Rear diff skid for FP diff cover. What else?

[Ape Factory]

I'm likely never going to be a hard-core rock crawler but I am planning on taking a few trips a year to off road in places like Big Bend and a few other spots. I have the Ford Performance diff cover and I'd like to get a skid plate for it. It looks like they'd all need modification if they bolt around the cover's radius. is that the case or is there something out there that's available without modification? I'd prefer to leave whatever coating is on the skid plate intact but willing to modify if it's my only option.

Other than that, what other areas are the most vulnerable and would be worth the peace of mind to install slider? Rear shocks?

I'd like to try Engineering Pass in Colorado and that's probably as difficult as I'd attempt at this point. I don't plan on doing something like Black Bear. Advice appreciated!

 

[Ironmike]

I'm likely never going to be a hard-core rock crawler but I am planning on taking a few trips a year to off road in places like Big Bend and a few other spots. I have the Ford Performance diff cover and I'd like to get a skid plate for it. It looks like they'd all need modification if they bolt around the cover's radius. is that the case or is there something out there that's available without modification? I'd prefer to leave whatever coating is on the skid plate intact but willing to modify if it's my only option.

Other than that, what other areas are the most vulnerable and would be worth the peace of mind to install slider? Rear shocks?

I'd like to try Engineering Pass in Colorado and that's probably as difficult as I'd attempt at this point. I don't plan on doing something like Black Bear. Advice appreciated!

Black Bear is not as technical as you think, but the exposure may affect your sphincter! Seriously though, I don’t think those CO passes generally require full armor, especially considering the BRaptor’s great stock ground clearance.

 

[Ape Factory]

I have a serious fear of heights so it might be a bit much for me, LOL. Plus I'll have the wife with me and it'll either be on the way up, or back, from Glacier National in September. We'll be pretty far from home (Texas) so if I can spend a little bit on some prevention, it may be worth it. I've always been of the prepare for the worst, make for the best mindset.

I've watched a few vids on Black Bear, including the jeep falling off the side of the mountain. I have a very high tolerance for fear but the wife, probably not as much. Engineering Pass looks interesting enough honestly.

Hoping to head out to Big Bend next month although I don't think there's anything in the National or State park that's a big challenge (other than width) and not many drop-offs either. Just trying to work into this slowly with a level head.