Howdy All, I just installed the mopar transmission, transfer case and fuel tank skid plates. I have a couple of questions.

When installing the fuel tank skid plate, I noticed the rear of the fuel tank (near the differential) touching the skid plate. Did anyone else have this occur? I'm a little concerned because I don't want that metal to rub through the plastic fuel tank. Anyone else tackle this problem?
(Incidently, I have a rear trailer hitch installed. So, during installation of the fuel tank skid, I used a tie-down strap over the spare tire to hold the hitch while reinstalling onto the new skid. I used a floor jack to position the skid while doing this procedure. Still required both arms and one leg.)

My other question was regarding the front skid plate that comes stock on a CRD. Is this the same thickness as the mopar one that can be ordered? It seemed a little wimpy compared to the steel in the new skids I installed. I noticed that the front differential is the first victim if anything major contacts that plate, so I am wondering if there is a better mopar, or comparative in price, available.

Lastly, sorry Darby, I expressed interests in those aluminium skids, but just could not swing the money.

Thanks all, GilaMonster

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2006 CRD Sport

I had to install mine after the fact as well. I also originally had the tow package. The fuel skid should not be rubbing at all, I have a good 1"+ of clearance between skid and tank at any given location.

You are correct about the front factory "shield" as it's purpose is to hold up the plastic water shield and bottom sound insulation. The MOPAR "skid" is exactly the same shape, press, everything - except thicker.

My "shield" has held up well off road, a few small dents, but nothing major.

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'05 CRD Sport born on 06/20/05, bought on 9/23/05, L.O.S.T. on 9/27/05 - modding ever since:

Daystar 2.0" Lift, P255/70R16 Revos, Boulder Bars, Reese Front Hitch w/9k Hooks, Poison Spyder Rock Ring, MOPAR Skids/Bug Shield/Roof Rails/Mats, WARN Hitch Shackle(Rear), 10k Hitch Hook(Front), Custom Tilt/Slope Meter, Ammo Box Mod, Rotella T 5W-40.

My 2005 came with a thin imitation of the MOPAR skid, it just held the sound dampening material up. I bought the factory skid and it was easily twice the thickness of the original. Making both of them couldn't have cost that much difference, the front mounts were made with the exact same heavy material on both. Still makes no sense to me.

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No one knows as much as all of us.

Well, dropped the hitch and fuel tank skid, applied some dead-blow technology and re-installed. Now there is adequate space around the fuel cell to not have contact with the fuel skid plate. Sucks to do the job twice, but at least it right.

Thanks for the information regarding the front engine skid. I think that will be a future upgrade since that area seems to be the lowest point in the ground clearance factor.

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2006 CRD Sport