WHEN “THE HEAT” GOES HOT RODDING
September 4, 2026
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
Golden Anniversary Special
Just about any gearhead would be thrilled by the opportunity to work with legendary automotive collector and all-around funny guy Jay Leno. Dave Killackey, owner of Performance Transmissions in Azusa, California, not only had the opportunity to work on a number of Leno’s projects, but along the way he’s developed a friendship with the late-night TV host. It’s a close enough friendship that Leno teamed with automotive designer Chip Foose and his “Overhaulin’” TV show to completely transform his rusted-out ’56 Chevrolet Nomad. So yes, you did read this correctly; Dave Killackey is indeed one of the luckiest car guys on the planet—he’s friends with Jay Leno, and he owns a ’56 Nomad that has been overhauled by Chip Foose and the rest of his team.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: DieselSite’s 2008-2010 Ford 6.4L Billet Impeller Water Pump
The original equipment (OE) Ford water pump utilized a plastic impeller that was prone to cracking and breaking off the hub, leading to costly repairs. In response to this common problem, DieselSite has developed a lightweight yet sturdy alternative. Crafted from a billet aluminum alloy, the new water pump ensures exceptional durability, providing peace of mind and protection against impeller failure.
WINGED WARRIOR
The first time Dodge General Manager Bob McCurry saw drawings of the proposed mid-1969 Dodge Charger Daytona, he thought it looked awful. Legend has it that he then asked the engineers: “Will it win races?” After they said it would, the Dodge boss replied: “Well, dammit, go ahead and build it!”
Spotlighter
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Talon’s Garage Skid Plate Package for 2015-2025 Ford F-150
Trail Proven. Purpose Built. Made in America.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Imagers Courtesy of Talon's Garage
There’s no shortage of bolt-on parts for the Ford F-150, but very few are built with real-world punishment in mind. The Talons Garage Ford F-150 skid plate package isn’t designed to look good in a parking lot — it’s engineered to protect your truck when conditions turn rough and mistakes get expensive.
This is serious Ford F-150 underbody protection, designed and manufactured in the USA by a Veteran-owned company that puts function first.
Built in the USA, Engineered to Take Hits
Talons Garage builds this F-150 skid plate package from ¼-inch 5052 aluminum, delivering the kind of strength you can feel the first time it takes a hit. It’s corrosion-resistant, lighter than steel, and strong enough to absorb repeated impacts without bending or failing.
No gimmicks. No unnecessary weight. Just American-made aluminum skid plates built to handle abuse.
Full-Coverage Underbody Protection
Instead of offering piecemeal protection, Talons delivers a complete Ford F-150 underbody defense system. The front engine skid shields vital components like the oil pan and intercooler. The transmission skid doubles as a catalytic converter shield, protecting against trail damage and theft. A dedicated transfer case skid completes the package, keeping the drivetrain protected when terrain gets unpredictable.
It’s full coverage from front to rear — the way real off-road F-150 skid plates should be designed.
Designed to Bolt On, Built to Stay On
This system installs using a fully bolt-on design with zinc-coated hardware and no drilling required on stock 4×4 trucks. Integrated service access points mean oil changes and routine maintenance stay simple. For drivers who push harder, optional reinforcement ribs are available to add stiffness where it matters most.
Install it once. Trust it every time.
Real-World Owner Feedback
Real protection only matters if it installs cleanly and works exactly as promised — and that’s where Talons Garage continues to separate itself from typical aftermarket solutions.
One 2018 Ford F-150 owner summed it up perfectly after installing the front skid plates:
“The fit and finish are outstanding! Everything bolted right in and fit perfectly the first time. My truck didn’t have the factory plastic skid or the hardware, and Talons Garage included everything needed to install the Ford F-150 skid plates. No modifications, no frustration — just a fast, easy install with top-notch hardware.”
That kind of feedback isn’t accidental. From upgraded nutserts to complete hardware kits, Talons Garage designs their Ford F-150 skid plate package to eliminate guesswork. No missing parts. No improvising. No bending or trimming to make things work. It’s engineered to install the way it should — clean, secure, and confidence-inspiring.
For owners used to fighting aftermarket parts just to make them fit, this level of execution makes a real difference.
Veteran Owned. Mission Focused.
Talons Garage is a Veteran-owned American brand, and that discipline shows in every detail. The materials, fitment, and design reflect a mission-driven approach — build it strong, build it right, and build it to last. This isn’t trend-driven gear; it’s equipment made for trucks that earn their keep.
The Bottom Line
If you actually use your 2015–2025 Ford F-150 the way it was intended — off-road, overland, or hard-working duty — the Talons Garage Ford F-150 skid plate package is a foundational upgrade. It delivers real protection, American craftsmanship, and the confidence to push farther without second-guessing what’s underneath.
Click here to view details and purchase the Talons Garage Ford F-150 Skid Plate Package!
ARTICLE SOURCES
Talons Garage
Not just an off-road skid plate, not just a catalytic converter protection plate, but BOTH!
