The transfer-case skid plate is huge if you're not going with a 4" or more suspension lift. If you check what you have stock you'll find it to be as flimsy as the plastic splash guard under the engine. I repeatedly hit the TC when playing around on even mild stuff and it was what stopped me cresting steep inclines being the lowest point on the truck.

But Joel is right; the only benefit to the one I had fabricated was in unison with a drivetrain lift. I used 4crawler engine mount lift blocks for 2", had the skidplate incorporate 2+" of lift, raised the center support bearing/notched the crossmember 2" and adjusted the pinion angle while doing a U-bolt flip to maintain the proper angles. You should also understand that my mods were not cost-effective for someone who intends to sell their truck. I did this for the long-haul and can rationalize that the expense will be spread over 20+ years of use. They'll be prying my cold, dead fingers off the TC lever after I die and will probably have to wipe the smile off my face for the viewing <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Brew

For adequate protection without all the additional mods, a simple steel plate might work and at least allow you to high-center or scrape without all the abuse being put on the transfercase itself.


p.s. - Here's a link to the bearing/crossmember mod... Link