RalliTEK V2 Skid plate install.

During this winter storm i was attacked by a giant bowling ball sized ice ball that took the life of my OEM skid plate, so i purchased the new version 2 skid plate that is now offered by RalliTEK. I will try to give as much information as i can.

 

In the instructions it wants you to remove the old skid plate. DONE. This can be removed by the 3 pop its, and 3 bolts. Really it is pretty self explanitory. The instructions that are provided with this skid plate show you how to remove it. Since mine was destroyed pics of the removal could not be completed. The instructions ( step 2 ) on the OEM skid plate removal say to remove the two clips in the front wheel wells. Well i could not identify the clips from teh pics provided and the new plate did not hit anything close to what that picture showed so i skipped that step.

 

Ok on with the install.

 

This is the new V2 skid plate.

 

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i171/Crucifix79/skidplate005.jpg

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i171/Crucifix79/skidplate006.jpg

 

They send hardware, and some of it you will not be using. This picture below is what us LGT will be using.

 

( 2 ) 8mm x 30mm bolts w/ washers and the metal spacers.

( 4 ) 10mm bolts w/ 4 washers and 4 of the metal spacers.

 

Tools needed are: 12 or 13mm socket ( i cant remember which one was used for the 8mm bolts. A 14mm socket for the 10mm bolts. Flate headed screwdriver, and possibly a pair of pliers.

 

 

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i171/Crucifix79/skidplate009.jpg

 

I found it to be easy using the floor ramps and the creeper. I just layed the skid plate on my and slid under the car. Attach the front bolts ( the two 8mm bolts. ). Use the bolt and washer then the skid then the spacer. thread the holes where the existing bolts were at. Leave them a bit loose. After you get those started you can slide to the rear for the fun.

 

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i171/Crucifix79/skidplate011.jpg

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i171/Crucifix79/skidplate012.jpg

 

That is how it will line up. After you take those 4 bolts out ( 2 on each side ), you may have to bend the plate to get the new 10mm bolts w/ washers and spacers to line up correctly. Thats when i used the pliers to bend it a bit. End result is this.

 

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i171/Crucifix79/skidplate013.jpg

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i171/Crucifix79/skidplate014.jpg

 

And that is it. Then just snug all of the bolts down, front included and re-use the pop its for the front. Then your done. I have alot of pics i am posting. So enjoy. if i missed something feel free to ask.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i171/Crucifix79/skidplate015.jpg

 

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i171/Crucifix79/skidplate016.jpg

 

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i171/Crucifix79/skidplate017.jpg

 

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i171/Crucifix79/skidplate018.jpg

 

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i171/Crucifix79/skidplate019.jpg

 

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i171/Crucifix79/skidplate020.jpg

 

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i171/Crucifix79/skidplate021.jpg

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i171/Crucifix79/skidplate022.jpg

 

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i171/Crucifix79/skidplate023.jpg

 

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i171/Crucifix79/skidplate024.jpg

 

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i171/Crucifix79/skidplate025.jpg

 

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i171/Crucifix79/skidplate026.jpg

 

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i171/Crucifix79/skidplate027.jpg

Now for the review.

 

Issue 1: The removal of the OEM skid plate, in paragraph 2 like stated above, it says to remove the 2 clips in thr front wheel wells. I did not find what it was talking about. But i test fitted the new plate and it came nowhere near anything looking of that in the picture in the directions so i said the heck with it and skipped it.

 

Issue 2: Though this issue was really expected. The rear tabs that have to be bent that attaches to the cross member. After i smoked a cigg and just cooled off for a mintute i climbed back under the car and just took my time and had a high school art flash back. Molded the piece a bit so it would fit alot better and the bolts would line up.

 

The new plate does hang down a bit. It shouldnt be too much of an issue, though i really feel for squirells trying to cross the road now. The plate has very sharp edges and it wouldnt be nothing for it to decapitate one of those furry, nut eating animals, not to mention the loud "TONG" sound it will make when hitting a racoon. I am very anxious to try it out.

 

The plate is very solid once mounted. It is not going anywhere. I am very pleased with the outcome though, and would reccomend the new version to those 2.5i guys wishing for some added protection as well as my fellow LGT brothers. Again if anyone has any questions do not hesitate to ask.

I thought I read somewhere that this leaves some of the original connections not connected. Like the plastic in the wheel wells or something. Is that correct. I don't want loose pieces. Thanks, looks very good though.

The only thing i took off was a front splash pan mounting bracket, the 3 pop its for the OEM skid, the 3 bolts from teh OEM skid , 4 bolts ( 2 on each side ) of the cross member. Other than that, nope. I didnt remove a single thing in my wheel wells.

Does it attach to the front bumper like the factory one?

yes. it uses the same bolt locations but different bolts, and reuses the factory grommits ( pop-its ) and attaches through the skid to the flaps on the underside of the bumper. if you look at the first three photos in my second post you can see the black grommits. exact same spot as the OEM skid.

So there is no part the factory one connects to that this one does not. Thanks for your help. I may have to order one.

Thanks for the write up and pics. After reading your post it helps make the decision to buy a little easier. Lots of critters and ice chunks up in my neck of the woods.

Thanks for the write up RaGe!

 

Link to the skidplate (please forgive me! the pics are not updated to show the new plate but the part# is correct forthe V2 plate)

 

http://www.rallitek.com/alskle.html

 

Thanks again!

 

-Sean S.

 

www.RalliTEK.com

 

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w151/RalliTEK/Ad_banner_GCSP01.jpg

The new plate does hang down a bit. It shouldnt be too much of an issue, though i really feel for squirells trying to cross the road now. The plate has very sharp edges and it wouldnt be nothing for it to decapitate one of those furry, nut eating animals, not to mention the loud "TONG" sound it will make when hitting a racoon. I am very anxious to try it out.

 

 

:lol: :lol:

No horse pics

Sweet i hope its similar procedure for the v1 skid plate.

RaGe, You 'poor squirel' post reminded me of this.

 

When driving in his SUV, Chuck Norris always swerves out of the way if a squirrel is in the road. Not because he finds their antics amusing, but because it gives him a chance to run over pedestrians.

Nice. That looks like it provides some good protection. I think I'd be tempted to paint it black, but I'm sure the paint would start chipping off after driving around for a little while.

 

On a side note - Are your passenger side tires mounted incorrectly? I think the tread in the center of the tires should sweep downward like it does on your driver's side.

nope. thought the same thing when i had seen it when i first got the car. I hate these tires so i hope they blow up and shread. maybe i can take it off road and into soem ditches. i have a skid plate now so i should be ok.

 

A multi directional tire is what the company said. So hell with it. This is the last winter these tires are going to see then i am selling them.

Hankook icebears here i come.

Issue 1: The removal of the OEM skid plate, in paragraph 2 like stated above, it says to remove the 2 clips in thr front wheel wells.

 

I think they mean the two popits that hold the sides/vertical part of the OE skid pan up snug which are located in the tire wells.

rage, where are the pics you told me you were going to take?

neked pics?

Damm this skid plate looks like it has better mounting points the the Original SST one. Want to give me a good deal on this V2 rallitek?

RaGe- how was your experience w/ rallitek? i know you have been getting jerked around lately.

 

also, some of the vendors have *less than spectacular* records. it's always good to know when a vendor is actually recommended by someone that doesn't live in their buttocks.

I was left satisfied in the end.

Interesting - wonder it the rear tabs will have any fatigue issues....

no fatigue issues. Even though i had to bed the tabs to align the bolts it did NOT stress the tabs any. Trust me, this thing isnt going anywhere. Its still doing good. I swerved to hit a rabbit but it got away.