redracer
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Robert
- Joined
- Aug 22, 2017
- Threads
- 20
- Messages
- 558
- Reaction score
- 619
- Location
- Manteca, CA
- Vehicle(s)
- 2023 4xe Rubicon
- Thread starter
- #1
In short, I have a 4 door rubicon with the 3.6 and 6 speed and I'm staying with 35's (Yes! I won't change my mind for a LONG time). I have done difficult trails all ready but want to expand to the Rubicon. I wheel cautiously and am very technical with my lines, but like everyone I occasionally get that horrific metal grinding sound. I'm looking for peace of mind for those moments.
So, I have been on the hunt for a simple and light skid plate for the engine, transmission, exhaust crossover, and optionally going back as far as the transfer case. It also needs to preserve my existing ground clearance. There are a lot of options, no doubt about it, and a lot of threads too.
But, Here is my rub.... I believe that the Jeep engineers put those crossmembers in place for a reason, so I don't want any skid that deletes the front crossmember. Also, in my opinion, a lot of the popular skids don't protect the exhaust crossover pipes well enough, leaving the pipes even more exposed than stock as the front crossmember offers it at least a little protection. I have also read a few reviews that talk about the JL frame twisting due to it's design, usually after some abuse and removal of the forward crossmember.
One interesting skid is the Quadratec modular aluminum system. But, I am worried that 1) there have been reports that it does not hold it's shape well, 2) the engine braces look to be a lot less reinforced than others, 3) it looks like it sacrifices a lot of ground clearance due to the design of their crossmember replacements.
The other system that I've found is the Rock Hard Aluminum Belly Pan. This one looks to cover everything and has a couple of solid steel crossmembers that look beefy. But, it's price is hard to justify in the budget and I worry about the total coverage of the belly trapping heat. I also wish that they had some better mounting hardware than just straight straps that bolt up to the bottom of the tub, and that it replaced the factory fuel tank skid instead of just stacking underneath it.
.... Anyways, i'm going too long. Am I overthinking this? I want engine protection but without compromise. I want ground clearance, but I also want frame strength. Are these things a pick one or the other situation? Am I missing something?
So, I have been on the hunt for a simple and light skid plate for the engine, transmission, exhaust crossover, and optionally going back as far as the transfer case. It also needs to preserve my existing ground clearance. There are a lot of options, no doubt about it, and a lot of threads too.
But, Here is my rub.... I believe that the Jeep engineers put those crossmembers in place for a reason, so I don't want any skid that deletes the front crossmember. Also, in my opinion, a lot of the popular skids don't protect the exhaust crossover pipes well enough, leaving the pipes even more exposed than stock as the front crossmember offers it at least a little protection. I have also read a few reviews that talk about the JL frame twisting due to it's design, usually after some abuse and removal of the forward crossmember.
One interesting skid is the Quadratec modular aluminum system. But, I am worried that 1) there have been reports that it does not hold it's shape well, 2) the engine braces look to be a lot less reinforced than others, 3) it looks like it sacrifices a lot of ground clearance due to the design of their crossmember replacements.
The other system that I've found is the Rock Hard Aluminum Belly Pan. This one looks to cover everything and has a couple of solid steel crossmembers that look beefy. But, it's price is hard to justify in the budget and I worry about the total coverage of the belly trapping heat. I also wish that they had some better mounting hardware than just straight straps that bolt up to the bottom of the tub, and that it replaced the factory fuel tank skid instead of just stacking underneath it.
.... Anyways, i'm going too long. Am I overthinking this? I want engine protection but without compromise. I want ground clearance, but I also want frame strength. Are these things a pick one or the other situation? Am I missing something?
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