Installing OEM Skid Plates

[RacerZX]

Just installed the 3 OEM OR Edition skid plates last night:







Yes it's 3 additional plates, the Nissan USA website is incorrect. It says "Skid plates - lower radiator, oil pan, fuel tank (SE Off-road), transfer case (SE Off-road)", but in truth all you get stock is the lower radiator plate, not the oil pan (engine cover) plate.

The cost of these are so cheap it's amazing to me Nissan didn't include them on all models. The only rational thing I can think of is purely to differentiate the OR model for marketing purposes. While it makes sense from a marketing standpoint, from my owner's perspective that kind of fake penny pinching annoys the hell out of me.

From Courtesy Nissan:
The engine cover skid plate is part number 50842-ESPFR and lists for $14.72.
The transfer case cover skid plate is part number 50884-TSP00 and lists for $14.02.
And the fuel tank skid plate is part number 50890-EA500 and lists for $105.39.
Don't forget to get 13 skid plate bolts, part number 01121-06561 and are $.60 each.

Installation is beyond easy. I did it on a lift mostly for simplicity and better photography's sake, but you could do it on the ground without even jacking up the truck if you don't mind getting a little dirty. A long extension to get that one 12mm bolt up by the driveshaft on the fuel tank cover was the only bolt that took more than 30 seconds to put on.

There's certainly some room for improvement that I'm sure aftermarket people will pick up on in due course. Covering up the front diff, the transmission oil pan, and another plate for the rear diff. But this is a fine first step and protects the most critical exposed pieces, and you can't beat the price.

[Kyson]

I did the same thing on mine, right after the 265/75R16 tire swap. I didn't have a lift and it was still very easy.

I was suprised at how reasonable the plates were, but also suprised how light duty they are. Still- worth the time and money. I agree the aftermarket will have lots of room for product in this arena.

[RacerZX]

Heh, yeah, they aren't tank armor that's for sure, but it should keep the transfer case & etc from being cracked open in one hit.

[mtbpath]

so, without these skid pads there, are those parts exposed to possible damage if hit?

I wouldn't find doing something like that.
before I crawl underneath the car, it does not come included with the car correct?

[RacerZX]

If you don't have an OR Edition, correct, you don't have those 3 plates.

Of the 3, I would call the fuel tank most critical. Gives me the heebee geebees having that big plastic tank hanging out under there for god knows what road debris to whack it.

The other two plates are covering awefully critical parts, but at least said parts are metal, so unless you're going off paved roads you probably would never need to worry about having them. Though they are only $14 each, might as well do them all while you're at it...

[rodg]

not a bad idea to have. i will surely buy them for my pathy.

[mtbpath]

Carl, the skid plates you got, is Courtesy the lowest?
I went to my local dealer and it is about $10 more. the first 2 part #'s he was not able to pull up using the part# you wrote.
I am wondering if I should go with where you got yours or stick to my lcal dealer?
what do you think?
how much was shipping.

[RacerZX]

Shipping can be uncheap, so call Courtesy and check, your local dealer may be cheaper in the end.

[jerry6]

this is the next thing on my list to do . that plastic tank is just asking to be peirced ! i'm suprised at the lack of skidplates , as in canada there is NO OR edition !

[V8Pathy]

great thread ! I can't find the fuel tank skid plate on courtesy nissan website, do they still carry it.

Also anybody knows if those skid plates will fit a V8 PF ( especially the engine skid plate )?

any other aftermarket skid plates manufacturer you recommend ?

thanks

[RacerZX]

Give Courtesy Nissan a call, they'll be able to find the part numbers even if they aren't listed on the website, and should also be able to check if they are the same for V8 vs. V6.

[V8Pathy]

thanks !

[Jerseyparts]

Here are the actual Nissan Parts Numbers for you folks:

50842-7S000
50884-7S000
50890-EA500
01121-06561


Brian

[LongPath]

RacerZX,
Thanks for the pics and info. It helped with the install. I had to jack it up to install the gas tank plate, in order to tilt the plate so the long mounting bracket could fit between the drive axle and fuel tank. Make sure the long bracket on the fuel tank plate is above the two lines (brake/fuel?) before tighten the other bolts. Make sure you hand tighten the bolts, before final tightening. Other two plates are pretty straight forward. Simple install, less than 45 mins.

[McMac]

I know this is an old post but- after something hit the underside on the freeway pretty hard, I decided to put these on. Your pics helped with orientation and location. It did speed things up! Thanks! Feel better knowing they're helping at least a little, especially on the fuel tank. After my fiasco with the Stillen/CSF radiator not fitting in the V8, I thought I might have the same problem with these, but they fit perfectly. Easy install.