Quick rear tank question

[Redpower]

I am reworking the rear tank in my 95 and got my replacement all ready to go back in. Question is on my truck there is a skidplate that holds the tank up. (2 piece and covers the whole bottom side) A local mechanic told me not to put that back on because it holds too much dirt and will cause the tank to rust out again. I do drive a lot of gravel, but I like the idea of bottom protection on the tank.
Can anyone put any light on this?

 

[mandkole]

if im not mistaken, it just shields the tank from the spare tire...it is a debris trapper

 

[Cr500]

Certain years had straps instead of the 2 plates.
You could always trim yours down to be like straps.
But something needs to be there, it's what holds the tank in.

 

[m j]

pulled my leaky rear tank last week, wasnt leaking from the skidplate.
I am going to run it again as it seemed like a far nicer setup then straps. sure was easier to remove

 

[old man dave]

The skid plates were part of the OffRoad package. The regular trucks came with the tank straps. The straps are cheap enough if you want to replace them, about $15-20 a pair from RockAuto.com.

 

[Redpower]

I put my skidplates back on. Since I have a DMI hitch I can't carry a spare tire and I liked the idea of covering the tank.