Aftermarket SKID PLATE options

[SoCalGladiator]

Does anyone know if the factory skids cover the transfer case like this product advertises? -- https://www.quadratec.com/p/quadrat...skid-plate-wrangler-jl-unlimited-gladiator-jt
Just trying to understand if there are any major gaps in underbody protection with the factory skids. Was also eyeing this rear shock skids -- https://www.quadratec.com/p/rancho/rear-shock-control-arm-skid-plates-gladiator-jt-rs62137 and was curious if anyone had experience with something like these.

There are major gaps in factory skid plates. There are many options. I spent the $1300 on the metalcloak full under armor. Rock hard 4x4 and ithers make full under armor. It's better to buy a whole system then rather piece one together. Go with steel in my opinion.

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[bastage]

It's better to buy a whole system then rather piece one together. Go with steel in my opinion.

Or if you wanna piece it together pick a system that all works together like the Rubicon Express.. If you start piecing different brands to get the full coverage you will end up with issues of different ones trying to share a mounting location.

And I went steel as well, but I wouldnt be afraid of aluminum as long as its at least 1/4" thick & your not afraid to pull it off & use a hammer after ever few hard trips out.

 

[SoCalGladiator]

Or if you wanna piece it together pick a system that all works together like the Rubicon Express.. If you start piecing different brands to get the full coverage you will end up with issues of different ones trying to share a mounting location.

And I went steel as well, but I wouldnt be afraid of aluminum as long as its at least 1/4" thick & your not afraid to pull it off & use a hammer after ever few hard trips out.

Yes, that is the next best option. Buy them in pieces but the same set. Good idea.

 

[j2paulino]

I just had the Rubi Express skids delivered. Instructions suck. Hard to see anything in pics. Wish they had a parts list with part numbers. Hope to get them on soon. What sold me was the price. Under a grand delivered for all 4 skids.

I have the same ones. I emailed Rubicon Express and they sent me color instructions. You can see the pics way better. The instructions still suck. Start from the oil pan and work your way back. I used my pro eagle jack to help get the plates in place when mounting them because I don’t have a lift. Good luck.

 

[chuckfinley79]

Does the front way bar skid plate supplement, or replace a front bumper skid plate?

it replaced mine, but I also swapped bumpers. I I recall the factory bumper skid plate wasn’t much

 

[Vjammin]

I have the same ones. I emailed Rubicon Express and they sent me color instructions. You can see the pics way better. The instructions still suck. Start from the oil pan and work your way back. I used my pro eagle jack to help get the plates in place when mounting them because I don’t have a lift. Good luck.

Gonna install mine Thursday. Thanks for the heads up!

 

[j2paulino]

Gonna install mine Thursday. Thanks for the heads up!

I hope to test mine out soon on all the rock gardens up in Big Bear, CA. Haha.

 

[JCFindley]

Well they are partially installed. I won’t get my truck back till Monday.. But I had to stop by and check out the progress.

Those are looking good. Did you end up getting them powder coated or did you just rattle can them?

On a follow up, I know you posted this a while back, have you taken them wheeling yet? Results? Like you, I took mine exactly once before I came here to research skid plates.

Thanks

 

[bastage]

Those are looking good. Did you end up getting them powder coated or did you just rattle can them?

On a follow up, I know you posted this a while back, have you taken them wheeling yet? Results? Like you, I took mine exactly once before I came here to research skid plates.

Thanks

Powdercoated... Had it done for 200 bucks..

I will get some current pictures.. They are SOLID & they are taking a beating. I have a big ol dent at one of the front corners & I just think to myself what would happened if that wasnt there. I will go places that other in JT's wont just because of these skids. I dont hesitate to put them to use.

 

[JCFindley]

Powdercoated... Had it done for 200 bucks..

I will get some current pictures.. They are SOLID & they are taking a beating. I have a big ol dent at one of the front corners & I just think to myself what would happened if that wasnt there. I will go places that other in JT's wont just because of these skids. I dont hesitate to put them to use.

Thanks, just sent the info to my guy and added them to my build. Hopefully can get everything done by the end of the month. I know myself and KNOW I need the bottom coverage and these look like the best option.

I appreciate your input.

 

[Orange01z28]

There are major gaps in factory skid plates. There are many options. I spent the $1300 on the metalcloak full under armor. Rock hard 4x4 and ithers make full under armor. It's better to buy a whole system then rather piece one together. Go with steel in my opinion.

Is the transmission pan covered with the factory plates?

The lack of that on my Rebel is what finally pushed me to make a trade before building that up, especially after I found out the hard way on a trail

 

[SoCalGladiator]

Is the transmission pan covered with the factory plates?

The lack of that on my Rebel is what finally pushed me to make a trade before building that up, especially after I found out the hard way on a trail

Not really if I recall. It looked like more of a transfer case skid, but small at that. I'm getting rid of all of the factory stuff and putting metalcloak on.

 

[bastage]

Not really if I recall. It looked like more of a transfer case skid, but small at that. I'm getting rid of all of the factory stuff and putting metalcloak on.

This was my second choice. But went with the motobilt because it covered both sides essentially giving me a full width surface to slid down. Glad I did too as I have the full length on both sides scratch'd up so they are doing the job I wanted.

 

[SoCalGladiator]

I didnt see it mentioned, but Motobuilt also makes a full skid plate system.

https://motobilt.com/collections/skid-plates-cross-members/products/jeep-jt-gladiator-skid-system

Price is good, but looks to be unfinished. I like this overall design the best of any of them that I have seen. Its on the heavy side. But given the price & the protection I think this may be the winner for me if nothing else I like better pops up in the next couple days. Figure its on the bottom & going to be abused so a rattle can rustoleum paint job as rust prevention would be good enough.


Edit: said screw it & ordered the motobuilt. Now sometime by July 13th I should have it.

Hi. Thanks for showing us the motobilt. I am seriously thinking about returning my metalcloak. Have you installed it yet? How is it on the trail?

 

[bastage]

Hi. Thanks for showing us the motobilt. I am seriously thinking about returning my metalcloak. Have you installed it yet? How is it on the trail?

Yes its installed... & its taking many a beating & holding up fine. Many scratch's in the powdercoat & exactly one dent on the front passenger side edge. This allows me to slide over crap without worry instead of having to take the easy line.

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