Removing fuel tank skid plate--grease bolt holes?

[duchunter6]

I have a BH with ORP... I just bought the Mopar wheel-to-wheel side steps and they're so dang heavy, I feel like I need to remove the fuel tank skid plate to make up for the added weight. Not planning on doing any off-roading for a while.

Do I put anti-seize or some grease into the bolt holes and onto bolts after taking off the skid plate? I feel like stuff is going to rust and if I do any off-roading in the future, I may want to put that skid plate back on.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Richard320]

Put a dab of anti-seize on the bolts and screw them back in. Done.

 

[HemiDude]

Just curious, what is your concern on the added weight? Is it fuel economy, or something else?

 

[duchunter6]

Thanks @Richard320!

@HemiDude Yeah, my MPG is hurting (HEMI, but eTorque), it's nowhere near advertised. Plus I'm about to get a bed cap, so shedding weight seems like a good idea, especially since I don't off-road (as indicated by getting W2W side steps)! I'm glad I got the ORP though, as I wanted a full-size spare and I like the 1" lift (though both definitely hurt the gas mileage).

 

[duchunter6]

Also, the Mopar side steps install guide says "Use a shot of corrosion preventative on studs after install." Is that also anti-seize, or are they referring to something more specific?

 

[PurpleRT]

You’ll going to be in for a surprise lol our trucks aren’t exactly fuel efficient shedding that minor weights isn’t going to make much of a difference IMO. EPA ratings are skewed cause its not your exact configuration and not base off real world conditions.

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[djevox]

Also, the Mopar side steps install guide says "Use a shot of corrosion preventative on studs after install." Is that also anti-seize, or are they referring to something more specific?

Regular silver anti-seize is fine for those bolts, and I doubt whatever mopar would give you is anything but repackaged silver anti-seize.

 

[PurpleRT]

Regular silver anti-seize is fine for those bolts, and I doubt whatever mopar would give you is anything but repackaged silver anti-seize.

This lol. No need to reengineer the wheel lol anti seize has been around a long time and has continue to be effective.


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[HSKR R/T]

Thanks @Richard320!

@HemiDude Yeah, my MPG is hurting (HEMI, but eTorque), it's nowhere near advertised. Plus I'm about to get a bed cap, so shedding weight seems like a good idea, especially since I don't off-road (as indicated by getting W2W side steps)! I'm glad I got the ORP though, as I wanted a full-size spare and I like the 1" lift (though both definitely hurt the gas mileage).

The skid plate isn't that heavy. If anything the added aero under the truck from the skid plate makes up for it's weight. You won't notice any difference in MPG removing it

 

[HemiDude]

Thanks @Richard320!

@HemiDude Yeah, my MPG is hurting (HEMI, but eTorque), it's nowhere near advertised. Plus I'm about to get a bed cap, so shedding weight seems like a good idea, especially since I don't off-road (as indicated by getting W2W side steps)! I'm glad I got the ORP though, as I wanted a full-size spare and I like the 1" lift (though both definitely hurt the gas mileage).

Aahhh, I see your thought process. Depending on your cap, maybe it will some aerodynamics.....

 

[Rick3478]

Shedding weight will claw back some payload capacity.

To get advertised MPG, drive 45 MPH on flat roads and no stops.

For the side steps, they are probably talking about the black goop that you spray on frame and underbody to inhibit rust, and it's a reasonable choice for unused bolt holes as well.