Gas Tank skid plate

[TJ1978]

i have one available local (pictures) and was wondering how this attaches or bolts on over the gas tank? I have 31 gallon tank.
Does it just use the same bolts as the tank straps? I notice the tank skid plate has 6 flanges for bolts to go through.

Pictures if you could...

 

[nvrenuf]

The skid and the straps bolt to crossmembers fore and aft of the tank but each set of hardware is different and mounts in separate hole sets.

 

[TJ1978]

But the trucks come with the appropriate holes to bolt the skid plate into? All I need is bolts to attach it?

 

[nvrenuf]

I can't say for sure but I can't imagine is being economically beneficial for GM to offer different frames (if no gas tank skid was an available configuration). My '91 uses 3/8"x16 bolts that are about 1" long.

 

[rampage]

That looks like it has sides on it (I imagine for strength) so you’d need to stay on top of keeping mud/debris out of it so it doesn’t rust your tank.

 

[TJ1978]

Looks good and close. Should work on my 78

 

[skunked]

there's a couple crossmembers that the skid plate bolts to.

 

[TJ1978]

There is one more bolt hole front and back that I couldn’t get in frame. But I assume this where the skid goes mounts?

Looks odd that skid plate maybe it just looks smaller in the pics. Like it wont clear my tank, especially the flat non angled side of it...

Probably just my eyes, I hope

 

[TJ1978]

Would you advise drilling a couple holes at its lowest point to help facilitate drainage of debris, mainly water/mud?

 

[skunked]

I'd run it the way it is, you live in AZ remember. That skid plate looks like an OE piece with steel added to the side of it.

 

[TJ1978]

I'd run it the way it is, you live in AZ remember. That skid plate looks like an OE piece with steel added to the side of it.

Weather has been so nice (not summer) its easy to forget where I’m actually living. Hahahahahah

 

[rampage]

Would you advise drilling a couple holes at its lowest point to help facilitate drainage of debris, mainly water/mud?

That’s what those holes are for on the sides. The OEM skid plate didn’t have sides so it’s not really an issue. I’m just giving you a heads up to keep an eye on it.

 

[6872xtc]

That looks to be the early version skid. Like mid seventies. They had sides like that. I have one on mine. It didn't fit perfectly, but it was easy to make it work. I was suspicious if it was originally for a suburban.
The later ones did not have side panels and flexed more but were easier to clean out.

 

[rampage]

That looks to be the early version skid. Like mid seventies. They had sides like that. I have one on mine. It didn't fit perfectly, but it was easy to make it work. I was suspicious if it was originally for a suburban.
The later ones did not have side panels and flexed more but were easier to clean out.

Learn something new every day.

 

[TJ1978]

I think he had it on a 74’ or 75’ originally... it should work for my 78’ or be workable enough. If not Ill just sell it

 

[TJ1978]

Some fresh rattle can.. thing is stout,

 

[Wes Harden]

1977

 

[TJ1978]

Yeah the one I just got came off a 74’...
Ive been hunting for one for a while and this one popped up from the same guy I got my other transfer case from.

 

[nvrenuf]

Man that’s beefy. I think the only vendor that sells a heavy duty skid is TnA (don’t know their current name) and its $300+.

 

[blazer74]

1977

View attachment 329565

I’ve got one like this I put on my 74. Installed a 31 gallon tank and it does not fit, too shallow.
Curious about the one TJ1978 bought fits the 31 tank.
IIRC the 31tanks came after 74ish.