Impact Performance Products SkidMaxx

Testing and Final Thoughts

The SkidMaxx has proven itself to me as a very rugged and durable upgrade for the Maxx. Not only does it protect the underside of the chassis very well, but it also binds it together from end to end which massively improves the strength of it overall.

I'll admit before receiving the SkidMaxx, I was skeptical of how difficult maintenance would be after it was installed. However after working with it, on several occasions, I can say that very rarely does it get in the way. The only items that are more difficult to access, are the steering bellcrank and the brake disk. Neither item is accessed frequently, and you would typically encounter some extra effort with aftermarket braces or skid plates anyway. So I don't consider that a major drawback. The benefits of this part far surpassed any minor inconvenience regarding those two areas.

The replaceable nylon brackets for the SkidMaxx were a result of very good planning on the part of IPP. Not only do they provide more support for the front and rear of the SkidMaxx, but in the event they become damaged they are easily and cheaply replaced. They are actually Du-Bro Control Horns, and can be purchased through most hobby outlets. Between securing the plate to the skid plate, and the to bumper and brackets, the SkidMaxx does an excellent job of resisting damage during even severe collisions. A hard enough collision could cause the SkidMaxx to bend, but a basic skid plate would have also bent in that same situation.

The extraordinary amount of bracing does have one drawback though, and that is it removes the flexibility from the Maxx bumper. That's really the only thing that causes me some concern. I'm a real big fan of allowing the bumper to cushion a good part of the impact. This allows some of the impact energy to be dissipated, resulting in less stress on the other components of the truck. I would recommend that aluminum bulkheads be used along with this product due to the loss of the bumper cushioning.

I also think that IPP should look at releasing another version of the SkidMaxx, as an option. For this version you leave the stock skid plates intact, and the SkidMaxx ends where the sharp upward angle of the skid plate begins. You could modify the SkidMaxx yourself to accomplish this, but an alternate version of the product would be nice as well. Regardless of this however, there's no denying how durable the SkidMaxx makes the chassis overall.

IPP only offers a natural finish on the SkidMaxx, so you won't get the option of a colored anodized SkidMaxx from them. Overall I really like a natural finish myself, as it is less prone to showing the scrapes and scratches that occur over time, especially on an underside plate such as this. With an anodized finish, scratches stand out. However the coloring does appeal to many hobbyists, and may be a small disadvantage to those who care for colored parts.

In conclusion I can say, without a doubt, that the SkidMaxx is a very good way to strengthen up a T-Maxx intended to be a basher. I've been very impressed with the quality, fit, and attention to details that IPP has placed into this part. If you are looking at bracing the underside of your Maxx to strengthen it against an onslaught of jumps and general abuse, then the SkidMaxx deserves definite consideration.

Durability 8 Fit 10 Looks 9 Quality 10 Value 9

Overall Score 9.2

Rants	Raves

Prevents Bumpers From Absorbing Impact No Anodized Option

Very Strong Offers Much More Strength Than Individual Skid Plates Plenty Of Truck Maintenance Access Screw Holes Traps Transmission Screws

Source: Impact Performance Products

Reviewed 10.29.2003