Skid plate vs. selective protection

[DaveHuny]

For four-wheeling in New England:

In your opinion, is it more useful to go with tie rod, drag link, HD trailing arms and diff protectors a la ECR (http://eastcoastrover.com/offroad101.html) or Steeering skid plate, axle guard, frame sliders, etc. for underbody protection. My D90 came with an ARB bumper + winch but I'd like to get safer underneath.

Thanks,
Dave

[Mike Hippert]

Depends, the south down for the front axle will give the best protection, but it takes up ground clearance and acts like a plow in mud. The other stuff works pretty good but they are more prone to damage then the south down.Frame sliders are good for stock hight trucks, but if you run 35s like I do you don't hit the frame. Must haves would be protection for the front and rear diff and pinion guards, then the steering stuff, then the frame stuff.