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.
| 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 |
Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.