Truck geek question: skid plates

So anyone with a clue about vehicles...I have a '00 Xterra and noticed a loud metal 'clang' when I drove over dips. Stopped to check it out and the the front skid plate (I think) was hanging completely loose, just attached with one bolt. It normally covers the front area of the front axle...

Anyway I removed the last bolt so it wouldn't just fall off and wouldn't bounce all over the place driving. This exposed more of the front axle, a belt of some sort, and some other stuff. I know the skid plate isn't vital to the truck's operation, but I'm just wondering if having it off there is leaving parts inside more vulnerable to the elements? Worried about driving it in this week's snowstorms/salt/road grime/etc. until I can find some replacement bolts and get it back in place. Thanks!

i used to remove the skid plates on my Montero after i got back from the trail. sometimes i'd forget to put them back on for a few weeks. the primary purpose of the skid plate is protectioni from rocks, debris, etc. i don't think you'll damage any vital parts. i don't think 2wd Xterras have skid plates so i wouldn't worry too much about it.
in the meantime, if you are really worried about driving around sans skid plates you can go super ghetto style and use some industrial strength/heavy duty zip ties. they work pretty well, especially if you are not offroading.

Nice timing. This reminds me I have to find the skid plate for my old Kingcab and give it to the buddy that bought that POS.

If your not doing any serious off road it should be fine. Mine spent the better part of a year off. All last winter no issues.

I took the skid plate off my 00' Fronteir Crew Cab. I beat that thing up pretty bad down in Capital Reef earlier this year. We were trying out some ATV trails, and ripped that sucker right off. I picked it up, threw it in the back, and dumped it later. Car worked fine without it...although we did sell it 10,000 miles later. Seems like you should be okay though, as long as your not doing some narly stuff off road.

You're giving up some radness by taking it off.

Dont bash into any rocks/curbs and you should be fine. The idea is the plate, skids across the obstacle before the rock, etc. wedges into your trucks vitals but I'm guessin that your plate was plastic anywho.
:p

no problem as long as you don't get all extreemo.

Word, thanks for the advice everyone. The plate is burly metal but the bolts rusted off and some rubbery things also held it on which had pretty well disintegrated. I'll roll with no worries, and find some bolts hopefully tonight.