Skid plates on Outback?

I would really like to replace my '98 Outback with '05 turbo Outback. I bought factory engine guard protector and rear differential protector when I bought my '98. I don't see these options for the '05. Are they standard or not available? I see rear diff protector is an option on the Forester. Not the engine skid plate though. Anyone know? Thanks, Steve

well, it's all plastic now under the front half of the car.. so I doubt you can get a metal skid plate for the front anymore.. typically you can go to your local speed shop and they can just bolt on a custom plate for ya if you wish to go that heavy duty. Keefe

Is a skid plate needed now (for the engine or rear diff) with the change to the undercarriage? I drive on fire roads with decent ruts sometimes. I always felt glad I bought the skid plates for the '98 Outback. Thanks!

better off getting the OEM rear one and when you get the chance, find a local speed shop to make you a front skid plate that can replace the stock front plastic diffuser plate instead... plastic wont survive 10 seconds on the roads you are describing.. Keefe

Thanks. I wonder why they no longer offer one. The rear diff. protector isn't on the option list I saw either.

There is a metal skid plate for the 05, but it's not made by Subaru. Haven't heard of anyone making a rear diff protector. But they're cheap enough used that there's no reason someone couldn't try retrofitting one.

primative racing makes a skid plate for the OB. Check out this link [url="http://www.writerguy.com/primitive/skid.htm#front"]http://www.writerguy.com/primitive/skid.htm#front[/url]. I talked to Paul and he said he can make a skid plate for the new OB. If you get it make sure to put some pics up. I have been thinking about adding a skid plate on my car for some fire roads.

I asked Paul and he said only '05 model he did was the Forester. Think we could get him to if we had enough people wanting it? I won't buy a car for semi offroad if I can't get skid plates.

[quote name='SteveSatch']I asked Paul and he said only '05 model he did was the Forester. Think we could get him to if we had enough people wanting it? I won't buy a car for semi offroad if I can't get skid plates.[/QUOTE] A member over at Outback.org was just asking the exact same question, check this thread and you may find some answers: [color=#1f467d][url="http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1662"]http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1662[/url][/color][url="http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1662&highlight=paisan"][/url]

I saw Subaru has the rear differential skid plate listed for the Baja. I wonder if it will fit the Outback.