[RiNkY]

I was hearing a rattle back there when going over speed bumps, so went under this morning to check it out. It looks like the corner of the skid was hitting the Gas Tank skid causing my rattle. But FAR WORSE, is the fact that the bar that goes over the top of the skid was wearing on the side of the gas tank and caused a bit of a gauge on mine. Another week and it would probably have worn a hole.

SERIOUS RISK OF PUNCTURING YOUR GAS TANK!!!

So I took the thing off this morning and will contact AC to see if they will refund it, I guess I'll be waiting for the Shrock cover.

 

[RiNkY]

 

[kokopop]

geez. Good spotting.

Good thing I have not ordered it. Looks like a stronger diff cover would be better.

 

[usmc xterra]

I hate to say it, But someone told me that Diff cover was going to be a problem. I'm not going to say who.

Change the title to.

AC Diff Skid, Leaves Skid Marks!
Sheeeet!

That was some terrific spotting though! Hows that go? How to turn your 05+ Xterra into nothing more than a 1973 Ford Pinto with Firestone tires.
Caaaa Baoom iee.

Hey man, go to a boat store and they sell a product called Marine Tec for gas tanks, fill in that gouge just to be sure.

MC

 

[lifeinthesouth]

I fthey don't refund it could you just take a grinder to the corners and cut about a 1/2 inch or so off and round out the corner?

 

[RiNkY]

This is the part that is rubbing (Circled)

All they really need to do is shorten that bar and angle the 2 uprights.

 

[XterraOverload]

Good catch man.........Thank for the warning!!!

 

[RiNkY]

I emailed AC this morning and already got a response, so that's pretty cool. They have asked for measurements etc. and photos.

 

[Scrabo]

Took mine of today thanks to Rinky's phone call !!.

If you notice on the photo on the AC website, there is NO gas tank skid fitted, hence the lack of rattle that both Rinky and I were also hearing.

http://www.4x4parts.com/public_html/shop/shop_image/product/2de794f48a19eef10f368598c0ce118e.jpg

 

[Scrabo]

For anyone who is interested, here are some photos that AC send me today showing the modification to the diff skid.

This is a side by side comparsion with mine on the right side of the photo.

The new redesigned skid from below.

 

[RiNkY]

They sent me the same pics, along with a return shipping label to return the old one. Amazing customer service from those guys to handle it so quickly.

 

[usmc xterra]

Hey man! Just like the Lift! AC makes it and you pay to test it!
But this is pretty quick, it took em like several months to admit they needed shims on the rear AAL. Still it's overkill, a HD cover is going to do the trick. One that won't peal back. That's all we need and no rubbing problems. I still don't trust that MOD they gave you, In a crash that is likely to rupture the gas tank and make you a crispy critter before you get out. It only has to happen one time and AC will be in deep doo.

I'm sur ethe 3 seperate people I saw burn in a crash never figured it would happen, and no fire extinusher that is handy is any match for a gasoline fueled fire. AT the least, it looks easy, only install it when you are doing a serious wheel.

I don't like it. Too bad you can't really chop it good and hold it with a clamp or zip tie.

MC

 

[kokopop]

Looks like they need a custom U-Bolt.

 

[RiNkY]

I don't think the gas tank is any more prone to puncture with this thing secured to the rear end than it would be without it on there. As for taking it off when not wheeling, that's like telling someone with a full set of Armor to remove it when they aren't using it to save on gas! Not likely to happen

Removing the cover on the Diff and replacing it will void the warranty on the rear end for sure if you have a problem with the Locker or the rear diff.

I'll take my chances with gas tank puncture I guess.

 

[kokopop]

As for taking it off when not wheeling, that's like telling someone with a full set of Armor to remove it when they aren't using it to save on gas! Not likely to happen

That reminds me I need to re-install my diff and tranni skids. Had them off for ~a week to change the oil and check the front diff clearance. I must say it seems (no real proof) that I did get a little better gas milage.

 

[usmc xterra]

I don't think the gas tank is any more prone to puncture with this thing secured to the rear end than it would be without it on there. As for taking it off when not wheeling, that's like telling someone with a full set of Armor to remove it when they aren't using it to save on gas! Not likely to happen Removing the cover on the Diff and replacing it will void the warranty on the rear end for sure if you have a problem with the Locker or the rear diff. I'll take my chances with gas tank puncture I guess.

We disagree, I think it is more prone to puncture as it is closer by at least an inch and with parts that are more likely by the shape and angle to puncture the gas tank. The science can be settled with a ruler.

I was at the dealer today, he looked at the pictures here, he said he'd void the warranty with that skid on but not if I changed the rear cover to a stronger one that fits. "Not any less than I'd void it for a NISMO part."
I'll wait for the stronger cover and keep my factory clearance and crash test results intact.

It's a real good idea to remove the skids at least 2 times a year replace any jacked up bolts, repaint, and check on what they cover visually for leaks or whatever. Al part of the game.


MC

 

[RiNkY]

lol. How could they void the warranty on the rear end for having a skid mounted? That's insane. Okay - the Gas tank or anything else that is damaged due to the skid being fitted, obviously not gonna be covered. But this thing actually protects the pumpkin, rather than still allowing it to be dinged - but having a stronger cover.

I will be interested to see what Shrock brings to the table. I have confidence in Jims products, but if the cover he makes is just milled out of Billet aluminum, like most of the aftermarket covers, it will just crack if it hits a rock.

I'd deffinately go for something like the Warn covers, if they made one for the X D44, I even contacted Warn to see if they would make one - Never got a response.

If Jim makes something like this:

Then I'd probably ditch the skid and get one of those. That thing looks like it could take a good hammering and wouldn't even require you to remove the diff cover. That thing is on a D44 too (Jeep).

Maybe someone should contact these folks and see if they could modify the design for the X. Awesome price.

http://www.fourxdoctor.com/main/diff_guards/diff_guards.html

 

[usmc xterra]

I'd go with either one of those or something like it.

The dealer quoted some warranty statement ask your dealer, he'll come up with the same answer, sounded textbook to me. What he was saying is that a problem would far less be caused by a new cover than that bolt on the housing skid. I showed him the thread and asked if you were right that the new cover I am getting will void the warranty. By law they can't deny a warranty for a bolt on cover replacement. However, they can deny if the housing is damaged by the part like what AC sells.
Dan posted a link here somewhere, read up on it. Ask your dealer.
I can't convince you, Get the AC Skid! MC

 

[Walrus]

Rinky - why won't that fit ours? Is the bolt pattern different? Does our cover stick out too much? Sway bar in the way?

 

[kokopop]

I can get one of those covers made for the X, but I would need to have a bunch of orders in hand to make it worth while. There is a local shop that makes D44 covers for heeps and he could modify his design for the X. The negative is he would need the diff cover as a template.