Exposed shock reservoir (Mojave)-- how concerned would you be?

[Chaos Theory]

The stubby aftermarket bumper required the removal of the OEM front bumper skid plate. I also have a full-belly pan skid.

Per the photo, the front shock reservoirs are now basically exposed, though they are directly behind the front steel frame bracket. How much of an issue do you think this is-- if at all? I've seen a lot of "open face" Jeeps, so maybe it's not an issue.

Sponsored

 

[Beemer533]

Is this just driving around on the street or rock crawling/offroad?

If it's just street driving I don't personally think its a big deal.

If you are offroading regularly I'd probably just trim your factory skid to fit behind the new bumper.

 

[Chaos Theory]

Is this just driving around on the street or rock crawling/offroad?

If it's just street driving I don't personally think its a big deal.

If you are offroading regularly I'd probably just trim your factory skid to fit behind the new bumper.

Not rock crawling, but some higher speed off-road. Things would have to go badly for me to hit that high, but can't rule it out. I just need to find a skid that works with it-- or as you mentioned, try to cut the factory skid.

 

[whiteglad]

I'd cut the factory skid plate.

 

[hjdca]

I have hit the factory Rubicon front skid plate a few times on rocks. Usually, when I took a wrong line, I am up on a rock, and I have to back up to reset. When I backed up to reset, the front skid or tie rod would bump into a boulder. I am usually crawling, not high speed driving. Get a wireless HD camera for your front view. This will make sure you climb the rocks on your tires vs. your middle skid plate or your shock reservoir. Here is a link:

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...trail-cam-reviews-feedback.67739/post-1111222

I bought this camera and installed it. It works great and it's HD. Super easy installation.

PS. To be safe, you might want to hack up your old skid plate and make it work on your new bumper...

 

[Partysub]

That looks like my bumper (rugged ridge HD stubby) and with a little cutting you can get the factory skid on. It would probably be a good idea if your doing high speed off road stuff.

 

[Chaos Theory]

That looks like my bumper (rugged ridge HD stubby) and with a little cutting you can get the factory skid on. It would probably be a good idea if your doing high speed off road stuff.

Yeah, it's the RR stubby. Due to weight, I'm probably going to find an aluminum front skid option somewhere, and cut if needed.

 

[whiteglad]

I got the Rugged Ridge Arcus and the skid plate fits easily. Arcus plus Harbor Freight 12k winch added 101 lb. vs. stock. That dropped the front 3/8 inch at the front of the fenders.

 

[Chaos Theory]

I've got a 9500lb winch as well, but added 1.5 inch spacer. It dropped about an inch so is a little high in the front. I've heard that the front will eventually 'settle' a bit further, so hoping it evens out at some point. Reminder for those reading, Mojave is (basically) level from the factory, so there was no rake when I started.

Sponsored