Rear Crossmember or Skid 2002X???

[SkunkMagnum]

Look...I know most of you guys have offroad monsters!....and I don't know the correct place for this forum...but beleive me I have searched!

I need to know the durablity of a 3rd gen rear gas tank
(2002 XLT 4-dr 4x4 IRS/IFS)....I don't offroad anymore...but that is not to say I don't want to modify or find some sort of GAS TANK SKID for protection.

I had a 2nd gen that I used to offroad (with 31's and the usual TT/shackle lift+other stuff)...and before I got a gas tank skid I ended up putting a couple scary dents in my older '99...

What options do I have for a 3rd gen 4-dr IRS (Yes....a roadster)...but I still want to spend some time protecting my gas tank...because u never know when u might bottom out....

THANKS....because I do not want to have to drop a gas tank and replace it because I couldn't find out how durable my semi-streeter gas tank actually was...

 

[SkunkMagnum]

O...BTW...there are mounting holes in the frame for something....hmm....I hope they are for the skid protective plate...but I can't even really tell If I have a stock one on the XLT....

I am confused because my '99 had a grey tank (with no factory skid plate) on the driver side (until I picked one at the junk yard)...and the '02 has a black one on the passenger side with weird looking grooves......!!!!????

 

[SkunkMagnum]

bump.....

I need to know somethin ppl...before it gets too cold to work on my rig...

 

[Burns]

I would say to go ahead and modify one to fit your tank. it is better to be safe than sorry if you think you could bottom out on something. just my .2cents

 

[sn0border88]

dude, what are you going to bottom out on hard enough to caus damage to your tank?

 

[Burns]

You dont have to hit something really hard to damage a gas tank. it depends of what you hit.

 

[sn0border88]

maybe a tall sharp rock, yes, but what can you hit onroad?

 

[JDraper]

There is a factory skid plate available for the Gen III Explorers. Fast Parts Network (one of the site sponsors) has them for $150. Check out http://www.trademotion.com/partloca...=2002&graphicID=MF02650&callout=8&catalogid=2

 

[SkunkMagnum]

Sweet...there is a factory one....THX for the info!

 

[SkunkMagnum]

Forgot to ask....but what pick and pull options do I have for the junkyard....
I.e. which model X's of the 3rd gen can I pull one off, I know FPN is a good company...but I want to check a couple local yards.

 

[Burns]

I think they would all be the same but if they are not it would be a great start to making it your custom skid plate.