whiteglad
Well-Known Member
I just ordered the Draw-Tite because I have had good results with that brand in the past. I plan to sawz-all the front air dam steel plate to get the bracket ends off, and use them.
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Gatorized
Well-Known Member
Looks like you did an exceptional job! I hope you have some details of your installation you can share. Were you able to cut the skid plate with just a dremel? Was it difficult to locate the cuts for the best fit?Dredging up an old thread to report that it is certainly possible to fit a Curt 31086 front mount hitch receiver on to a JTR. It is not simple, but not overly difficult either. The plates for the rear skid plate mounting hardware need to be removed, as they consume real estate that the body of the hitch needs. In place of them, I have the funky little brackets Curt supplies installed, but I did not bolt the skid plate to them yet. They are merely supplying a touch point for the skid plate. I did have to cut out a substantial "t" shaped section of the skid plate to accommodate the hitch receiver tube. I cut it very close because the flat plate of the hitch provides an additional perch for the skid plate. As of now, the only hardware holding the skid plate on are four of the five original blots along the front edge. As is, it seems and feels really solid, but I will probably add some hardware to tie the rear of the skid plate to Curt's brackets - seems doable, just ran out of time. Also - I have the FCA steel bumper, and there was a bit of interference between the hitch and a couple of tabs on the bumber - ground them down with a dremel to gain clearance.
And - the hitch sits directly in front of the FAD. If that is really all the skip plate is protecting then the skid plate is not really necessary. I spent the time to get it fitted up because I think it also provides a bit of weather protection for the engine bay, which I like given the ridiculous amount of salt products that get thrown around the roads in maine in the winter.
I know - lousy pic, but it's the only one I took at the time.
hawk14414
Well-Known Member
Thanks....I'm fine with the way it has come out so far....just want to get the rear of the skid plate bolted up dead nuts this weekend, assuming the dreaded coronavirus doesn't get me between now and then....
When I do so, I'll try to get some better shots, and measure up the cuts in the skid plate. It was definitely not a dremel job for the skid plate - sawzall with a hacksaw blade, as well as a stout drill bit for corner cuts. The skid plate is a hefty gauge steel.
When I do so, I'll try to get some better shots, and measure up the cuts in the skid plate. It was definitely not a dremel job for the skid plate - sawzall with a hacksaw blade, as well as a stout drill bit for corner cuts. The skid plate is a hefty gauge steel.MikeNC
Active Member
With everything going on I'm having a hard time sourcing a front hitch in time for outing. And by this I mean weeks. Searching seems to show me a Curt and Draw-Tite and there's a lot in this thread. Are these customized for Gladiator or are they generic models with maybe an extra hole drilled? Also does anybody know somebody who might have these in stock for immediate purchase instead of me fighting with internet resellers?
Mr._Bill
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The Curt 31086 is designed to fit the JL/JT. I put one on my Overland last fall. Install was not too difficult, and I believe the design is better from Curt.
Amazon shows them in stock with delivery on Wednesday (free Prime shipping) for $146.
https://smile.amazon.com/Curt-Manuf...d=1&keywords=curt+31086&qid=1590407055&sr=8-1
Trends Auto may be able to get it to you by Friday. I purchased from them last fall.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Curt-Front...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
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ShadowsPapa
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Got mine via Amazon in 2 or 3 days last fall. CUSTOM, not a "will fit" but made for these vehicles. No drilling necessary, comes with the bolts needed.
Climbhigh
Well-Known Member
Just a FYI.
I noticed on their site that Rock Hard 4x4 now has front bumpers with built in front receiver and flat towing capabilities (in full and mid-width bumpers with winch)
I noticed on their site that Rock Hard 4x4 now has front bumpers with built in front receiver and flat towing capabilities (in full and mid-width bumpers with winch)
murphnc
Member
Just a FYI.
I noticed on their site that Rock Hard 4x4 now has front bumpers with built in front receiver and flat towing capabilities (in full and mid-width bumpers with winch)
Love that bumper with the flat tow ability (the reason I switched to Jeeps vs Toyota) plus the front hitch versatility as well. Thanks for the info.
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Aero_JT
Well-Known Member
I've been eyeing the Curt for a while. What's putting me on the fence is whether it will work with a steel bumper if I plan to upgrade in the future. Don't want to cut through metal or lose a skid plate like with the Rubi steel bumper setup.
The RH mid-width could solve that as a 2-in-1 solution. I'm liking the integrated Hi-Lift recovery points and lowered winch plate too. Man this is bad news... : P
The RH mid-width could solve that as a 2-in-1 solution. I'm liking the integrated Hi-Lift recovery points and lowered winch plate too. Man this is bad news... : P
hawk14414
Well-Known Member
I have the Curt installed on my JTR with the steel bumper and the skid plate. It is not s direct fit - I had to take my sawzall to the skid plate for sure - but it is do-able.
MikeNC
Active Member
I just put the Curt one on. Bolted right up. The airdam (after cutting hole) wasn't "completely" happy but I put the heat gun on it really mildly and formed it a little. I feel over time it will probably mold itself even more.
Aero_JT
Well-Known Member
Glad to know about how it worked with the airdam and Rubi skid plate... It's nice to have different options for sure. Thanks! : )
Bdervi
Member
Does any know if the plastic air dam and the rubi front skid are the same size height on the front end behind the plastic bumper. I'm getting ready to cut my skid plate to accommodate the receiver. Trying to find a starting point for measuring. Thank in advance
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