Backing up to tow someone out. I am sure.Wade, how did that happen going 80 through the desert?
CK5
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I run a suburban tank skid cut down and welded back together overlapping to fit a blazer tank. Never had any issues with it.
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My buddy used leaf springs and spaced them a couple of inches apart.
Nothing will bend them and the tank still cools from the air going through
Sounds like it could be an inexpensive fix with used springs, but also sounds very heavy, I was trying to save weight.
Based on my experience and observations, I would cover the whole thing. Covering the back half might be enough but I don't think fabrication would be any less difficult.
beags86
Eastbound and Down
You don't use the whole spring pack heath ! Just an individual leaf.
What's the old saying, no sh!t sherlock....
I figured you wouldn't use the whole pack, but one leaf thick enough not to allow tank contact isn't very light either, figured it might be a couple leaves or one thick one, either way, still heavy when you space them 2" apart along the tank.
To be fair my buddy did this for his oil pan on a fiat mirafiori but the concept is still valid.What's the old saying, no sh!t sherlock....
I figured you wouldn't use the whole pack, but one leaf thick enough not to allow tank contact isn't very light either, figured it might be a couple leaves or one thick one, either way, still heavy when you space them 2" apart along the tank.
And to say this is going to add more weight, 2 spring packs should be enough to cover the tank, that's not much.
We add bigger bumpers, sliders, a winch, another battery for the winch...
Come on, is it worth it to protect your tank?
And it will keep more clearance versus you tube structure.
I would rather have the tube structure if I needed tank protection, but the leaf spring is a good idea for some projects, I agree.
On my project I am removing the factory skid plate because I don't even need that in sand and dirt, too heavy, ha ha
Used your feet to put it up there huh? lol
I've decided to use a full plate. The plate I have is 3/16. I'm hoping that the dimples will help stiffen it, and lighten it at the same time. We shall see.
I started on the standoffs for the plate. It's just tacked in place for now so I can see how it's coming together.
The plan is to have the plate wrap around the sides so that I don't have any bolts on the bottom. It will also come up a couple of inches in the front (mostly to stiffen it). In the back, the plan is for it to angle up and then bolt to the bottom of the bumper.
While I worked on that, I started removing the mill scale from my plate.
Before and after pics taken about 1.5 hours apart.
pretty impressive!
I've decided to use a full plate. The plate I have is 3/16. I'm hoping that the dimples will help stiffen it, and lighten it at the same time. We shall see.
I started on the standoffs for the plate. It's just tacked in place for now so I can see how it's coming together.
The plan is to have the plate wrap around the sides so that I don't have any bolts on the bottom. It will also come up a couple of inches in the front (mostly to stiffen it). In the back, the plan is for it to angle up and then bolt to the bottom of the bumper.
While I worked on that, I started removing the mill scale from my plate.
Before and after pics taken about 1.5 hours apart.
pretty impressive!
yes, used my vans to get it up there 
Dimple the bottom? I would be concerned I that would hang up on rocks.
Dimple the bottom? I would be concerned I that would hang up on rocks.
I am somewhat concerned, but I'd also like it to be lighter and stiffer. It's a trade off for sure. I guess I'm not sure which way is better.yes, used my vans to get it up there
Dimple the bottom? I would be concerned I that would hang up on rocks.
The frame should support it well enough and the weight difference is minimal. The whole point of the skid is the ability to drag it across rocks right?
I agree. Imo, a skid plate is no place for grab holes. Besides, the holes will probably save 3-5 lbs on a 50 lbs plate? Not much difference.
I guess it depends on how many holes you use. 
I noticed in a recent post by @AgDieseler that he had a few in his skid plate. Ever catch a rock in one?
The acid did the trick! Nice and shiny clean.
I have not, but it wouldn’t matter. That fuel skid is .120 and doesn’t offer much more than nominal protection, holes or no. The dimples just make it overall stiffer. The dimples on my sliders haven’t been a problem either. Both are 1-3/8”.
David
