Transfer case skidplate identification (AuH20...here it is)

[thatK30guy]

The plates shown below fit the '67 up to '80 K-series trucks. They utilized two crossmembers to mount the plate to. The two smaller "L" shaped brackets mounted to the frame rails in which the second crossmember fastened to these brackets. The longer plate was used in the earlier years and the shorter one in the later years.

 

[thatK30guy]

The next two plates shown fit the double-hump and single-hump crossmembers.
'85 and '86 were two years only that ran the double-hump crossmember. The plate is the flatter one shown, with surface rust.
'87 up to '91 ran the silver colored plate shown. This is the single-hump crossmember.

 

[thatK30guy]

This plate is the longer plate that came in '73 up to '80 K-series trucks AND '81 up to '84 K30/3500 trucks.
These plates were under both the NP203 and 205 cases.
Notice the length of the plate by the tape measure.

 

[thatK30guy]

These plates were under the '81 up to '84 K5, 10 and 20 trucks. These ran the NP208 t-cases above them.
These came in aluminum and steel plates. Both are shown.
The M-series trucks of the military's also ran these plates. Yes, these plates were under both the Blazers and the 1 ton trucks.
Notice the length of these plates also.

 

[thatK30guy]

Last is a picture of a plate that doesn't fit in with the years of our trucks. I had it laying around since I bought it for a '95 Z71 I had years ago and kept the plate for myself after I sold it. I bought the plate new, so, instead of letting it go, it stayed with me.

 

[Jimbo*]

Excellent work, Wes. Interestingly enough, of all the trucks I've had or been around or under, I've never seen or heard of the longer of the early model skidplates.
Jimbo

 

[AuH2O]

Yes, excellent work, thank you! I don't know how you could've made it any clearer. This should be made sticky somewhere for future reference. Just goes to show that no matter what remote area of expertise you're looking for, someone here has it covered. 'Cause let's face it, the relatively obscure subject of transfer case skid plate differences for old GM trucks isn't exactly common knowledge these days, if it ever was.

But you just helped make it so! I know which style of plate to get now, and I also know which vehicle owners I can give the one I already have. So thanks again for taking the time to snap the photos and compiling them, I won't be the only one to benefit from it I'm sure.

 

[Jimbo*]

Wes, now all we need is photos of the respective crossmembers to go along with these skid plates. If you have them, post them up. If you need one, let me know. I currently have one of each in my possession.
Jimbo

 

[thatK30guy]

Good idea, Jim. I can take pics of 3 of them but not the first two plates which utilize the second crossmember. I don't have a spare crossmember laying around anymore to take that shot. Do you?

 

[thatK30guy]

Bump...

 

[fireplug]

Just to let you know there IS interest in the cross members hint hint

Call that subscribed!

 

[BAYBLAZER]

looking for the single hump skid plate for a 89 jimmy

 

[wazzabie]

Did the longer skid plat come on the k5s?

 

[thatK30guy]

Did the longer skid plat come on the k5s?

Yep, when they ran a 205. Check under the '80 and older trucks.

 

[wazzabie]

Yep, when they ran a 205. Check under the '80 and older trucks.

I have the skid plate from a 72 K5 with NP 205 and it is the same as the skid plate on my 78 K5 with NP203. Maybe some one changed it. The 72 K5 does not have the added cross member.

 

[thatK30guy]

I have the skid plate from a 72 K5 with NP 205 and it is the same as the skid plate on my 78 K5 with NP203. Maybe some one changed it. The 72 K5 does not have the added cross member.

I've never seen the pre-'73 trucks with a solo 'plate without the crossmember. A lot of these early trucks utilized the dual crossmember and the flat 'plate bolting to both 'members.

So yeah, I'd say yours was swapped in.

 

[wazzabie]

I've never seen the pre-'73 trucks with a solo 'plate without the crossmember. A lot of these early trucks utilized the dual crossmember and the flat 'plate bolting to both 'members.

So yeah, I'd say yours was swapped in.

That is interesting. Thanks for sharing this. What is stronger?

 

[thatK30guy]

The double crossmember is stronger obviously but if one were to try and use this with a Doubler, I'm not sure how it would fit as far as clearance goes, etc. And mounting, too. The double 'member is best left stock with one t-case, etc.

 

[wazzabie]

This is interesting the 78 k5 brosher shows two frame supports. Mine only has one. Does any one else have two frame supports for a late 70s?

.

 

[thatK30guy]

I had the double 'member in an '80 K10. Thats the last year I've ever seen them in. I still have the 'plate and the side 'L' brackets that mount to the frame to hold the 'member.