@@etmccaus No what I mean is that in the 1960’s ,70’s 80’s and some into the 90’s 4X4 Fords and especially Toyota’s just came from the factory with all of the guards / skid plates because the manufacturers wanted their equipment to last and survive, and they were more bulletproof. But the manufacturers figured out that it they made their products too good that they lasted longer and customers weren’t buying replacement parts or new vehicles because the old ones were still going. My brother still has the 1972 Ford Bronco that our dad bought brand new in 1973 and it still looks like new and is up running registered and drivable to this day. I had a 1984 Toyota 4X4 straight axle Extra Cab that I ran up to 390 thousand miles, but it got to where it wasn’t going to be able to pass California’s unbelievable restrictive smog laws and regulations, so I sold it off in 2014 and it is still up and running strong in GwataLaHarA Mexico. So that is why I say that it should have just come stock with the skid plates.
Did the same thing as you as well. Waited for the tank to be empty to change that (this made it very easy to put in). Also cut the front skid plate a little to have it work with the standard oem plastic bumper. Was able to pick it up from the dealer, brought moving blankets and carried the plates in the back of the bronco when taking them out of the crate
Amazingly, among all the kits I investigated, I didn't see the Barnes4WD kit prior to purchasing the Ford kit. I like Barnes' added thickness and that it comes with a transmission skid. The downside is that I would've still needed to source a front bash plate, we couldn't use our FordPass points to reduce the expense, and the kit needs to be powdercoated or painted prior to installation. All that said, if I'd known about the Barnes kit I would've been seriously tempted to get it. Thanks for the heads up!
Definitely a extremely wise purchase ! But to be honest those skid plates should've been factory installed pieces from the get go not a add-on that gouges the consumer for more money !!
My question is what has to be removed for routine maintenance like oil changes? I have seen under body kits that are...troublesome to remove. Your advantage is that You installed it.
For the oil drain plug - if he has the OE mid bash plate, it's four bolts, and a minute tops with an impact wrench. Not hard at all. Filter on 2.3 is accessed through DS fender well; I think 2.7 might be a cartridge style filter in engine compartment, but not sure.
@@MicahMuzio Depending on use Lifestleoffroad has 3/16 play skids in that range.. I believe IAG off road has skis as well in the range. The one skid Id always keep from the factory is the gas skid. Im sure you noticed but its double play.. Most aftermarket gas skids can not beat the factory gas skid. We should have you on our Monday night Bronco show.. big fans over here - Dave
Ya gotta Bronco to "survive" the CA mountains? Since yer into overkill, really, just getta, y'know, Unimog, come on Mr can-afford-a-copter & an Audi or such for the Mrs....
