That they are, but I will wait for quadratecs since they recesse the bolts.
I was a bit concerned about them, but then I installed the entire set of skids on my brother's JK. The JK skids don't come with any of those washers, most of the bolts stick out. We will see how it does.
Mine will be here tomorrow. Thanks for your post! I would have never seen them without you!I haven't seen a lot of information on Asfir Jeep products, especially for the Gladiator, so hopefully this helps anyone else doing research.
I just installed the 1/4" aluminum engine and transmission skid plate by @asfir_offroad. Purchased off their site at (PN: 541155). Seems like a pretty new product, with more info from the JL folks.
Even on the Rubicon, the new JL/JT leaves the engine and tranny oil pans exposed. I wanted a modular option to keep the Rubicon plates, but there aren't a lot of options for the Gladiator because the motor mounts are different from the JL Wrangler. I'm really only aware of the Rubicon Express plates for the Gladiator, but that requires two plates to cover this space and the engine oil pan plate doesn't mount at the front which worries me a bit.
Thought I'd gamble a bit and try this skid plate is a single 1/4" thick sheet of aluminum (plus brackets) that mounts at the engine mounts up front, the cross member, and then again where the transfer case skid plate mounts to the 2nd crossmember using the two factory bolts in the rear.
It is an incredible value for one solid piece to cover that vulnerable area. It arrived from their factory in Israel in 11 days, and it's a very easy install with basic tools:
- 18mm socket (reuse factory skid bolts) @66ft-lbs (90Nm)
- 13mm wrench and socket @18ft-lbs (25Nm)
- 17mm socket with 6" extension for new nuts on engine mount bolts @36ft-lbs (50Nm)
- Thread locker
- Torque wrench
Could probably have completed the install in 30min on a lift.
I haven't taken it out on the trails yet, so if anything comes up, I'll come back and post a follow up. Hope this helps anyone else doing research, and I'm happy to answer any questions.
Photos!
Hello all! Hope you're doing well.
Thanks for the info on that Steel it product. I’d never heard of it and now you have me intrigued. So is the final color black or grey? What kind of prep work is required?I had some folks reach out based on another thread to ask me my plans for coating my @ASFIR 4x4 skid plates. I used a product called Steel-It that markets itself as a powder coat alternative and has 316L stainless steel flakes in it. It is supposed to be highly durable and weldable. I spent some time on the phone with their tech team asking questions and decided it was worth the gamble. I am really impressed with the finish for a rattle can (what I used). I decided on three layers. Took some time with my work schedule and ensuring proper curing between coats. I’ll post up pics once installed (hopefully tomorrow).
I am not a fan of the look of the raw aluminum under my JT. My intention is after each off-roading experience where I have rock rash, I will get under the JT, bend out any hits, sand and recoat if needed with Steel-It.
I coated my skid plates in black. They do make Grey as well. I coated my hitch skid plate in both.
Forgot to answer the prep question. All I did was scuff the aluminum up with 320 grit sand paper and wipe down with alcohol to clean off any oils. Per Steel-It, there is no need for any primer.
Agreed. That is why I bought the @ASFIR 4x4 transfer Skid Plate. It provides additional protection for my factory skid plate at a reduced weight. I plan to earn more Jeep Badges of Honor so I need the extra protection underneath. Most of that scaring came from earning my BOH at Dickey Belle in UWharrie…. I have since upgrade to a @Clayton Off Road 3.5-inch lift and am waiting on my 37-inch tires (from 35-inch tires).
