Aftermarket SKID PLATE options

[techbrojoe]

Installed Rockhard 4x4 aluminum (180lbs) complete belly pan skid plates with dual crossmembers today, what a pain...
Other than that, it is installed and quite nice. If I were to do it again, I'd probably go with Artec and hope that installation is easier, but now that they're on I plan on putting them to good use.

Can you share more about what was such a pain? I'm debating between the Artec and Rockhard aluminum options. I like that the Rockhard comes powder coated, doesn't involve removing the gas tank skid (I think?), covers more, and is a bit cheaper.

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[TexasTJ]

Can you share more about what was such a pain? I'm debating between the Artec and Rockhard aluminum options. I like that the Rockhard comes powder coated, doesn't involve removing the gas tank skid (I think?), covers more, and is a bit cheaper.

I hope I don't come off as too complain-y, just a few frustrations during install. Working with RH to fix something and it should be good to go.

They provide printed instructions, and a youtube video of the installation which do not do things in the same order. They don't tell you exactly which bolt/washer/nut to use where. I'm not entirely sure, but I think I was missing a couple nuts, the two spacer washers, and had to pull some random nuts from a drawer. But they also included extra nuts/bolts that a JLU 2.0 may use. I took the included JL bracket and cut it to make the needed spacers.

The small piece at the front driveshaft has to be bolted to the skid before the oil pan is bolted up due to the exhaust running over the nut and no way to tighten it up. Following their YT video, that wasn't mentioned and I had to drop the oil pan skid to put it on.

The most annoying part is when it came to the resonator skid. They say "Jeep went ahead and added a bunch of factory threaded holes in the frame to make it easy to just bolt right up. Well, there were three spots where that was not the case on my JT. One spot they actually included an "L" stick bracket with a welded nut that goes inside the frame, perfect. The next spot didn't even have a hole in the frame, customer service just said "drill it and use a self-tapping bolt. The final spot is the long bracket from the resonator skid to the crossmember that holds the carrier bearing. That spot was not threaded, and there is no way to get a wrench back there to hold a nut. RH4x4 asked for pictures/measurements and talked me through a few things during install. They said they would send a nutsert for me to pop into the crossmember for the final resonator bolt.

 

[techbrojoe]

I hope I don't come off as too complain-y, just a few frustrations during install. Working with RH to fix something and it should be good to go.
...

You don't, that all sounds extremely frustrating. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Sunnysideup]

I have viewed the vids out on the Artec... it looks like there will be some "pain in the butt" sort of things with the install as well. I also noticed in the details that they represent it is a "tummy tuck" of sorts. Looking at the JT underneath... it looks like the crossmembers are replaced or removed. By removing all of the low hanging crossmembers and the Gas tank skid plate the skids gain 3/4 of an inch GC. The install looks complicated with supporting the gas tank with straps and such to achieve this. I'm leaning that way- but I've never had Aluminum skids... so two advantages are very light weight...only adds 12lbs to the JT... that is an accomplishment! The gains of 3/4 inch across the whole middle of the JT -all without a lift kit coming into play- is a good bonus. They also have all inset fastners... which keeps bolt heads from getting shaved off on rocks.
But if they dent easily... then how much benefit are they?
I'll be watching this thread... let you guys test them out... I'll probably be waiting till spring anyway... as far as coverage goes... I have the tools/ability to make a skid that would intergrate and cover the muffler area... no complicated angles.

 

[TexasTJ]

You don't, that all sounds extremely frustrating. Thanks for sharing!

Oh and yes the gas tank stays in place with the factory shield. You remove and reinstall a few of the gas tank bolts, but don't have to support it.

RH adds two solid steel cross members, which accounts for the bulk of the added weight.

RH also has special washers that protect the bolt heads to prevent them from being damaged.

 

[metalry101]

I haven't seen M.O.R.E. mentioned in this thread, but they offer a system that can be bought piece by piece.

https://mountainoffroad.com/collections/gladiator

So far I know of the following options...anyone know of any that I'm missing?

Rubicon Express
M.O.R.E
Artec
Rockhard
Motobilt
MetalCloak
Asfir

 

[Kntwltrs]

I’ve installed an Artec aluminum for a customer and a Rubicon Express in my personal. The Artec install was a bit frustrating because the instructions they sent was for a JL - which is different in several ways. Also the engine/trans skid on the Artec required clearancing at the exhaust crossover According to Artec depending on which exhaust vendor your exhaust got it could be a problem. That sucked.

The rubicon express kit I put on my personal rig was easy and pretty self explanatory. While it is heavy, I like that I didn’t have to do the gas tank skid, and it’s designed for a long arm kit (whenever they start showing up). Also the directions didn’t totally suck, once you have them email you some that are legible (and in color)! While I don’t try to abuse them , I’ve used them well & they seem to be holding up well

 

[yoda13]

Does anyone know how much the stock skids weigh. It would be nice to know, so we can really get an idea of how much weight we are adding. If it was mentioned, I missed it.

 

[bastage]

Does anyone know how much the stock skids weigh. It would be nice to know, so we can really get an idea of how much weight we are adding. If it was mentioned, I missed it.

I can tell you... NOT MUCH.. I think all of mine are still kicking around my scrap metal pile in my garage. If I get a chance I will get them on a scale.

 

[yoda13]

I can tell you... NOT MUCH.. I think all of mine are still kicking around my scrap metal pile in my garage. If I get a chance I will get them on a scale.

That would be much appreciated

 

[TexasTJ]

Does anyone know how much the stock skids weigh. It would be nice to know, so we can really get an idea of how much weight we are adding. If it was mentioned, I missed it.

Cant say for sure, but ARTEC says the aluminum nets 10lbs more than stock. Their aluminum weighs 90lbs. So by that logic, stock is 80lbs.

 

[yoda13]

Cant say for sure, but ARTEC says the aluminum nets 10lbs more than stock. Their aluminum weighs 90lbs. So by that logic, stock is 80lbs.

Awesome! Good info!

 

[Rockabillyroy]

I’ve installed an Artec aluminum for a customer and a Rubicon Express in my personal. The Artec install was a bit frustrating because the instructions they sent was for a JL - which is different in several ways. Also the engine/trans skid on the Artec required clearancing at the exhaust crossover According to Artec depending on which exhaust vendor your exhaust got it could be a problem. That sucked.

The rubicon express kit I put on my personal rig was easy and pretty self explanatory. While it is heavy, I like that I didn’t have to do the gas tank skid, and it’s designed for a long arm kit (whenever they start showing up). Also the directions didn’t totally suck, once you have them email you some that are legible (and in color)! While I don’t try to abuse them , I’ve used them well & they seem to be holding up well

Can the rubi Express oil pan skid be install as a stand alone just by itself?
Thanks

 

[wakeup2river]

I think it so cool after dropping $60,000 on a Rubicon JT that Jeep leaves it to owners to add oil pan and transmission protection.

I going to get them right after I buy the $600 Mopar carpet placemats Im supposed to glue to the inside of the roof.

 

[Hootbro]

I think it so cool after dropping $60,000 on a Rubicon JT that Jeep leaves it to owners to add oil pan and transmission protection.

I going to get them right after I buy the $600 Mopar carpet placemats Im supposed to glue to the inside of the roof.

The rabbit hole goes pretty deep opining what should come with what in vehicles and pricing. At some point, they have to come to market and leave the rest to the end user and the aftermarket.

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