gas tank skid plate

[possum70]

Is a gas tank skid plate "real" necessary? I finally found a hitch from a blazer to put on my truck. Problem is it is homemade, very sturdy (read that freakin heavy) and it hits the back end of my skid plate before it gets close enough to bolt up. I have two thoughts to deal with it. I need someone else's input. Should I 1) remove skid plate or 2)cut off the back "offending" portion of the skid plate?

Oh, and any ideas on lifting a hitch that weighs a million pounds up long enough to bolt it in... by yourself?

possum

 

[NorCal_Chris]

yes.

I always hit my tank. At least once per trip i would have had a hole in my tank if it wasnt for a skid. Im sure you can just cut out the part that the hitch hits. But judging my wanting to put a giant heavy hitch on makes me thing you are not going to be in the same rocky spots that made me hit my tank.

 

[possum70]

I don't have a lot of rocks here. But lots and lots of red Carolina clay. I don't get off road a lot but if the desire hits me I'd like to be able to do just that. I don't see me doing anything crazy though. I just want to be able to get to my hunting spots or pull something that may be difficult to reach.

possum

 

[imiceman44]

Cut the offending part.

I don't have a lot of rocks here. But lots and lots of red Carolina clay. I don't get off road a lot but if the desire hits me I'd like to be able to do just that. I don't see me doing anything crazy though. I just want to be able to get to my hunting spots or pull something that may be difficult to reach.

possum

 

[K85 Octane]

yeah, I've got about 4"x2" square cut out of my skid to make room for the hitch. The important part is the bottom, and all bolts are fine.

 

[possum70]

Yeah, I'll see what I need to cut. My skid is rivetted on. I really hate cutting rivets... and so close to my gas tank. May try to find some nibblers or something. Well, off for some more work.

possum

 

[K85 Octane]

Riveted!?!?!?! Are you sure? I think you may have previousowneritous in your rear fuel system area. There should be 5 bolts if memory serves me right.

 

[imiceman44]

Yeah, I'll see what I need to cut. My skid is rivetted on. I really hate cutting rivets... and so close to my gas tank. May try to find some nibblers or something. Well, off for some more work.

possum

I think you are looking at the bottom, there are bolts up higher on the frame.
Access is not the easiest but they are up there.