PDM Skid Plate (7.3)

[Flourman]

Got my PDM skid plate on to protect that plastic pan transmission. Overall, not super impressed with it finish wise. Shipped in double layered, heavy plastic vs. a box. Part of the plastic was ripped. Looks like they put it on a brake to give it a slight bend. In doing so, they cut the angles on the side and then weld them. The interior was not welded and looks pretty bad. Granted, this is going under the truck and won’t see the light again.

It looks like there will be plenty of room for the oil filter to come out, it will likely make a bit of a mess though. The transmission drain panel uses threaded inserts to hold it on which is way better than threading into the aluminum. Took like 30 minutes to install and was super easy.

 

[ccw]

Thanks for that! I'll be installing mine next week after my first oil change, so good to know it went onto a 22MY without issues!

And agreed that the large bag for shipping was a bit out of the ordinary.

 

[blueonblack21]

- Coming from a 13 F150 with full RCI skidplates, it’s hard for me to accept this design, not to mention the build quality/finish. Certainly not an attempt to bash your decision; they need protection. Hell, I feel like I’m running towards a gunfight with no armor on every time I venture off the concrete, but sheesh…

 

[Flourman]

- Coming from a 13 F150 with full RCI skidplates, it’s hard for me to accept this design, not to mention the build quality/finish. Certainly not an attempt to bash your decision; they need protection. Hell, I feel like I’m running towards a gunfight with no armor on every time I venture off the concrete, but sheesh…

Oh I agree fully. For the price, I expected much better.

 

[plethoragreen]

- Coming from a 13 F150 with full RCI skidplates, it’s hard for me to accept this design, not to mention the build quality/finish. Certainly not an attempt to bash your decision; they need protection. Hell, I feel like I’m running towards a gunfight with no armor on every time I venture off the concrete, but sheesh…

I had full aluminum skids from RCI on my 2013 F150 also! I have emailed them about making skids for Super Duties and they weren't interested.

 

[SomethingRandom]

Interesting that it bolted right up on the 7.3. I have a 6.7 and on my truck at least I had to drill the hole for the second mounting bolt. My Tacoma had a three piece skid setup from Tyler Pelfrey that was bullet proof. I’m somewhat surprised there are so few options for SDs.

on the finish front I painted mine. Couple coats of self etching primer, then a couple coats of high temp black. I might pull it off and powder coat it later.

 

[Flourman]

Interesting that it bolted right up on the 7.3. I have a 6.7 and on my truck at least I had to drill the hole for the second mounting bolt. My Tacoma had a three piece skid setup from Tyler Pelfrey that was bullet proof. I’m somewhat surprised there are so few options for SDs.

on the finish front I painted mine. Couple coats of self etching primer, then a couple coats of high temp black. I might pull it off and powder coat it later.

On the gasser, you have to open up one of the front holes to 7/16”. This feels pretty good and at least it will cover that plastic pan on the tranny.

 

[SomethingRandom]

Both versions mount the same it’s just the coverage is different. The crossmember on my truck is not drilled the same as previous years and the wheel speed sensor wire mount was also relocated from previous years. Not sure if this is a 2022 6.7 thing or if my truck is jus special.

 

[Flourman]

Little update on the skid plate. It’s working perfectly but a bit of caution on it. The exhaust passed close to the rear and can catch and hold dry things like grass and corn stalks and smolder them. Drove across some corn stubble this weekend and had some leaves and stalk pieces sit up there and start to smolder. Could smell it really quickly so it wasn’t an issue.

The way the heat shield sits there acts to catch stuff and hold it against the exhaust as well.

 

[ccw]

Little update on the skid plate. It’s working perfectly but a bit of caution on it. The exhaust passed close to the rear and can catch and hold dry things like grass and corn stalks and smolder them. Drove across some corn stubble this weekend and had some leaves and stalk pieces sit up there and start to smolder. Could smell it really quickly so it wasn’t an issue.

The way the heat shield sits there acts to catch stuff and hold it against the exhaust as well.

I also noticed how close the exhaust was to the skid plate, but definitely didn’t think of the fire risk from picked up debris! Thank you for the heads up!

 

[Jericho]

Would something like this negate your need for this 'armor'?

I know well-made armor like RCI would be preferable but since it not available and the PDM design seems... lacking... Perhaps a steel pan should be considered.

aFe POWER Pro Series Transmission Pan Black w/ Machined Fins

Increased Fluid Capacity: This Transmission pan has an increased fluid capacity of approximately 4 quarts over stock for better performance over a longer duration. Built-in Internal/External Fins: Built-in internal and external fins transfer heat from the oil to the outside air for maximum...

afepower.com

 

[ccw]

Would something like this negate your need for this 'armor'?

I know well-made armor like RCI would be preferable but since it not available and the PDM design seems... lacking... Perhaps a steel pan should be considered.

aFe POWER Pro Series Transmission Pan Black w/ Machined Fins

Increased Fluid Capacity: This Transmission pan has an increased fluid capacity of approximately 4 quarts over stock for better performance over a longer duration. Built-in Internal/External Fins: Built-in internal and external fins transfer heat from the oil to the outside air for maximum...

afepower.com

Feels less like it's preferable to the PDM and more that it's different trade-offs. Good reasons to go either way.

Pros of the PDM over the RCI:

• Protects both the oil and transmission pans. While the transmission pan is the main concern since it's plastic, I still like giving the oil pan some protection as well.
• PDM doesn't alter anything to do with the powertrain. By changing the transmission pan, you're now messing with the transmission - albeit in what should be a very minor way. After the Banks series on rear differential covers, I'm pretty wary about switching out covers.
• PDM, being a skid plate, has better "skidding" properties. More likely to skid over something than collide with it, reducing damage.
• The sacrificial part is the skid plate, which isn't attached to the drivetrain. If the AFE takes a large hit and cracks, you're SOL whereas the skid plate will just be horribly bent. The likelihood of this will vary depending on your usage, but technically a benefit of the PDM in an extreme situation.
• Install doesn't require dropping the transmission pan, which makes it a very simple/low risk DIY install.

Pros of the RCI over the PDM:

• Less expensive if you only are worried about the transmission pan and if you can do the install yourself.
• May get you better transmission fluid cooling. (They advertise it, but I'm personally not convinced it's meaningful without seeing third party testing.)
• Won't cause things to catch near the exhaust, potentially leading to fire. This is the biggest benefit by a long shot IMO.
• Doesn't interfere with fluid changes.

 

[Jericho]

Feels less like it's preferable to the PDM and more that it's different trade-offs. Good reasons to go either way.

Pros of the PDM over the RCI:

• Protects both the oil and transmission pans. While the transmission pan is the main concern since it's plastic, I still like giving the oil pan some protection as well.
• PDM doesn't alter anything to do with the powertrain. By changing the transmission pan, you're now messing with the transmission - albeit in what should be a very minor way. After the Banks series on rear differential covers, I'm pretty wary about switching out covers.
• PDM, being a skid plate, has better "skidding" properties. More likely to skid over something than collide with it, reducing damage.
• The sacrificial part is the skid plate, which isn't attached to the drivetrain. If the AFE takes a large hit and cracks, you're SOL whereas the skid plate will just be horribly bent. The likelihood of this will vary depending on your usage, but technically a benefit of the PDM in an extreme situation.
• Install doesn't require dropping the transmission pan, which makes it a very simple/low risk DIY install.

Pros of the RCI over the PDM:

• Less expensive if you only are worried about the transmission pan and if you can do the install yourself.
• May get you better transmission fluid cooling. (They advertise it, but I'm personally not convinced it's meaningful without seeing third party testing.)
• Won't cause things to catch near the exhaust, potentially leading to fire. This is the biggest benefit by a long shot IMO.
• Doesn't interfere with fluid changes.

Reading about the potential for fire gave me pause. I would like to armor the Tremor, I'm just unconvinced the PDM design is the way.

Having virtually no alternatives does simplify the consideration, but I'm curious how long that will be the case. Simply for the sake of comparison, looking at the RCI F150 offerings, the difference in the fit, and finish, is stark.

Full Skid Plate Package | 15-22 F-150

Provide the maximum protection for your 2015-2021 F-150 with a full skid plate package deal by RCI Metalworks. Protect your investment with RCI skids, the ultimate defense for all on and off-road h…

rcimetalworks.com

As always, I believe the collective experience of the forum remains one of the most valuable resources we have in determining what works and what doesn't. I'm always just exploring possible alternatives so as to help prevent the formation of the echo chambers that small groups like this are prone to forming.

 

[ccw]

Reading about the potential for fire gave me pause. I would like to armor the Tremor, I'm just unconvinced the PDM design is the way.

Having virtually no alternatives does simplify the consideration, but I'm curious how long that will be the case. Simply for the sake of comparison, looking at the RCI F150 offerings, the difference in the fit, and finish, is stark.

Full Skid Plate Package | 15-22 F-150

Provide the maximum protection for your 2015-2021 F-150 with a full skid plate package deal by RCI Metalworks. Protect your investment with RCI skids, the ultimate defense for all on and off-road h…

rcimetalworks.com

As always, I believe the collective experience of the forum remains one of the most valuable resources we have in determining what works and what doesn't. I'm always just exploring possible alternatives so as to help prevent the formation of the echo chambers that small groups like this are prone to forming.

Fully agreed. No question the PDM solution feels crude, and the fire risk scares me the most as well. The RCI setup has much higher polish, especially considering it’s essentially the same price!

I sincerely hope the Tremor (and effectively Super Duty at the same time) skid plate market expands.

 

[SomethingRandom]

One the off road market for SD hasn’t been as large as 150s. Two isn’t the 150 IFS? That radically simplifies skid design and fitment. This might change but let’s be honest. A Super Duty is not an ideal wheeling rig.

 

[ccw]

One the off road market for SD hasn’t been as large as 150s. Two isn’t the 150 IFS? That radically simplifies skid design and fitment. This might change but let’s be honest. A Super Duty is not an ideal wheeling rig.

Good point about the F150 being IFS! It is, and I can definitely see that simplifying things.

Agreed that the Super Duty isn't an ideal wheeling rig, but given how long they are it makes it pretty easy to high-center them regardless, which is where the skid plate is nice to have for peace of mind.

 

[SomethingRandom]

Good point about the F150 being IFS! It is, and I can definitely see that simplifying things.

Agreed that the Super Duty isn't an ideal wheeling rig, but given how long they are it makes it pretty easy to high-center them regardless, which is where the skid plate is nice to have for peace of mind.

I just meant that it’s not surprising there are few companies making skids for our trucks. I agree they are great piece of mind.

To the guy asking about the AFI trans pan. Potentially better than stock, though I think it hangs lower. The problem from an OR perspective is that pan will crack rather than bend (worst case). This is why it’s not a skid replacement.

 

[Jericho]

One the off road market for SD hasn’t been as large as 150s. Two isn’t the 150 IFS? That radically simplifies skid design and fitment. This might change but let’s be honest. A Super Duty is not an ideal wheeling rig.

And?

It's not surprising there are few companies making skids for our trucks, but, like virtually every other aspect of the emergent Tremor market, it is constantly expanding, and new suppliers are entering the mix every day. There is no reason to expect this segment to remain barren.

Absolutely, IFS and a live axle are different animals. If that were my point, you'd have me there... My point, was simply to contrast the quality of worksmanship RCI puts into their systems. Not to highlight the difference in armor coverage of the front end of the vehicle. There is no prohibition on quality worksmanship - no matter what components are eventually offered for our trucks. PDM's kit is better than nothing, but that does not imply it's good.

I don't care about placing judgement on the capacities of the F250 Tremor. Whether it is ideal, acceptable, good, bad, or ugly, it is an $80,000 utility vehicle with an ownership historically committed to demonstrable recreational spending power. If you look at the primary consumer demographics, even anecdotally, you are going to see a higher than average concentration of vintage vehicles, sports and muscle cars, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, planes, helicopters, RV's, UTV's, boats, and firearms... More than most market segments, this group spends heavily on outdoor lifestyle and recreational gear.

Why does this matter? Because to many smaller boutique accessory providers, securing a segment that has not only sufficient numbers, but a sufficient expectation of discretionary spenders within that segment, is a powerfully motivating force. While absolutely not an absolute indicator of manufacturer willingness, it is nonetheless an observation backed by empirical proof. Take the case of Transfer Flow, who, after being petitioned almost exclusively by this community, agree to manufacture a 50+ gallon gasoline tank for the Superduty with the intention to deliver toward the end of Q1 2022.

Really, in the end, I'm going to replace that plastic pan regardless of the armor situation. When Ford tried to pull this shit with their oil pans and single use plugs - it was a nightmare across the board. They've already demonstrated they do not intend to stand by this transmission with their comical 100,000 mile service intervals and a 60,000 mile warranty. I'm not sure that I trust their plastic crap solution any more than I do the cheap internals they put into these 10R140's. I'll likely have the recommended aftermarket components swapped in regardless... Having a 7.3L, the modifications are only estimated at $2,000 - a fraction of the $10,000 full rebuild potential of the 6.7's... I figure armor or not, finding a quality steel replacement pan is an inevitability though CCW is correct, I don't need a deeper pan, or added capacity, just a better quality piece of kit.

Best believe, there are already two entrants in the Superduty off-road armor game that I'm aware of... There will be more, whether RCI wants in on the segment or not.

 

[SomethingRandom]

The IFS trucks are easier to make full coverage skids for. That was the only reason I mentioned it. You are correct there is nothing preventing someone from producing higher quality products for SDs. I never suggested otherwise. No one seems to be interested in making these higher quality skids for SDs. While I’m hopeful that the Tremor package helps spur that and other product development. I’m not going to hold my breath. It’s the equivalent of a TRD OR package on a Taco/T4R. Not particularly special/just sane bolt ons (IMO). This generation is pretty much over. And I’m more inclined to believe folks will chase the next gen if they do at all.

I don’t have a Tremor, it didn’t meet my needs. But if Tremor ownership expands the aftermarket with quality options I’m happy. Because they’ll overwhelmingly be applicable to my truck as well.

 

[Jericho]

The IFS trucks are easier to make full coverage skids for. That was the only reason I mentioned it. You are correct there is nothing preventing someone from producing higher quality products for SDs. I never suggested otherwise. No one seems to be interested in making these higher quality skids for SDs. While I’m hopeful that the Tremor package helps spur that and other product development. I’m not going to hold my breath. It’s the equivalent of a TRD OR package on a Taco/T4R. Not particularly special/just sane bolt ons (IMO). This generation is pretty much over. And I’m more inclined to believe folks will chase the next gen if they do at all.

I don’t have a Tremor, it didn’t meet my needs. But if Tremor ownership expands the aftermarket with quality options I’m happy. Because they’ll overwhelmingly be applicable to my truck as well.

Guess we'll see.