Rival 4x4 Skid Plate on a Non-FX4

[alrashid2]

Hey guys. Curious if anyone here has installed the Rival 4x4 Radiator Skid Plate on a non-FX4 Ranger?

https://www.rival4x4usa.com/product...DUIp19XldHnd5f_tKeF6rS_Q-wn9j7HLMcMC0V_2pLU6q

It's interesting... their website states that the plate works fine on Non-FX4 Rangers, but will have a large gap on FX4 Rangers because the mounting brackets below the tow hooks are different on FX4 vs non-FX4... Apparently on an FX4, the brackets are lower, which causes a gap between the plate and bumper - see pic.

I have a 2026 Non-FX4, yet it looks like my mounting brackets are the FX4 ones! Mine extend down like in their photo on the site. I also noticed on @ADVNTURR 's youtube video of his install on his non-FX4, that it looks like he doesn't really have brackets like mine does but just a threaded spot up higher that he installed to.

I'm wondering if 2026s all have the same, lower brackets regardless of FX4 package or not now?

I only noticed this as I was attempting to remove my air dam yesterday, but decided against it as it resulted in a large gap between the skid plate and bumper, just like Rival shows in their photo. Thanks all!

@RIVAL 4x4 not sure if youre active here anymore but curious of your thoughts!

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[ADVNTURR]

Can you measure the height of the front mount brackets on your 2026? I'll measure the ones on my 2024 truck to see if anything is different. I never removed my air dam so it is entirely possible that mine would have looked the exact same but was hidden.

 

[alrashid2]

Can you measure the height of the front mount brackets on your 2026? I'll measure the ones on my 2024 truck to see if anything is different. I never removed my air dam so it is entirely possible that mine would have looked the exact same but was hidden.

Hey brother thanks for responding! I'll measure today at lunch. Though looking at your video, your mounts look different. unless I'm not looking at the right component?

Here's mine... bad pic but best i could find showing it ha

Hard to see in my pic but there is a long, black bracket extending downward.

Likewise, bracket not shown here but here is a screenshot of a video from youtube looking at the FX4 skid plate and you can clearly see the OEM skid plate's mounting bracket is lower, and the skid plate curves up around it:

Just found it very interesting and wanted to share that maybe Ford is using the same tow hooks / mounting brackets on all Rangers regardless of trim/package now

 

[alrashid2]

Measured and got a pic! My bracket is about 4" long from frame to skid plate mount.

 

[superj]

That's what holds the skid plate? I am surprised it doesnt bend when the skid bounces off something

 

[ADVNTURR]

That's what holds the skid plate? I am surprised it doesnt bend when the skid bounces off something

Not sure about the Raptors, but yes, that's what is meant to take a frontal bash. I also had feelings of inadequacy (about the mount)...

 

[purdyd]

i would bet rhe bash plate would bend first. But I would agree the tow hooks bash plate attachments likely bend.

The rival tow hooks have a bit more substantial plate mount that is turned 90 degrees but would likely bend side to side more easily.

 

[ADVNTURR]

Measured and got a pic! My bracket is about 4" long from frame to skid plate mount.

Sorry it took longer than planned, but I went and grabbed a measurement and picture of my '24 XLT Non-FX4 Chrome tow hook and it measures around 4-1/2" from frame mount surface to skid mount surface:

 

[alrashid2]

Sorry it took longer than planned, but I went and grabbed a measurement and picture of my '24 XLT Non-FX4 Chrome tow hook and it measures around 4-1/2" from frame mount surface to skid mount surface:

Nice thanks for sharing this! I bet mine is the same - I was trying to shove a tape measure at an awkward angle without removing the skid plate.

Assuming you replaced your toe hooks with aftermarket?

 

[ADVNTURR]

Nice thanks for sharing this! I bet mine is the same - I was trying to shove a tape measure at an awkward angle without removing the skid plate.

Assuming you replaced your toe hooks with aftermarket?

I'm sure ours are the same other than color. Trying to measure something that's angled like that with skids and stuff attached would be nearly impossible.

And you are correct, I am running the Rival 4x4 tow hooks now.

 

[alrashid2]

Think I'll just keep the air dam on. It isnt obnoxious like the Toyota ones, and to be honest I do far more highway driving than off roading. If I rip it off one day then I'll know it's a problem and go from there!

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