S10 Blazer Skid Plates: Where to start
BF Guru
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 5,610
From: Moscow, ID
I have not seen any tests, but what I have seen first hand....the aluminum hold up much better. Typical, being they are heavier and metal. The same hit that might crack or fracture a carbon fiber plate, would scratch/dent or bend an aluminum one.
If I remember correctly, I think blazen_red_4x4 posted a picture of his CF plate cracked after hitting a tree stump.
Safe to say, aluminum is probably preferred, but carbon fiber is better than nothing.
If I remember correctly, I think blazen_red_4x4 posted a picture of his CF plate cracked after hitting a tree stump.
Safe to say, aluminum is probably preferred, but carbon fiber is better than nothing.
I cannot for the life of me seem to find it now... But I remember reading an article that the composite skids scored better in GM testing at their proving grounds vs the aluminum. The composite skids can flex and absorb smaller impacts that would dent an aluminum skid. If you're wheeling hard enough to bust a composite skid you probably should invest in steel lol 
I'm currently running them because they are so much lighter than the aluminum, with almost the same strength. For some reason, I think the 10lbs makes a difference.
I found some old threads on here and s10forum where a guy used to make and sell s-series steel skid plates. Wonder whatever happened to that guy..
Last edited by N. Jensen; May 7, 2019 at 04:43 PM.
BF Veteran
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,278
From: Texas
I've got a buddy with a welder, who has offered to fab me up whatever custom skids I want. When the tine comes (hopefully this year, I got too many blazer projects I want to do) I'm gonna pick up a 4'x8' sheet of 1/4" steel, and have some serious armor. I'll be sure to post pics and dimensions, of course
I've got a buddy with a welder, who has offered to fab me up whatever custom skids I want. When the tine comes (hopefully this year, I got too many blazer projects I want to do) I'm gonna pick up a 4'x8' sheet of 1/4" steel, and have some serious armor. I'll be sure to post pics and dimensions, of course
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,185
From: Zurich
Front skid plate
Engine Skid plate - forward is to the left
Transmission case - forward is to the left.
Finally managed to take some rudimentary pics of my 1994 OEM equipped S10 Blazer 4x4.
It features 3 skid plates made of aluminium.
The first is between the bumper and the lower crossmember (below the radiator).
The second is under the engine Two bolts to the engine crossmember and two on the sides of the frame.
The third is under the transfer case and bolts to the transmission crossmember and the aft cross frame.
Thanks Error_401!
I actually saw an 86 S10 Pickup Sport edition at the salvage yard last weekend. The front skid was missing, but the other two were there. Off topic, the interior was very cool.... Bucket seats and door panels adorned with the 'Sport Edition' insignia. I will snap some pics if it's still there.
I actually saw an 86 S10 Pickup Sport edition at the salvage yard last weekend. The front skid was missing, but the other two were there. Off topic, the interior was very cool.... Bucket seats and door panels adorned with the 'Sport Edition' insignia. I will snap some pics if it's still there.
