Of the few of you guys who are out wheeling, whats getting smashed the most? Normally I'd say rocker guards, but it looks like the air compressor is the most vulnerable. Are those front skids necessary? Seem like they are good for protecting the front bumper and radiator if you aren't paying attention. Rear diff guards? The stock sump and fuel tank guards are fine for what I'd be doing.
skid plates, which ones first?
- Thread starter MM3846
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If you're going to be an any type of rocky conditions, the front steering components and both diffs are vulnerable. They'll most likely hit something before the air compressor or sills. At least that's been my experience.
I installed a gas tank skid plate mainly because it was for sale at a great price along with the used wheels I purchased. But after having this LR4 for nearly a year, I'd be worried about that long gas tank being exposed under the passenger side. I'm looking at front bumpers and I'll probably also get the front skid plate(s) along with a bumper. I've also knocked my lower control arms on rocks a few times. I have to get used to this independent suspension vs. solid axles and pumpkin near the middle.
Funny thing about sill protectors (rock sliders)....I only ever hit my sills twice with my old '96 D1. Once in Truckhaven with the Dweb guys and once on a steep rocky step-climb here in AZ. When I got my D2 I installed rock sliders and I never once touched them on anything in years of off-roading. I don't have sliders on my LR4 and I don't plan on getting them.
Funny thing about sill protectors (rock sliders)....I only ever hit my sills twice with my old '96 D1. Once in Truckhaven with the Dweb guys and once on a steep rocky step-climb here in AZ. When I got my D2 I installed rock sliders and I never once touched them on anything in years of off-roading. I don't have sliders on my LR4 and I don't plan on getting them.
The stock gas tank skid is beefy enough for me. I had it out and was able to give it a look. I def will need to get used to the fully independent setup as well.
I feel like west coast wheeling Is different. I’ve only been out there a couple times but the rocks are just… different I guess. I’ve always used my sliders a lot on last vehicles, but I guess in my D1 I really didn’t since I wasn’t wheeling the hard stuff anymore.
I feel like west coast wheeling Is different. I’ve only been out there a couple times but the rocks are just… different I guess. I’ve always used my sliders a lot on last vehicles, but I guess in my D1 I really didn’t since I wasn’t wheeling the hard stuff anymore.
i went with Tactical sliders.I don’t have sliders on the D1, but felt like I wanted them on the 4, at very least to protect the compressor. I’m not sure what I want under there next?
I think I would like to get a standalone compressor guard, the tactical sliders are too much beef for what I'd be doing. I bought a set of rear tie rod support brackets and those are on their way from Italy. Figured that was cheap insurance for a potentially shitty situation. I'll be at Rausch Creek with some friends Labor Day weekend, don't plan on any of the hard trails... I'll be watching them breaking the beaters they're all bringing. Probably just take it real easy and see where the rocks end up and take it from there.