Skid Plates

Mighty HD · May 22, 2004

Well I got my skid plates from GM parts direct Thursday. I decided to order the truck without them, since they wanted nearly $150 for them. Why I dont know but that's besides the point now. I ended up paying $94.00 for them. They're very very heavy steel and will get the job done!

BTW----I did order a skid plate from a 2000 off of ebay. Keep note that 03/04 hd's are different from older trucks. That's what I was told from gm parts.

I'll get pics soon!

revrnd · May 23, 2004

Also, the 1500 T/C skidplate is different than the 2500 series part.

Firetiger(MN) · May 23, 2004

I put my '02 skidplates on my '03 with no problems, so I don't see how they can be different.

2001 HD · May 24, 2004

Maybe they mount the same, just a different design or material. The OEM skid plates on my 01 are plastic and leave a big exposed area at the rear of the engine bell housing area. I've thought about custom fabbing some 1/8"- 1/4" aluminum plates, but haven't done anything yet. Some pictures would be nice when you get time.

bigdogs · May 24, 2004

How/Does it interfere with the oil drain plug? I have heard it makes it more messy to change the oil. Also what all does it cover/protect?

SalvageZR2 · May 24, 2004

How/Does it interfere with the oil drain plug? I have heard it makes it more messy to change the oil. Also what all does it cover/protect?

It doesn't so much interfere with the drain plug, but the stream of oil as it starts to taper off. My '03 1500HD likes to fill the skidplate with oil at the end of its drain and leak out the hole in front making a beautiful oil slick on the garage floor. I have started stuffing a few paper towels at the edge to keep the oil from traveling forward and it is working well so far! Had thoughts about just cutting 1" off the back of it, though.

Firetiger(MN) · May 25, 2004

That was one bad part of the skid plates.....messy oil changes. But, I replaced the oil pan plug with a Fumoto valve and now I don't spill a drop. Hook a tube to the nipple of the valve, flip the lever, and drain into a bucket, pail, whatever. It's nice.

paul k · May 31, 2004

Well I got my skid plates from GM parts direct Thursday. I decided to order the truck without them, since they wanted nearly $150 for them. Why I dont know but that's besides the point now. I ended up paying $94.00 for them. They're very very heavy steel and will get the job done!

BTW----I did order a skid plate from a 2000 off of ebay. Keep note that 03/04 hd's are different from older trucks. That's what I was told from gm parts.

I'll get pics soon!

Could you please quote a link for these skid plates. I am not having any luck finding them at www.gmpartsdirect.com

Thanks

snoman · May 31, 2004

Maybe they mount the same, just a different design or material. The OEM skid plates on my 01 are plastic and leave a big exposed area at the rear of the engine bell housing area. I've thought about custom fabbing some 1/8"- 1/4" aluminum plates, but haven't done anything yet. Some pictures would be nice when you get time.

I never heard of a plastic skid plate. It sounds like a splash guard to me. I am not a big fan of skid plates as I do not like draging my trucks bottom anyway. My 2000 K3500 Classic is pretty clean under it with nothing really sticking out below frame rails. On the SIlverados GM went to a external crossmember brace under tranny which is a poor design and a great brush of rock catcher. My guess is this design saves them some labor during assembly and repair. Also if you use alumimun, use 6061 as it is highly weldable as use T3 level of hardness (not T6) to reduce tendancey to crack under impact and use at least 1/4' thickness and preferably 3/8"

2001 HD · May 31, 2004

snoman-The term "skid plate" I use is probably stretching it. You are correct in that it is probably more of a brush guard. It is a 2 piece deal. Front one attaches to the frame cross member behind the front bumper and curves down to the front suspension crossmember. The rear piece attaches to the front suspension crossmember and extends to the transmission crossmember. Both are plastic. Neither would do much good if I would skid/drag the frame on rocks, but I guess it could prevent a branch from getting jammed up in the crankshaft pulley and throwing a belt. Or deflect any road debris such as tire rubber that may get thrown up in there. The front of the engine is pretty exposed without them.

We have a 17 ton press brake at work, so if I can find some material, I may try to fab something up. I'll keep in mind the specs you mentioned on the aluminum, but I'll probably just use what's available. I would need at least 1/4" material to support any kind of weight from the truck, but I don't do any 4 wheeling since mine is 2wd, but I have been known to take on a cow pasture or field with tall brush to get where I need to go.

Mr2500HD-Any pics, part numbers, etc. would be really cool!

snoman · May 31, 2004

snoman-The term "skid plate" I use is probably stretching it. You are correct in that it is probably more of a brush guard. It is a 2 piece deal. Front one attaches to the frame cross member behind the front bumper and curves down to the front suspension crossmember. The rear piece attaches to the front suspension crossmember and extends to the transmission crossmember. Both are plastic. Neither would do much good if I would skid/drag the frame on rocks, but I guess it could prevent a branch from getting jammed up in the crankshaft pulley and throwing a belt. Or deflect any road debris such as tire rubber that may get thrown up in there. The front of the engine is pretty exposed without them.
We have a 17 ton press brake at work, so if I can find some material, I may try to fab something up. I'll keep in mind the specs you mentioned on the aluminum, but I'll probably just use what's available. I would need at least 1/4" material to support any kind of weight from the truck, but I don't do any 4 wheeling since mine is 2wd, but I have been known to take on a cow pasture or field with tall brush to get where I need to go.

Mr2500HD-Any pics, part numbers, etc. would be really cool!

I fully understand. I would use 1/4 inch then as Aluminum cracks or breaks when overloaded in a impact so you want to go big even on a 2wd. Stay away for 7075 as it can be very brittle and 2024 T3 will work nicely if you do not plan to weld it ever. Remember when you start a bend with these alloys, do not stop motion until you get angle you want as they will work harden greatly after being bent (you may already know that )

XTOAK · June 1, 2004

I've found the best way to keep oil out of my skid plate when doing an oil change was to install a Fumoto valve. On my truck (and I think most newer GM trucks), due to the recessed drain hole, I also had to buy the "adapter" thus adding on an addition 1/2" to the valve. I got the one with the nipple so I could stick a hose on the end and put it into my drain pan. No mess on the garage floor anymore...

bigdogs · June 1, 2004

I'll have to definitely remember to get one of those valves if I add a skid plate to mine. I'm still trying to find out how much of the undercarriage it covers. Is it just the engine oil pan or does it cover more?