At what point are additional skids needed?

[Blue Ridge]

Ain't that the truth! I got the front diff skid from Rancho and the U bolt was too short, and then my skid from Rustys was so off-center I couldn't get the side bolt through. Matt from Rancho mailed another U bolt out, which I should have time to try tomorrow. But my guess is they keep making them this way because Jeep folks are inclined to modify if needed and make them work. Maddening.
Short U bolt:

Off center hole:

I was interested in the Rancho skids too, but was told that they only fit the Rubicon with their wider axles. I'm not sure what is different on the Rubicon differential as far as fitment goes.

I'm trying my Rancho again tomorrow (got the rear diff set too) but supposedly they fit all Gladiators (out side of the part where they send too short of U bolts, etc.). I'll update whether I can make them go or not. I'm going to be irked if they won't.

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[Axeman]

Ain't that the truth! I got the front diff skid from Rancho and the U bolt was too short, and then my skid from Rustys was so off-center I couldn't get the side bolt through. Matt from Rancho mailed another U bolt out, which I should have time to try tomorrow. But my guess is they keep making them this way because Jeep folks are inclined to modify if needed and make them work. Maddening.
Short U bolt:

Off center hole:

I'm trying my Rancho again tomorrow (got the rear diff set too) but supposedly they fit all Gladiators (out side of the part where they send too short of U bolts, etc.). I'll update whether I can make them go or not. I'm going to be irked if they won't.

The rear should fit fine, I wish they used the same bracket style setup for the front instead of that u-bolt. I never contacted rancho about the short u-bolt, just used a 3 1/2" exhaust clamp so you're probably right about that. still some nice diff sliders though.

 

[YayMud!]

It’s not the axle width that matters for the diff skid, it’s that the pumpkins are shaped slightly differently since the Dana 44s are beefier

Obviously. But here is where things get interesting. On Jeep's website it shows that the 2021 Jeep Rubicon comes standard with the Dana 44 wide front and rear axles. The website also lists my 80th anniversary as being unavailable with the Dana 44's, but coming with Dana M210 and M220 axles. My window sticker lists Dana 44's. Wtf?

The Jeep website also lists Blue Ridge's Willy's Jeep as not having Dana 44's available just like mine???

Ain't that the truth! I got the front diff skid from Rancho and the U bolt was too short, and then my skid from Rustys was so off-center I couldn't get the side bolt through. Matt from Rancho mailed another U bolt out, which I should have time to try tomorrow. But my guess is they keep making them this way because Jeep folks are inclined to modify if needed and make them work. Maddening.
Short U bolt:

Off center hole:

I'm trying my Rancho again tomorrow (got the rear diff set too) but supposedly they fit all Gladiators (out side of the part where they send too short of U bolts, etc.). I'll update whether I can make them go or not. I'm going to be irked if they won't.

Does your window sticker list Dana 44's on your Willys? (see above)

 

[Blue Ridge]

Took me a minute to find the window sticker, but yes it does. Under "standard equipment," no less.

 

[YayMud!]

Took me a minute to find the window sticker, but yes it does. Under "standard equipment," no less.

Same on mine- "standard equipment" But on the Jeep website both of our trim levels are listed as N/A with the Dana 44??

 

[Blue Ridge]

My understanding when I bought it was that it came standard with Dana 44s, so I think I'll defer to the bill of sale over Jeep's buggy website. Will get under it tomorrow and (hopefully) put both these skids on. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[YayMud!]

My understanding when I bought it was that it came standard with Dana 44s, so I think I'll defer to the bill of sale over Jeep's buggy website. Will get under it tomorrow and (hopefully) put both these skids on. I'll let you know how it goes.

I am anxiously awaiting your results because if it works on your truck is certainly should work on mine.

 

[JoseQ_80]

Body Armor Backbone in the hitch receiver + Rancho rear differential skid plate. No issues on my 80th anniversary edition (a fancy Sport S).

Rausch Creek this weekend, we'll see how it goes.

 

[Renegade]

Here’s what everyone really needs to know: Real rock sliders and rear frame-side lower control arm mounts are the main points where skids are needed on JTs. Most of the other stuff isn’t necessary immediately, or at all for most uses. I’m 2 years into fairly heavy use, and the only other thing that is now failing on mine is the factory skid plate crossmembers. They have cracked and flattened where they bolt under the frame. The factory axle-side control arm brackets and the shock mounts are pretty stout, and have suffered minimal damage. Oh yeah- move the steering stabilizer up. I have no clue why Jeep put it below the axle initially…

 

[Blue Ridge]

Okay, got them on my truck so I can confirm they fit with the longer U bolt. I have an auto mechanic in my shopping center where I work whose lift I wanted to use, but for liability sake, he just put them on for me. I assume they went on without a hitch because I had the truck back in about 20 minutes.

 

[salsadoc]

Okay, got them on my truck so I can confirm they fit with the longer U bolt. I have an auto mechanic in my shopping center where I work whose lift I wanted to use, but for liability sake, he just put them on for me. I assume they went on without a hitch because I had the truck back in about 20 minutes.

I have the same problem w/ the front Rancho diff cover. I emailed their tech support today and they told me it would be at least 2 months to get longer u-bolts. I guess I'll have to go to the hardware store to see if there's anything that comes close to what I need.

 

[Blue Ridge]

There's a rep on the forum named Matt. He's the one who sent mine out. I bet he can make it happen, I'll see if I can find his username but it's a sponsored Rancho one.

 

[Blue Ridge]

Found it! DM this guy: https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/members/ranchoshocks.9266/

 

[salsadoc]

Found it! DM this guy: https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/members/ranchoshocks.9266/

Thanks! I sent him a message last night, so waiting to hear back from him.

 

[YayMud!]

Here’s what everyone really needs to know: Real rock sliders and rear frame-side lower control arm mounts are the main points where skids are needed on JTs. Most of the other stuff isn’t necessary immediately, or at all for most uses. I’m 2 years into fairly heavy use, and the only other thing that is now failing on mine is the factory skid plate crossmembers. They have cracked and flattened where they bolt under the frame. The factory axle-side control arm brackets and the shock mounts are pretty stout, and have suffered minimal damage. Oh yeah- move the steering stabilizer up. I have no clue why Jeep put it below the axle initially…

When you say "real rock sliders" are you referring to the differentials, rear of the box, hitch, pinch seams under the doors or something else? I am trying to picture the control arm mounts you are talking about, but I think the right ones get covered up with the Rock Hard front and rear LCA skid plates, don't they?

Okay, got them on my truck so I can confirm they fit with the longer U bolt. I have an auto mechanic in my shopping center where I work whose lift I wanted to use, but for liability sake, he just put them on for me. I assume they went on without a hitch because I had the truck back in about 20 minutes.

Well, that is really good news. Those Extreme Terrain guys don't know what they are talking about. It looks like part of the skid plates require you to remove bolts from the diff cover and re-use them. Does any oil leak out or do you have to reseal or drain the fluid?

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