Adding skid plates to 2018 Limited with tow package?

[scottdm]

Finally had a chance to install the Raptor transmission skid plate today. The plate mounts to 4 places on the frame and the front edge attaches to an existing bracket. One nice thing is that it even has a removable panel to access the oil drain plug so you don't have to remove the skid plate for oil changes! Unfortunately the little access plate was on backorder, so I'll be picking it up in a couple weeks, but one of the photos below shows the cutout and view of the oil drain plug. Overall, this is what the Expedition should have as standard. It's much more robust than the standard plastic shield. Prices for the skid plate and hardware are shown and are roughly $200.

 

[scottdm]

I also installed the front two skid plates that come standard on the FX4. As expected, no surprises since it's an OEM fitment. Photos and a parts list are attached. Roughly $250 in parts, brackets, and fasteners. I also painted everything with "Chassis Black" POR15 to help with corrosion in the salty winters.

 

[Going_Going_Gone]

I'm thinking I see a die cast metal oil pan there. I thought I read (somewhere) that Ford was using a composite (plastic) pan on the 3.5 EB's with a twist-lock oil plug like on the 6.7 diesels. I tried looking under mine this morning, but I couldn't see up in there like in your photos...probably should have just reached in with phone and snapped a pic. That, and now I find that now, along with tinnitus, I get mild vertigo when I lie on my back under a vehicle, twist my head around, and then stand up. Getting old is kicking my butt!

 

[scottdm]

From a prior thread, looks like Expeditions manufactured from March 20, 2018 and forward have the aluminum oil pan. Mine was built in April 2018, so it seems to align with this prior post.

FYI
Pics from service manual showing differences in oil pans
Gen one has main girdle & Gen II does not
Oil Pump - Vehicles Built Up To: 19-March-2018........................................1756
Oil Pan - Vehicles Built Up To: 19-March-2018...........................................1797
Oil Pan - Vehicles Built From: 20-March-2018............................................1824
Oil Pump - Vehicles Built From: 20-March-2018.........................................1865

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View attachment 27539

 

[Trainmaster]

This is a great thread that will be referred to in many years to come. When I outfitted my 3d Gen with skid plates it was a beast finding the part numbers and hardware references. After hours of searching, an old forum thread showed an invoice for the items I needed. A real service here!

And what are they thinking with that felt thing? I think they call it a "splash plate". Sops up the oil drips when the valve cover starts to leak?

 

[scottdm]

This is a great thread that will be referred to in many years to come. When I outfitted my 3d Gen with skid plates it was a beast finding the part numbers and hardware references. After hours of searching, an old forum thread showed an invoice for the items I needed. A real service here!

And what are they thinking with that felt thing? I think they call it a "splash plate". Sops up the oil drips when the valve cover starts to leak?

Glad it's helpful. I spent quite a bit of time with my parts guy who was very helpful in trying to figure out everything. He was even willing to let me return the Raptor skid plate if it didn't work out, but glad it fits!

In terms of the felt splash shield, it would provide some minimal protection for the transmission cooler lines. I was also wondering if it offers any sound deadening properties, but don't notice any difference driving with the new steel transmission skid plate.

 

[KenK]

Scott, Thanks so much for posting all the pictures and parts lists, this is fantastic.
Especially the raptor skip plate, what a find!
My Expy was also make in April 2018. Am eager to see if it has the plastic or alum oil pan.

 

[Black]

Glad it's helpful. I spent quite a bit of time with my parts guy who was very helpful in trying to figure out everything. He was even willing to let me return the Raptor skid plate if it didn't work out, but glad it fits!

Seems like your parts guy is good.
Mine is not.

Would you mind asking your guy if he can find the part number for the transfer case skid plate for 15-17 Expedition SSV?

Here is a 17 SSV VIN
1FMJK1GT0HEA26919

 

[scottdm]

Seems like your parts guy is good.
Mine is not.

Would you mind asking your guy if he can find the part number for the transfer case skid plate for 15-17 Expedition SSV?

Here is a 17 SSV VIN
1FMJK1GT0HEA26919

I called my parts guy and gave him the VIN you mentioned and his system isn't showing a transfer case skid plate for the Expedition. You may want to roll the dice and try one from a '17 F150 and see if it bolts up since the frames are likely very similar in that location. There was also another forum member "Trainmaster" who said he found all the OEM skid plates for his 3rd generation Expedition in a prior post in this thread, so he may have a suggestion.

 

[EricExpedition]

I pulled the trigger and ordered the remaining FX4 skid plate parts to complete my install. The only FX4 part I'm not pleased with is the plastic shield that protects the transmission (first photo below) that is covered with felt-like material and the inside has some minor reinforced areas that are like thick foil (think a foil roasting pan). The same part came on my Limited and it's very floppy and deflects very easily when pushing on it.

I did some hunting and figured out that the Raptor has an actual metal skid plate for the transmission (second photo below), so I ordered the part and my parts guy says I can return it if it doesn't fit. I'm optimistic it will work since the Expedition frame has the same mounting holes as the Raptor mounting points shown in the photo.

View attachment 28426

For what it is worth, I have the same "felt" transmission cover on my F150 and it has held up well for 5 years/100K miles with a good amount of gravel/dirt road travel. It has the quick-disconnect finger screws rather than small sockets in your photo. I remove it to change the oil (even though it has a drip tray) and it is fairly light.