The front bash plate your Bronco actually needs
That angled skid between your front bumper and the IFS is where most of your impacts happen—especially when you’re carrying speed over ledges, washouts, or whoops. On the Bronco, that area also hides some very important (and very fragile) pieces:
This 7075 front lower skid / bash plate is designed to take those hits for your Ford Bronco and Bronco Raptor so your cooling system doesn’t have to.
7075-T6 aluminum + UHMW: lightweight, brutal protection
Our 7000 Series armor combines:
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7075-T6 aluminum skid plate – Far stronger than common 6061 or mild steel per pound, with excellent resistance to bending and permanent deformation.
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UHMW wear surface – Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene lets the Bronco slide over rocks instead of hanging up on them, while helping spread out hard impacts over a larger area.
The result is a front bash plate that stays lighter than comparable steel pieces, shrugs off big hits, and doesn’t turn every obstacle into an anchor.
Steel where it counts: zinc-plated reinforcement
Behind the 7075 plate is a zinc-plated steel reinforcement structure. The aluminum can flex and absorb energy without cracking, while the steel backbone keeps it from deflecting into sensitive components like the oil cooler or radiator core.
Airflow-friendly, trail ready
The front of the skid features four dimple-died holes that do double duty:
You keep the protection where it matters most without choking off the radiator or cooler.
Designed around the factory steel Bronco bumper
This front lower skid is designed to mate up to the factory Ford Bronco steel front bumper and is pictured with the Ford Modular Steel Front Bumper.
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Intended for 2021+ Ford Bronco
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Also fits Bronco Raptor (Braptor) with the factory steel bumper -- when paired with our Bronco skid system
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Designed around OEM geometry, so it should play nicely with most factory or OEM-style steel front bumpers
If you’re running an aftermarket bumper, check clearances and mounting before hammering it in the rocks.
Simple bolt-on install
We built this as a straightforward bolt-on add-on to our 7000 Series Skid Systems for Ford Bronco. It is designed to mate with our skid system -- it is not designed to mate with the factory skid plates (see FAQ below).
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No cutting or welding required when installed with our skid system
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Reuses factory locations and hardware where possible (plus supplied hardware where needed)
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Easily installable in a home garage with basic hand tools
Built in-house. Trail tested.
Like the rest of our 7000 Series skid systems, this Bronco front bash plate is:
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CAD designed, laser cut, CNC formed, and hand welded in-house
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Made in the USA
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Trail tested on real Ford Broncos before we ever put it up for sale
If you want a front skid that actually works when you’re pushing your Bronco hard—whether that’s crawling, pre-running, or just making bad decisions on your favorite trail—this is the piece you want in front of your IFS.
Key Features
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Fits 2021+ Ford Bronco and Bronco Raptor with factory steel front bumper and our 7000 Series Bronco skid system
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7075-T6 aluminum front lower skid / bash plate with UHMW wear layer
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Zinc-plated steel reinforcement bracketry behind the skid
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Protects oil cooler, bottom of radiator, front crossmember, and leading edge of the IFS
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Four dimple-died vents for added strength and improved cooling airflow
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Designed as an add-on for Next Venture 7000 Series Bronco skid systems
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Simple bolt-on installation using factory mounting points
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Made in the USA, built in-house by Next Venture Motorsports
FAQ:
Q: Will this front skid hurt my Bronco’s cooling?
A: The skid uses four dimple-died vents to maintain airflow to the oil cooler and radiator while still shielding them from impacts. It’s designed to protect the front of your IFS and cooling stack without turning it into an oven.
Q: Why 7075 instead of steel or 6061/5052 aluminum?
A: 7075-T6 offers steel-like strength at a much lower weight, and it resists permanent bending better than common 6000-series and 5000-series aluminum. Paired with UHMW and a steel backing structure, you get a front bash plate that’s strong, light, and slides instead of sticking to obstacles.
Q: Is the Bash Plate compatible with my Next Venture 5000 Series Belly Skid System?
A: Yes, but you have to select the 5000 Series option before you add the product to your cart.
Q: How do I identify what skid system I have on my Bronco?
A: Please give us a call and we can help you identify what system you have. 970-462-7368
Q: Can I run this with my factory skid plates?
A: This bash plate is designed to pair with our Bronco skid system. It meets up with the factory steel bumper, but it is not designed to mate cleanly with the factory skid plates. Some customers have made it work, but it may require modification -- on the Bronco Raptor, a factory frame bracket has to be removed and the factory front skid will not reinstall. Please call us before ordering if you plan to keep your factory skids. 970-462-7368
Q: Does it work with aftermarket bumpers?
A: It’s designed around the factory Ford Bronco steel bumper and pictured with the Ford Modular Steel Front Bumper. Many bumpers that retain factory frame horns and mounting points should work, but always verify clearances with your specific setup. Please call us if you have specific questions on bumper compatibility. 970-462-7368
