It may be multiple reliable sources but I'm still not buying it. I have no
doubt that plastic will last forever, however, I want something rigid that will
take the hit and not flex and let the part underneath possibly absorb some of
the impact. Moreover, I don't think you need to run the Baja and launch your
rig 3' off the ground to warrant steel plates. I've known many a mild trail
that will throw you one hell of a curve ball after some rain or a bunch of rigs
have been over it. I've gotten my old jeep hung up on a proverbial baby trail
after some heavy rains and I'm sure glad it was teetering on the steel skid
plate and not on the front diff. or suspension when it did.
For your average grocery getter or a dirt road/job site, sure, plastic is fine.
But I don't agree with the heavy off-roading angle. Like I said, even the mild
trails can take a bite out of your truck.
Tom
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: DML: FOR PLASTIC SKID PLATE ANSWERS (READ ME)
Author: <dakota-truck@buffnet.net> at smtpout
Date: 12/29/99 2:33 PM
Some things I found out about plastic skid plates.
1- the gas tank plate is metal because of 2 reasons.
a. STATIC CHARGE! (BOOOOM!!!! COMES INTO MIND)
b. more durable and safer overall
2- most people who buy "off-road" 4x4's never go off road. So manufactures can m
ake some easy money. On using plastic instead of metal.
3- weight, for multiple reasons like better 0-60 times, gas mileage, towing over
all weight etc.... All the stuff you look at when buying and comparing vehicles.
4- New age plastics are very strong and durable (per a Ph.D. at my work) not as
"hard as steel but no rust, almost as impact safe without hammering it out when
finished. So it is just as good as metal for normal "off-road" experiences -- li
ke a camping trip or going to the job site. And it reduces weight for better
gasmileage, better 0-60 times etc...
Now it was said that if you are doing heavy off-roading you should definitely
gosteel. Like say, the Baja, where your truck may go 3' off the ground. But if
your a regular "Joe" I'd go with the plastic.
All this advice came to me from multiple reliable sources.
Feel free to e-mail me with any more questions or concerns.
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Fri Feb 06 2004 - 11:48:07 EST