How To: Full Mopar Skid Plate Install

[bryce88]

Ok, so I just finished a full skid plate install on my 2015 Ram 1500 4X4 Express 5.7 Hemi.
I had to do some research to figure out which parts to buy but I finally got it all figured out.

There are 3 available skid plates:
1) Transfer Case
2) Front Axle
3) Power Steering

Part Numbers:
1) Transfer Case 'kit' (includes crossbar and 8 bolts, 4 bolts for mounting the crossbar and 4 bolts for the plate itself)
Part No: 82214497
* Ecodiesel owners* do not need a cross member because they already have one to support the def tank so use part number #82210014AC for just the plate, or 68089777AB for the kit (includes bolts)

2) Front Axle - for some reason, this one is kind of weird because on some of the Mopar sites, this part number is a 'kit' and on others it's just the plate and you n need to buy the bolts separately (which ends up being a ton cheaper by the way)
Also, this plate is identical to the transfer case plate but it bolts directly on, no need for a crossbar
Part No: 68089777AB for kit
Part No: 82210014AC for skid plate only

3) Power Steering - this one requires rivnuts to install it but Mopar offers a little tool to help you install them. This is offered as a 'kit' on some sites but I chose to buy separately because again, it saves money. You'll need 4 rivnuts and 4 bolts.
Part No: 68200064AB

Bolt Part No: 6509233AA (same for all bolts needed, including the crossbar) they are M8 bolts if you're curious

Rivnut Part No: 6507851AA

Rivnut Tool (about $14): 82212003

Alternate Rivnut Tool (about $40 & way better and comes with alot of common sizes):
Smittybilt 2834 Black Nutsert Tool Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HDYW44K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_YAouCbM42ZQHW

I chose to get the Smittybilt Rivnut tool because I have some other projects in mind that I'll need it for.

After pricing out everything I needed on different Mopar sites, I settled on a local one because free pickup and they had good prices anyway. It was about $60 for shipping on all sites. (skid plates are heavy)
$184 for everything except the rivnuts and Rivnut tool. Not Bad.



The install:

The pack of Rivnuts you see in the photo are not the ones I ended up using so I would suggest just getting the Mopar ones

Starting with the transfer case cross bar, use a spare jack stand or something to support the other end while you bolt up the first side:



Then go ahead and bolt on the skid plate itself: (and BTW everything should be torqued to 13 ft. lbs. Per Mopar instructions)


Front Axle skid plate simply bolts on, there are multiple holes, just use the holes that line up:


Now for the power steering skid plate:


Here's the tool in action:


These are the rivnuts after installation. These are the two in the rear, but there are two in the front also.


All bolted up:


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[JB1]

Great how too, good job

 

[WTM75]

Nice write up!! Now I want skid plates.

 

[misfit77]

Looks good.

I imagine some people would skip the power steering one. Looks like it will get in the way of oil changes.

So you plan on doing the rebel gas tank skid?

 

[bryce88]

Looks good.

I imagine some people would skip the power steering one. Looks like it will get in the way of oil changes.

So you plan on doing the rebel gas tank skid?

It may look like that but it doesn't get in the way at all.
Is there a gas tank skid for the 1500?! I haven't seen that.

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[Badger 13]

Thanks for the write up , pictures and the part numbers. I see another skid plate in my future.

 

[bryce88]

Thanks for the write up , pictures and the part numbers. I see another skid plate in my future.

Hey, no problem. Post a picture if you do it!

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[kad]

I've been considering doing this. Thanks for the write up!

-K

 

[mboymopar]

Great write up thanks for sharing!

 

[bryce88]

Great write up thanks for sharing!

I've been considering doing this. Thanks for the write up!

-K

No problem guys, I found it kind of confusing when I was doing the research on it so hopefully it's helpful to someone.

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[Tankerpilot01]

No problem guys, I found it kind of confusing when I was doing the research on it so hopefully it's helpful to someone.

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Haven’t crawled under my truck yet to look...do any trims/options come with these already installed?



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[bryce88]

Haven’t crawled under my truck yet to look...do any trims/options come with these already installed?



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I don't think the Rebel even comes with them. I think it's just an option you can add when you order the truck. I may have read somewhere that the outdoorsman comes with them, but I could be wrong.

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[Tankerpilot01]

I don't think the Rebel even comes with them. I think it's just an option you can add when you order the truck. I may have read somewhere that the outdoorsman comes with them, but I could be wrong.

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So I just looked at my build sheet and it lists “protection group” (ADB).

When I look at the 2018 Ram HD catalog it says for protection group: “includes tow hooks and transfer case skid plate”....4x4 only.

So I wonder if I could add the front axle and power steering plates to my dually?





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[bryce88]

So I just looked at my build sheet and it lists “protection group” (ADB).

When I look at the 2018 Ram HD catalog it says for protection group: “includes tow hooks and transfer case skid plate”....4x4 only.

So I wonder if I could add the front axle and power steering plates to my dually?





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I may be wrong, but don't the HDs have a different front axle and suspension setup?

 

[Tankerpilot01]

I may be wrong, but don't the HDs have a different front axle and suspension setup?

Good question.

When it gets warmer I’ll take a peak underneath and see/confirm it’s just a transfer case plate currently.



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[Bassin12]

You mentioned you ordered kit on amazon to install rivnuts, did your frame mount for power steering plate have the hex holes to mount rivnuts? I have a 2017 and can’t get the rivnuts to lock down that came with plate kit. Does that kit you got on amazon come with the correct size rivnuts and does that install tool work a lot better than using the tool they give you with plate

 

[Truck Fun]

Awesome! Thanks!

 

[IRSmart]

Great write up. Although there is a much easier way to install all of the skids you mentioned.

Step one: buy a power wagon
Step two: enjoy the power wagon



(I kid, I kid!)

 

[bryce88]

You mentioned you ordered kit on amazon to install rivnuts, did your frame mount for power steering plate have the hex holes to mount rivnuts? I have a 2017 and can’t get the rivnuts to lock down that came with plate kit. Does that kit you got on amazon come with the correct size rivnuts and does that install tool work a lot better than using the tool they give you with plate

Yes, my frame has hex shaped holes to receive the rivnuts, that's why I suggest buying the Mopar rivnuts so they're the right size, most rivnuts are made for round holes so they won't work. The tool I got on an Amazon is just the install tool. No rivnuts included. The link is in my first post. And yes, the tool makes it SO much easier and faster. And it comes with a few different tips for different size rivnuts. M8 is the one you'll use.

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[bryce88]

Great write up. Although there is a much easier way to install all of the skids you mentioned.

Step one: buy a power wagon
Step two: enjoy the power wagon



(I kid, I kid!)

Haha! Yes that would've been easier... I should've looked under the truck before I bought it and told the wife... "It doesn't have any skid plates, so the only solution is to get a power wagon!"

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