Transmission & Engine Skid Plate recommendations for FX4?

[FergyA]

I'm looking to add a transmission skid to my FX4 to protect the plastic belly pan on the transmission a bit better. I'd also like to swap the factory engine skid for one with an oil door so I don't have to drop the skid to do an oil change. Does anyone have any recommendations or experience on these? Particularly in mixing with the factory FX4 plates (radiator and transfer case namely).

Currently I'm looking at this transmission skid from Rival (which says it's compatible with the factory FX4 transfer case skid)
https://www.rival4x4usa.com/product...ford-bronco-2door-2024-2025-ford-ranger-fx4-1

and this engine skid
https://www.rival4x4usa.com/product...ding-raptor-2021-2025-ford-bronco-2door-4door

I've asked Rival to confirm that those two parts are compatible with each other, and with the factory radiator skid, and whether they'd be willing to put a bundle of these together, but I'm still looking for other options. I'll note I don't plan to add any other skids or upgrade the transfer case skid in the future. (I can barely justify skids as it is, I just want to simplify oil changes and protect the transmission a bit better).

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[FergyA]

Just noticed this picture on the engine skid page, so looks like it is compatible with the FX4 factory radiator skid. That's a different transmission skid in the picture though (it's the one that's incompatible with the FX4 transfer case skid). Sounds like it's just a question of whether the two parts I mentioned are compatible with each other and whether Rival can do a bundle then.

Edit: they confirmed the two parts I listed above should be compatible and extended the $90 bundle discount. Sounds like also no BF sale planned, so will come out to $780 shipped. Very curious to hear if anyone else has any other recommendations.

 

[HighDesertRanger]

The only other brand I know of currently, is RCI. They offer theirs in both aluminum or steel:

https://rcimetalworks.com/product-c...present-ranger/24-present-ranger-skid-plates/

I have no personal experience with either, just do an unhealthy amount of internet research on these trucks.

 

[FergyA]

Great, thanks! Looks like their engine skid is radiator + engine for the same price as Rival's engine only, but I'd have to get their transfer case skid too (I don't think their transmission plate would work with the factory transfer case plate because of the crossmembers).

Appreciate the input, hadn't found these in my own searching and am glad to see more options.

I think the only other brand I've seen is Juggernaut, and they only sell as a full kit and don't claim compatibility with the 2.3L, so that knocks them out from the get go.

 

[Mike9816]

I have the transmission skid plate on order from Rival for my FX. Should have it in a week. I'll post any problems I have. Somehow lost the original. Be sure all fasteners are tight after an oil change!

 

[FergyA]

I have the transmission skid plate on order from Rival for my FX. Should have it in a week. I'll post any problems I have. Somehow lost the original. Be sure all fasteners are tight after an oil change!

The FX4 didn't come with a transmission skid for some reason, just radiator, engine, and transfer case. Especially with the plastic pan it seems like a huge oversight (typical Ford cheaping out). So I don't think you lost anything!

Love to hear how it goes on. I watched this video of the install of the non-FX4 version (thanks @ADVNTURR !) and was glad to see this version has a cross member instead of the little tabs, and doesn't need any flag nuts. Fingers crossed all goes well!

 

[Mike9816]

Installed the Rival transmission skid plate with the existing FX4 engine and transfer skid plates. Easy install. On my back under the truck, done in an hour. The front fit might be slighty better with the rival engine skid. Get it for the next oil change.

 

[FergyA]

Awesome, thanks for the update. Totally going to do both of those plates like I was originally thinking then. Will probably wait til my credit card recovers a bit from the holidays though since they aren't doing any sales or anything.

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