rickrogan
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #1
Doing some research on full belly skid plates. I'm focused on aluminum, rather than steel. So this list purposefully omits all still. Question at the bottom on ground clearance impacts and installation experience.
*Transfer Area Case Coverage: These products differ most in their approach to covering the transfer case area (the mid-section). Some are full-width and others are focus on the transfer case itself.
I don't have specific numbers in for cost... because they fluctuate. But I think that the relative rating might be helpful.
The Rock Hard is notable in that it's the biggest weight differential. Likely due to the replacement steel cross members, presumably beefy, given RH4x4's reputation, but not weighed separately; and because RH doesn't remove the OEM gas tank skid
The installs all look comparable, with maybe the exception of the Next Venture: cutting a bracket is a bigger deal than drilling a hole (Artec)
One factor that's very unclear is the difference in ground clearance LOST by these various skids.
Presumably, the Artec and Next Venture kits give up the least clearance, at least near the gas tank, because installation removes the OEM gas tank skid. But it's hard to determine specifics.
Additionally, Artec and M.O.R.E. have statements about requiring lift. It's unclear (from web info) if the additional hight on a JTR gives sufficient clearance. My guess is "no" but I'm not an expert in the subtle differences between JTR and other JT* suspensions.
Does anyone has thoughts/experience on the topic of ground clearance? And/or installation?
| Brand | Material | Cost | Weight | Installation | Finish | Transfer Case Area Coverage* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artec | 1/4" 6061 Aluminum | $$$ | +10 lbs | Remove gas tank skid; drill one hole | None | full | 1.5" lift required |
| Asfir | 1/4" 5052 Aluminum | $ | +64 lbs | Bolt on | None | partial | Difficult hidden nut on install |
| M.O.R.E. (Mountain Off-Road | 1/4" Aluminum | $$$ | TBD | bolt on | None (can be color powder-coated | partial | Suggest 1.5" lift for driveshaft clearance; could not determine weight |
| Next Venture | 1/4" 5052 Aluminum | $$$$ | +20 lbs | Remove gas tank skid; cut one bracket | None | full | |
| Quadratec | 5052 Aluminum | $$ | +123 lbs | bolt on | None | partial | Likely ¼" thick, but could not confirm |
| Rock Hard 4x4 | 1/4" Aluminum | $$$ | +180 lbs | bolt on | Black powdercoat | full | Has replacement steel cross members |
*Transfer Area Case Coverage: These products differ most in their approach to covering the transfer case area (the mid-section). Some are full-width and others are focus on the transfer case itself.
I don't have specific numbers in for cost... because they fluctuate. But I think that the relative rating might be helpful.
The Rock Hard is notable in that it's the biggest weight differential. Likely due to the replacement steel cross members, presumably beefy, given RH4x4's reputation, but not weighed separately; and because RH doesn't remove the OEM gas tank skid
The installs all look comparable, with maybe the exception of the Next Venture: cutting a bracket is a bigger deal than drilling a hole (Artec)
One factor that's very unclear is the difference in ground clearance LOST by these various skids.
Presumably, the Artec and Next Venture kits give up the least clearance, at least near the gas tank, because installation removes the OEM gas tank skid. But it's hard to determine specifics.
Additionally, Artec and M.O.R.E. have statements about requiring lift. It's unclear (from web info) if the additional hight on a JTR gives sufficient clearance. My guess is "no" but I'm not an expert in the subtle differences between JTR and other JT* suspensions.
Does anyone has thoughts/experience on the topic of ground clearance? And/or installation?
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