Adding skid plates to 2018 Limited with tow package?

[Adieu]

Would these just bolt in without any fabrication? I want some for the Navigator but idk if I want to go with the Fx4 ones or wait for some kinda after market ones. I’ve seen mixed reviews for the Fx4 ones but I’m not looking to do anything crazy but I go get off pavement and want some kinda protection.

Can't make promises about 4th gen, but 3rd gen parts were always bolt right on swappable across trucks with very different options

 

[scottdm]

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.

 

[Artie]

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

Tha is for putting in the work on this, I’m following this thread to see your results. That trans plate wouldn’t do much in the way of protection. If the raptor plate fits I wonder what other ones will?

 

[scottdm]

Tha is for putting in the work on this, I’m following this thread to see your results. That trans plate wouldn’t do much in the way of protection. If the raptor plate fits I wonder what other ones will?

The transmission skid plate may be the only Raptor skid plate that fits the Expedition. The front skids integrate into the Raptor bumper and are custom for that purpose. The Raptor fuel tank skid is still plastic like the Expedition FX4 skid, so really no difference other than the Raptor would have the larger 36 gallon fuel tank. However, the FX4 front skids seem very adequate from what I can tell, just the transmission skid was sketchy so hopefully the Raptor transmission skid plate fits when it arrives.

 

[Artie]

So I got around to looking under my Navigator and it looks like I have the plate for the transfer case already but the other two look like yours... the stock felt covered thing.

 

[scottdm]

Interesting that the Navigator has the transfer case skid plate as stock. It also looks like the plastic fuel tank skid plate is also installed. Is there a plate protecting your muffler as well? The Expedition muffler is exposed and is the typical oblong cylinder shape. Maybe the Navigator has a different style muffler with a flat bottom? I attached a photo of my Expedition from the same angle that you took the photo of your Navigator so you can see the differences.

 

[Artie]

Interesting that the Navigator has the transfer case skid plate as stock. It also looks like the plastic fuel tank skid plate is also installed. Is there a plate protecting your muffler as well? The Expedition muffler is exposed and is the typical oblong cylinder shape. Maybe the Navigator has a different style muffler with a flat bottom?

Here are a few more pics from underneath. The first pic is the muffler. The second is the gas tank and it does have a plate but it does appear to be plastic. The 3rd is from the spare looking forward, sorry for the crappy lighting.

 

[scottdm]

Thanks for the photos. I forgot that the Navigator has two exhaust outlets on the passenger's side, which would explain the different muffler design. Fun to see the similarities/differences of Ford's implementation of the different Expedition trim levels and models (Expedition vs Navigator).

 

[KenK]

Great find on the Raptor transmission plate, please keep us updated on the fit. If you don't mind keep posting the invoices with all the part numbers too. This is really helpful.

 

[scottdm]

Installed the fuel tank skid plate today. You have to support the fuel tank with a floor jack and piece of lumber as you remove and replace the fuel tank straps. The new fuel tank straps have studs welded on them that allow the skid plate to be fastened with nuts. Relatively smooth installation, but I did have one of the speed nuts break as I was removing the first strap, so the nut was spinning feeling inside the frame crossmember. Fortunately I was able to get vise grips inside the end of the cross member to grab the nub and finish the job. I had an extra speed nut on hand to replace the broken one. I also included a photo of the part numbers and pricing for the straps, nuts, and plastic skid plate. It's roughly $200 worth of parts and you reuse the bolts that hold the fuel tank straps to the frame.

 

[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

View attachment 27538


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.