Skid Plate Kit for the Gen 1 Raptor — Oil Pan, Transfer Case, and Fuel Tank
The Gen 1 Raptor's IFS underbody is exposed in ways a solid-axle rig's is not — at desert speeds over unexpected rocks and ledges, the oil pan, differential, and transfer case are directly in the strike zone, and skid plates are the lowest-cost way to protect the most expensive components.
The factory Raptor ships with a light plastic under-tray that handles road debris but is not a structural skid plate. At speed across the kind of terrain the Raptor's suspension invites — high desert washes, rocky ledges, fast trail crossings — the plastic deflects instead of protecting. The IFS geometry puts the oil pan, lower differential housing, and front driveshaft lower than you'd expect for a truck with 9" of suspension travel. When the suspension is at full compression over a ledge, those components are well within strike distance.
The key areas covered by a complete skid kit for the Gen 1 Raptor are: the oil pan (the most expensive single-strike repair at $600–$1,200 for the 6.2L), the front differential housing, the transfer case (NV273 on the Gen 1), and the fuel tank. Most full kits cover all four; some entry-level kits are oil pan and diff only. Budget accordingly — a partial kit that skips the fuel tank is saving the wrong money if you're running the truck on rocky terrain.
The 3/16" vs 1/4" steel question is about use case. 3/16" (approximately 4.8mm) is adequate for most trail and overland use — it absorbs a direct rock strike on a moving vehicle without deforming and bending into the component it's protecting. 1/4" is for rock crawling and repeated high-force impacts; on a Raptor, which is not a crawling platform, 3/16" is the practical choice and saves significant weight (a full 1/4" skid kit adds 60–80 lbs over a 3/16" equivalent). ADD and Zbroz both offer laser-cut 3/16" kits with proper mounting provisions; Zbroz's higher price point reflects thicker plate and more coverage area on their full kit.
The mounting system matters: a skid that uses existing frame bolts drops in without drilling, which is the right design. Avoid kits that require welding or that use the oil pan drain bolt as a mounting point — the latter complicates oil changes every time.
Steps
- Lift the front of the truck and support on jack stands at the frame rails. Do not jack under the IFS control arms.
- Clean the mounting areas on the frame with a wire brush. Apply penetrating oil to any factory undertray bolts that are corroded — on trucks that have seen salt or mud, these are routinely seized.
- Remove the factory plastic under-tray (typically 8–12 push-pins and two bolts). Discard or keep as a liner under the skid for rock debris management.
- Dry-fit the skid plate sections before committing to torque. Verify clearance around the drain plug, differential fill plug, and any underside inspection points.
- Install skids using the provided hardware. Torque to manufacturer spec — typically 35–45 ft-lb for 3/8" grade-8 mounting bolts. Over-torquing into aluminum frame threads is a common mistake; use a torque wrench.
- Confirm the oil drain plug is still accessible with the skid in place. Some designs require a short extension to reach it; a sealed square drain plug (like Fumoto) streamlines this.
- Drive over a moderate obstacle and inspect the skid for deformation or loosened hardware after the first run.
Why it works
- Protects the most expensive single-impact repair items (oil pan, differential) on a truck designed to run fast over rough terrain
- Bolt-on installation in 2–4 hours with basic tools
- Steel skids stay in place after a strike, unlike plastic which deflects and can bend into components
- Full kits cover fuel tank — critical on high-centering scenarios where the tank is the first contact point
Trade-offs
- Adds 40–80 lbs of unsprung and frame-mounted weight depending on kit thickness and coverage
- Access to drain plugs and fill ports requires removal on some kit designs — choose a kit with access provisions
- Gen 1 Raptor IFS means the front skids have limited clearance; the skid plates reduce ground clearance slightly (~0.5–1") by hanging below frame height
- Aftermarket fitment varies — some kits require minor modification on late 2014 models with production changes
Tools required
- floor jack
- jack stands
- socket set
- torque wrench
- penetrating oil
Parts
| Part | Vendor | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| ADD Offroad Gen 1 Raptor Skid Plate Package | Addictive Desert Designs | ~$549 |
| Zbroz Racing Gen 1 Raptor Full Skid Kit | Zbroz Racing | ~$699 |
| DRC Fabrication Gen 1 Raptor Skid Kit | DRC Fabrication | ~$449 |
| APS Gen 1 Raptor Full Underbody Skid System | APS | ~$599 |
Sources
- Gen 1 Raptor underbody exposure points — RaptorForum tech discussion
- 3/16 vs 1/4 inch skid plate thickness comparison — Expedition Portal
Related
- Aftermarket Front Bumper for the Gen 1 Raptor
- All Ford F-150 Raptor guides & tools
- Browse the full DIY database
Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. How we source guides. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.