I run a Skid Row exhaust loop skid on my JK. Agreed, it offers protection, but can be bent fairly easily in its stock form.
The best thing to do is tie it into whatever engine/trans skid you are running, which is what I ended up doing, like so:
There is rust on the visible bearing mounting surface as well as the gear mounting surface. And, it appears to be more than just light 'flash' surface rust. I deal with mounting surfaces like this on critical power plant equipment and I would not touch that thing with a 10 foot pole.
Well, it does happen, at least on JKs.
My 2021 JTM has never made any type of rattle at start-up, even on the first start after an oil change.
My 2014 JKR, on the other hand, will briefly rattle (maybe for a half second or so) at start-up after sitting for several days if I don't prime it...
It's super easy to do if you have drain plugs. Otherwise you have to pop the cover off. Still easy, just not as easy as having drain plugs. I can't remember, but IIRC the 2022 models don't have drain plugs.
Based on reports of the Rubicon locker sensors becoming 'fouled' by metal contamination of the oil, I changed my rear diff fluid at something like 1500 miles (yes, 15 hundred). I was surprised at the amount of metallic paste on the magnetic plug for the mileage.
IMO, it is best to do a few...
If you are going to wheel in the rocks, you may also want to consider upgrading the front axle housing to get rid of the FAD. Depends on your driving style or how conservative you are.
You can also look at 255/85R17 size, which is 35x10x17. I run this size on my 2-door JKR.
Pictures on a JT here:
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/pizza-cutters-35x10r17-skinny-tires-installed.63942/
The gap on mine is filled with a piece of rubber vacuum hose, and I don't notice anything weird about the water flowing down over the rear window. I'm sure the water flow is different, but it's an acceptable tradeoff for not having water flow down the inside of the window.
If you aren't going to use the Mojave in a manner to take advantage of what it has to offer, then the Ridgeline is the more logical choice. BUT, you have to do what makes you happy, which could possibly involve making illogical decisions.
If/when you talk to the guys at Northridge, make sure to explore all of your options and fire away at them with any questions. They were super helpful when I ordered my Prorock.
Depending on how you are going to use your Mojave, you may want to consider upgrading the front axle housing to a...