On my 88, I do not run a front skid plate and have not had a problem yet in 4 years of wheeling hard. I feel that a front skid actually hangs you up more than it helps. The front diff is pretty well protected by the suspension components. For my dual cases I have a BudBuilt crossmember with skid plate and it has taken a beating and laughed everytime. My stock fuel tank skid lasted all of two runs before it was beat to hell and the tank started to collapse. I purchased a Skid Row Xterra gas tank skid and modified it to work, which works out perfectly. This is the skid that I tend to hit the most since the gas tank hangs down about 4" below the frame rails. I do drag my belly often since I have no lift and 37's, but the skids that I have work well.
