If you’re looking to gain every inch of ground clearance possible from your Bronco or Ranger Raptor, the Next Venture Motorsports Flat Belly Skid Plate System is the key. Unlike most skid plates that bolt under the factory transmission crossmembers, this system replaces them entirely — giving you a perfectly smooth underbody and eliminating the lowest-hanging obstacles.
In this post, we’ll cover what’s included, how the system assembles, and what makes this design the ultimate upgrade for serious off-roaders.
🧰 The Flat Belly Concept
On most 4x4s — including the Ford Bronco — the factory crossmembers and skid brackets hang down below the frame rails, creating a “belly bulge” that can snag rocks and reduce clearance.
Our Flat Belly Skid System solves that problem by deleting the factory crossmember extensions and replacing them with a full-length structural skid assembly. Once installed, your underbody becomes smooth, flat, and trail-ready.
This setup is ideal for:
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Broncos that don’t include the transmission crossmember extensions from the factory
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Owners upgrading for true flat belly geometry and maximum clearance
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Ranger Raptor builds looking for stronger, lighter protection
🧩 Video Overview: Flat Belly Skid Assembly
In the video, Tyler and Jacob walk through the complete assembly process for the system — before it’s ever installed on the vehicle. This step-by-step process shows how each component fits together and how to prepare your skid system for installation.
You’ll see how to:
✅ Assemble UHMW and aluminum components
✅ Properly torque bolts for a secure fit
✅ Assemble the wing brackets and sway bar mounts
✅ Prepare the factory crossmember for modification and alignment
This assembly video ensures your kit is fully prepped, torqued, and ready for the install phase (coming in the next video).
🔧 Hardware and Tools
Each skid system includes clearly labeled hardware bags for every skid section. Keeping these organized makes final installation much easier.
Tools Used:
🔨 7/32 Allen key
🔨 9/16 socket
🔨 3/8" & 1/4" countersunk bolts
🔨 Nyloc nuts and washers
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t overtighten hardware through UHMW — it compresses more easily than aluminum. Tighten snugly and check that the UHMW surface isn’t “mushrooming” out under the bolt head.
🚙 Compatible Models
📦 2021+ Ford Bronco (all trims EXCLUDING SPORT!)
📦 Ford Ranger (Raptor ONLY)
⚙️ Shop and Learn More
🛒 Shop the Flat Belly Skid System:
👉 https://nextventuremotorsports.com/products/bronco-aluminum-belly-skids
📖 Learn more about installing the Bronco 7000 Series Skid Plate System:
👉 https://nextventuremotorsports.com/blogs/news/installing-the-bronco-7000-series-skid-plate-system
🎥 Watch the Assembly Video
Tyler and Jacob cover every bolt, bracket, and alignment step in detail — ensuring your flat belly skid comes together smoothly before it ever touches the truck.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re building a dedicated rock crawler or just want to protect your rig’s most vulnerable components, the Next Venture Flat Belly Skid Plate System is the ultimate upgrade for your Bronco or Ranger Raptor.
By removing the factory crossmembers and integrating that strength into the skid system itself, you’ll get incredible clearance, better approach and departure geometry, and a clean, smooth underbody that’s ready for any trail.
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