This is a note for the 2 gen Rodeos / Axioms without factory-installed oil pan skid plates. About 6 weeks ago, I decided to find out why my new Axiom has no oil pan skid plate. I went to the dealer and asked why. The reply was that not all Rodeos/Axioms were designed with the oil pan skid plate. Some models are just not equipped with them and have different front setup. I was sure that this is a BS. Then I asked, "well, can I order a skid plate for a different Axiom or Rodeo model, and this will be my responsibility what to do with it ?". They ordered one, it was $28 price. Today it finaly came to me, and it fits perfectly to my Axiom. The fittings are perfect. So, the only difference between the oil-pan-skidplate-equipped vehicles and the not-equipped vehicles is the absence of the skidplate. Order one from the dealer, or find one on a junkyard, and it will fit.

An additional bonus is that it protects the steering gear, also.