is the "skid plate" Necessary?

[sascrx88]

Hey Folks, the hard plastic "skid plate" type cover under the front of my pathfinder is held on by a bunch of rusted/seized/stripped bolts. this obviously makes the oil changes a little more of a hassle than usual. i was wondering if i managed to get it off and leave it off will i see any possible issues? theres about 3 bolts that are broken off, at least 2 that are stripped and about 3 that actually go in and out. thanks!

ps the pathfinder doesn't go "off-roading".

[fueler]

the plastic one is useless in terms of offroading. It breaks way too easily. I dont know if it serves any purpose, aerodynamically (wind?) The only thing I can think of is less wind noise/resistance with it installed. I lost mine 2 years ago while snow offroading, i've been driving without one ever since and i've been fine. My mud terrains are so loud that I don't notice any differences in wind noise even if there was indeed a difference. I plan on buying a nice metal skidplate, to protect the subframe.

[KoukiS14]

It's actually just a splash guard, designed to keep grime out of the engine bay.I removed mine, and I won't be putting it back on.

[AlabamaDan]

It forces more air to be sucked through the front of the engine (radiator) and keeps the engine cooler.

In addition, it protects things like the alternator from road debris and dirt.

[KoukiS14]

In other news, I'm going to put mine back on.

[fueler]

I believe the radiator thing.

i'm trying to find a black panther skid plate like this:

[KoukiS14]

I do too. . guess I hadn't thought of that.I would love a beefy skid plate. I had a 91 Rodeo in high school, and while it was 2wd, that skid plate was practically bullet proof. Being 2wd, I relied very heavily on its ability to keep the front end moving at high speed over various obstacles. .

[AlabamaDan]

I like that black plate! What's it made of.

Sure is a rusty rig!

[AlabamaDan]

With that maybe a couple of little doors to change the oil.

[fueler]

I like that black plate! What's it made of.

It's very thick metal (1/2" i think). It's made by a company called "black panther armor" but they have slowed down in recent times.

I've heard complaints that the one sold on 4x4parts.com is too thin for off-road use.

[pathfinder_se_black]

It's very thick metal (1/2" i think). "black panther armor".

lol its made from real bits of panther.---- anchorman-- funny *** movie

that skid plate would look pretty nice but it looks like it would take a long time chainging oil.