Rival 4x4 Fuel Tank Skid Installed

I purchased my '24 XLT without the FX4 package and since I plan to do some overlanding with the truck in the future I have been gradually armoring it up with the complete set of skids from @RIVAL 4x4. The last piece of the puzzle arrived recently and I finally had an opportunity to install it and make a video.



Overall the install was pretty easy, but I did run into a few challenges along the way. Although I've seen some mixed messages, including in this Forum by Rival themselves, I had to remove the OEM plastic cover from below the fuel tank in order to install the rear bracket. I also wasn't able to hook the plate on the front mount bolts as it appears to be intended, but again, not a big deal with how lightweight the skid is.



This was the last of the plate in the set (until Rival offers the front radiator skid in the US ) and overall I'm very happy with how everything has turned out and I have no doubts about the massive level of protection this has added to my truck.


For anyone interested, my install video post for the Engine Skid can be found here and the videos and post for the Transmission and T-Case Skids can be found here

Did all of mine on ramps and solo. Wasn't fun but they are on.

I got my set also, just missing the gas tank skid. Pretty easy to install.

@ADVNTURR Rival has your video on their site and it's helping me.

Question for you - you mentioned it's ideal to do this when the tank is low on fuel to make it lighter. Mine is pretty full right now and as I loosened the factory bolt to hang the rival bracket, it was clear to me that the tank's weight was going to make it slide down and I wouldn't have a gap to hang the new bracket. Is it pretty easy to push the tank up if it's near empty?

I'm working on the ground (no lift) so it'll be a challenge to get enough leverage.

markal49 said:

@ADVNTURR Rival has your video on their site and it's helping me.

Question for you - you mentioned it's ideal to do this when the tank is low on fuel to make it lighter. Mine is pretty full right now and as I loosened the factory bolt to hang the rival bracket, it was clear to me that the tank's weight was going to make it slide down and I wouldn't have a gap to hang the new bracket. Is it pretty easy to push the tank up if it's near empty?

I'm working on the ground (no lift) so it'll be a challenge to get enough leverage.

Click to expand...

Thanks for letting me know Rival is listing my videos, NGL feels pretty good.

When I did my install I had maybe 1/4 tank and it wasn't bad for me to push the tank/strap up the amount I needed. With a full tank it'll be significantly heavier and will definitely be a challenge to lift as you're seeing. One option, since you're working on the ground, if you have a floor jack and a small piece of plywood or 2x4 or 2x6, you could you could use the wood to cushion the tank and use the floor jack to either hold the tank up as you loosen the strap or push the tank up if you've already loosened the strap.