Skidplate suggestions

[GTIRS]

OK I know this has been discussed before but I need some real opinions. I am planning to add some undercarriage protection so far I have Diff guards and steering box. I need something for the engine and tranny. I am in between Rusty's engine and tranny for the Rubicons for $160 :? kinda cheap and Skidrows same setup for $250. Both are the same thickness but Rusty's states you have to install a new oil drain setup from Fram. Which one guys? any other ideas. I already looked at Spyder customs and Nthdegree but not really what I want. I still would like to keep the factory transfer case skid due to cost reasons.

 

[GTIRS]

By the way this is for my 04 Rubicon.

 

[NomadJeep]

The Fram kit is just an easy drain vavle...

AS for comparing them, well it all depends on what you are trying to protect. You can get just pan kits, or full engine kits..

Here is Engine Skids:

NthDegree = low weight, does not cover tranny...

Tera (too basic)

Full Skids:

Rusty's (have read a few people complain about Drive shaft rubbing, and it can bow in the middle: not enough gussets? )

Skid Row

My favorite and most recommended over at ROF:
Jeep Medic (Rubicon Specialist)

Side Note:
The skidrow costs abt. $245 shipped and is 3/16" thick and connects to an engine mount on one side and the lower control arm bolt on the passenger side.

The Medic had cost abt. $245 shipped but just had a price increase, and is 4/16" (1/4") thick and connects to both engine mounts and bypasses the control arm mounting position.

http://www.jeepmedicfabrication.com/engineSkid.htm

 

[GTIRS]

I like both the Skidrow and JeepMedic engine and tranny skid. I can't decide which one. The skidrow sounds like cake to install but the other may take a little more. Its sounds like I have to drill at the mounts for the Jeepmedic skid. Do both go all the way to the OEM transfer case skid? I am pretty sure the Skidrow does. Are the drain plugs acessable with the skids installed? Which one do you prefer? :?

 

[JeepinMaxx]

I have some personal experience with the Skid Row stuff. My buddy has the engine plate on his Rubicon and I have one on my YJ and my wife has one on her Liberty. On the Wranglers - it's cut out for driveshaft clearance regardless of lift. The oil drain plugs are accessable. For the tranny, it does drain on top of the skidplate.

I agree with Detour - more drain holes would be good. I think I still have mud caked up there since September! Actually on the Liberty, she brought it to the dealership because of a 'clunking' sound and they found a big concrete-like brick of mud on top of the skidplate which contacted the oil-pan and clunked! ($70 buck sto tell me that!)

Anyway - I highly recommend the SkidRow

 

[GTIRS]

still can't decide :? :? :? :? :?

 

[NomadJeep]

Do a quick search over at www.rubiconownersforum.com


lots of post about it over there....

 

[GTIRS]

Sounds like a good excuse

 

[GTIRS]

Thanks for the feedback guys!

 

[NomadJeep]

Marco, be sure to tell us what you find.... and deside..

 

[GTIRS]

Well after doing some research I have decided to go with the skidrow for $245 with free shipping. Everyone sounds like they like it and it also protects the exhaust as well were the Jeepmedic doesn't. The jeepmedic skid is a nice skid but it was about 3-5 weeks for delivery. No one complains about the skidrow.

 

[GTIRS]

Well I have recieved the skid row engine skid and it looks like a very solid piece of steel. I am going to install it this weekend. so far I am very happy with the look and feel of the skid. I also ordered a 48" hi-lift as well so my rig is getting equiped for the trails. Next will be the JKS quicker discos.

 

[JeepinMaxx]

Have fun! I got a workout benchpressing the SkidRow plate in place while bolting it in! Two jackstands and a 2x4 would have helped...

 

[GTIRS]

Its mounted and it looks great! Very rigid. I was able to lift the jeep up from the center of the skid and it barely flexxed. I would strongly recommend it to anyone it will protect and last. I drilled some 3/8" drain holes about 4 to prevent any mud and water from collecting. I could feel the slight added wieght as I took it for a test drive to make sure there was no rudding. thanks guys for all the advice!