Topic: Skid plate question

[Drew117]

Hey guys new member here and I just got a 2013 X and I love it but I took it to holy jim trail and hit a rock on my front skid plate. It's still on but it's bent and hanging lower. Does anyone know how much it would cost to replace with a stock front skid plate

[Toro]

Welcome from Pasadena.
   Don't bother replacing the skid with another stock skid. You'll only be replacing it again in no time flat.
Check out
http://www.heftyfabworks.com/shopping-cart.html#!/~/product/category=523179&id=2069010
Or
http://www.shrockworks.com/Gen2-Front-Radiator-Skid-Plate-Xterra-&-Frontier-pr-16178.html

[SuperSlideStyle]

You really WANT the skid plate to get banged up.  That's is its job.  To prevent importanstuff likd the motor or transmissIon from getting banged upYou could get a stronger and beefier skid plate.

[HEVAK]

Stock skids are one time use items..

Gotta get yer self some steel 

[Toro]

When they are new, they look like this.


When it's done right, they'll look like this.

[SoCalXTerry]

What's even funnier is when you remember the rocks!!!

[Ghost65]

All of the above is great advice...IF you are on a budget, you can also scan thenewx.org For Sale forum for used Off Road/Pro-4X stock skid plates.

However, if you plan to do any serious off roading (and if you bent a stock skid plate already...you're there), this is something to upgrade ASAP.

Gents, correct me if I'm wrong here, but order of upgrade/install would be:

-engine
-transmission
-transfer case (besides your rear diff, the lowest contact point for rocks)
-radiator
-gas tank
-rear diff

A lot of people will install the gas tank skid last - but consider this - the stock replacement cost, just for the part, for an Xterra plastic gas tank is in the neighborhood of $1,200...while the skid plate will set you back about $200.

A full set of skids from the two manufacturers listed by Toro should set you back (with hardware, meaning nuts and bolts to mount all) between $750 and $1,000...still less than the replacement of your gas tank...the last thing you should protect.

Just a few more thoughts to clog your mod friendly brain...

[SuperSlideStyle]

I don't agree.  Most of the polls i've seen regarding the order of upgrades has been like this:
-tires
-suspension
-communications
everything else based on budget...motor last.
Ultimately it comes down to personal preference and wallet.

[knightrider]

i think order of upgrades is very dependant on what you what your truck  to do. i still have all the stock skid plates other than the rad skid that came with my hefty bumper, i dont do too much rock crawling, mostly desert running so for me skids are less of an issue.

for me it was tires, sliders, suspension, front bumper with a winch, then more suspension(TS swap for more speed to race raptors in the desert )

that said, if you dented a skid plate, i would only replace it with an aftermarket one.

[Ghost65]

I don't agree.  Most of the polls i've seen regarding the order of upgrades has been like this:
-tires
-suspension
-communications
everything else based on budget...motor last.
Ultimately it comes down to personal preference and wallet.

Um...weren't we referring to skid plates in this thread?

[Toro]

Um...weren't we referring to skid plates in this thread?

...John, please stay on topic....

[SuperSlideStyle]

OK PEOPLE, CALM DOWN!  We don't want to scare away the newbies... Unfortunately, the topic of what to get seems to be a very debated one.  We could go on and on.  Just remember that it all comes down to what you need.

[Ghost65]

All of the above is great advice...IF you are on a budget, you can also scan thenewx.org For Sale forum for used Off Road/Pro-4X stock skid plates.

However, if you plan to do any serious off roading (and if you bent a stock skid plate already...you're there), this is something to upgrade ASAP.

Gents, correct me if I'm wrong here, but order of upgrade/install would be:

-engine
-transmission
-transfer case (besides your rear diff, the lowest contact point for rocks)
-radiator
-gas tank
-rear diff

A lot of people will install the gas tank skid last - but consider this - the stock replacement cost, just for the part, for an Xterra plastic gas tank is in the neighborhood of $1,200...while the skid plate will set you back about $200.

A full set of skids from the two manufacturers listed by Toro should set you back (with hardware, meaning nuts and bolts to mount all) between $750 and $1,000...still less than the replacement of your gas tank...the last thing you should protect.

Just a few more thoughts to clog your mod friendly brain...

To Drew117...I was referring to the order of upgrade/install for your skid plates in this post.  Sorry for the confusion.

[SuperSlideStyle]

 Actually, John is correct on that skid plate order.

[LupinOne]

If you really want an OEM skid...tin...plate...   I have the set from my 2010.  They should fit no problem.  You are welcome to them as they are just taking room in my garage. Just shoot me a PM.