Can I remove the front skid plate with the truck on ground?

lgoodbar · **Posted:** Fri Feb 25, 2011 7:57 pm

My first post. I just bought an '05 CRD and was going through the noob list. I replaced the air filter and was reattaching the upper air hose when my screwdriver fell between the radiator fan and the serpentine belt. It looks like it's on front axle skid plate with no way to reach. I tried a finger grabber but it could not make good purchase on it. I think my last option is to remove the front skid plate. Can I do so with the truck on the ground? I have ramps but unsure what would happen when I start the engine and put the truck in gear. Ideas?

Thanks,
Loyd

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Fri Feb 25, 2011 8:16 pm

Yes

4 bolts (~15mm or so) yes - and the stock one was relatively light about 20 lbs - and there's a sound deadening plastic liner inside it.

and Howdy - Welcome to LOST and don't forget to read Sams Noob Guide
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=54207

WolverineFW · **Posted:** Fri Feb 25, 2011 10:49 pm

lgoodbar wrote:

My first post. I just bought an '05 CRD and was going through the noob list. I replaced the air filter and was reattaching the upper air hose when my screwdriver fell between the radiator fan and the serpentine belt. It looks like it's on front axle skid plate with no way to reach. I tried a finger grabber but it could not make good purchase on it. I think my last option is to remove the front skid plate. Can I do so with the truck on the ground? I have ramps but unsure what would happen when I start the engine and put the truck in gear. Ideas?

Thanks,
Loyd

Been there done that. You have the right idea...take off the skid plate and fish it out.

lgoodbar · **Posted:** Fri Feb 25, 2011 11:01 pm

Quote:

4 bolts (~15mm or so) yes - and the stock one was relatively light about 20 lbs - and there's a sound deadening plastic liner inside it.

Quote:

Been there done that. You have the right idea...take off the skid plate and fish it out.

Thanks guys. I found the installation papers online for the Mopar skids, and the front is 18mm socket. I've already got plans for Saturday so hopefully can get to this on Sunday.
And the air filter - holy cow, was it ever changed? The old filter was totally dirty!

Thanks again!

Nightfisher · **Joined:** Mon Oct 25, 2010 9:35 pm **Posts:** 122

Tape a small magnet to something that will reach down there and carefully touch it to the metal on the screwdriver, avoiding all the other metal down there. If you can reach it with a grabber, then this should do the trick. Might take a few trys but it would be a hell of a lot easier than removing the plate.

lgoodbar · **Posted:** Sun Feb 27, 2011 1:08 pm

Quote:

Tape a small magnet to something that will reach down there and carefully touch it to the metal on the screwdriver, avoiding all the other metal down there. If you can reach it with a grabber, then this should do the trick. Might take a few trys but it would be a hell of a lot easier than removing the plate.

That's what I ended up doing this morning. I got the "good" magnet-on-a-stick from Advance Auto (they sell both "cheap" and "good" models) that picked up the larger screwdriver I had. Actually got it out the first try.

Can I remove the front skid plate with the truck on ground?

Who is online