005
01:15:49
| RE: factory skid plates
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i dont know the anwser to your question, but I can tell you that most likely noone that does know will answer your question unless you start a new post. This post is nearly 3 years old.
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71firebird
Dodge Dakota
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5/06/2005
09:35:15
|  RE: factory skid plates
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I say Lee is to be commended for actually doing a search on his question rather than fire off a new topic without any research whatsoever. I wish I had a answer but I dunno. May want to take it to the off-road board too.
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John K
Dodge Dakota
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5/06/2005
11:25:48
| RE: factory skid plates
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My 2K QC came with the skid plate option, they are a composite plastic material. The front piece is about 20" wide and covers from the front crossmember to the transmission tailstock. The rear piece covers the transfer case.
My front piece has a broken corner where it attaches to frame, probably from curb hopping in a parking lot. These parts obviously can't tolerate a heavy impact, but certainly help to protect the more delicate bits under the engine bay.
I don't know if I have the fuel tank piece, I'll have to take a closer look.
The biggest pain with the OEM part is during oil changes. If skid is not removed (four bolts) then it tends to catch the dirty oil and will drip for days. I used to watch at the dealership and if they didn't drop the skid, I would play stupid and complain to the service manager about a serious looking 'oil leak' They would pull the truck back in and waste another 15-20 minutes removing the skid, washing it off, thoroughly checking underneath for leaks etc... (bastards) They lost my oil filter splash cover during the very first oil change so I made sure it cost them!
If I had a choice, I would spend the money to get a fabricated steel skid, with easy oil change access, instead of the factory composite part, especially if you plan to off-road.
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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5/06/2005
13:10:24
| RE: factory skid plates
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Message:
Good research.
I have the factory plates on my '01 QC. They are plastic, and have stood up to some moderate bashing without significant damage. Now I can't recall exactly if they cover the fuel tank, but I believe they do.
Changing the oil is a pain, bucause it can be messy. I installed a drain valve from Summit Racing. Cost was less than $20. I run the truck up the ramps, connect any 3/8" hose to the drain spigot, and drain it directly in to an old plastic jug. Then I take the oil to the recycler. I don't spill any when I do it this way.
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Lee
Dodge Dakota
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5/06/2005
18:16:53
| RE: factory skid plates
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Thank you all for the feedback. It helped to shed some light on my questions. I'm going to check back periodically to see if any more suggestions and or recommendations get posted. Also, if I learn anything new, or of significance I'll post it. Really like the website. Thanks again.
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