Well, the life of my stock front skid plate came to an end in a glorious crumpling sound you love to hate. After removing its remains (mostly with a grinder & cut off wheel, I was looking for a replacement. I ended up going with the Demello Offroad plate due to his strong reputation for trail worthy products.
This skid plate is a two piece design: a frame & radiator protection, and a 3/16 folded plate. The frame bolts to the end of the frame rails (where the stock tow points are) and to the forward differential mounts. If you run a diff drop, you need to order the skid plate accordingly. The stock tow points are held on by two 17mm bolts which require a breaker bar to remove. The front diff mounts are 19mm, and the top nuts can be a bit tricky to get to. Once removed, it's time to wrestle the frame in place. It can be very tough to get everything lined up. It can be done by one person, but it's much better to have two. I was unable to reuse the large washers on the bottom of the front diff mounts, but couldn't see a reason why I needed to. I loosely put all the bolts and nuts into place, and tightened them down (using the breaker bar once again on the tow points).
(radiator protection & frame installed)
I placed the skid plate on a jack, and raised it up to where I could line up the bolts, and loosely installed all four of them. Then I removed the jack, and tightened them down. I was supplied with 1/4" stainless nuts and bolts, but I choose to use 3/8" grade 8 bolts & nuts with lock washers. The plate lined up perfectly, and without fuss (un-like the frame). Which I was pleased about, as there is no hole in the plate to access the oil pan drain bolt for oil changes. This plate must be removed to change your oil.
front view
rear view
As you can see the plate extends past the steering rack, and offers great protection. I am, however, slightly worried about the exposed bolt heads, but I am sure it will not be an issue. The plate easily holds the weight of the truck- I use the jack dead center of it to lift my truck off the ground for rotating tires, etc...
I am very happy with the plate, and would recommend it to anyone looking for increased protection up front. This plate would work great in conjunction with other under-body protection; such as transmission and transfercase skid plates.
original write up
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