Studs and Tunnel Protector

[krawler1]

Forgive me if i use the wrong terms to describe something on my sled. Very little tech experience.

Just bought a 2010 Apex. its not studded, id like to do it myself. One concern i have is when i looked under the sled, i can see the exhaust. If i install woody's 1.25" studs im concerned if i bottom out they may do damage to the exhaust. Is this where the tunnel protector is supposed to be? Should something be installed to protect the sled or leave it as is?

thanks

Any thoughts?

 

[1CrazySledder]

dont these sleds come with tunnel protectors? There should be two long square tubes running the inside length of the tunnel.

 

[Phazernut]

Should be 2 aluminum protectors running the full length of the tunnel. 1.325 studs will be fine. I would reccomend getting the woodys template, track marker, and track drill. Get your sled up nice and high in the rear and get a comfy chair. Took me most of a day to stud mine with 192 studs. I would reccomend doing 144 up the middle. Get good quality studs like woodys stainless and make sure you keep them tightened properly. A lose stud is a bad thing if not caught.

 

[Powerguy]

I would bolt 2-2 foot pieces of hyfax to the tunnel protectors as added security. My 09 came with the full length tunnel protectors and the rear heat exchanger got marked up by my studs. Woody's 1.325 studs.