I like the aluminum myself, but I'm not a hard core rock crawler I just trail ride here n there. Next Venture Motorsports recently came out with the same type of skid plate. They also offer bolt on slider plates that will slide across rocks while also protecting the skid plates. I love NVM's diff covers and diff skid plates but their full under skid plate doesn't have the cuts in them that Artec does. I prefer the cuts to let water out. The NVM skid plate is a solid sheet which is possibly better to slide across the rocks. Decision is up to you as to which might work better for your off-road needs.Anyone try this on the 2021 3.6 yet? Previous version would not work.
Those of you that have installed it, is the aluminum worth the premium? I am torn, in the the aluminum skids have gauged and not been as slick on the rocks as my steel skids... Not sure if the 100 pound savings is worth it. Might be better for me to lose the 50 pounds of fat I am currently carrying, lol.
I have been looking at the NVM skids as they are the first to have the 2021 3.6L specific one. 2k plus $600 to slide really takes it above the steel plate price.I like the aluminum myself, but I'm not a hard core rock crawler I just trail ride here n there. Next Venture Motorsports recently came out with the same type of skid plate. They also offer bolt on slider plates that will slide across rocks while also protecting the skid plates. I love NVM's diff covers and diff skid plates but their full under skid plate doesn't have the cuts in them that Artec does. I prefer the cuts to let water out. The NVM skid plate is a solid sheet which is possibly better to slide across the rocks. Decision is up to you as to which might work better for your off-road needs.
I was going to purchase RockHard but found a deal too good to pass on Artec so I got them. I did a lot of researching on both. You can’t go wrong with either one. I like the Artec fasteners. I like that it’s a little lighter. RockHard has a more rugged industrial look, Artec is more “graceful” looking IMO. Artec’s oil drain opening could be a little better positioned or larger, when the last of the oil drains out and it slows to a drip the oil misses the hole and the skid catches it.For those that have actually purchased and installed the Artec set, did any of you consider Rock Hard’s? Their aluminum set comes with a black coat on them but even after emailing them, they could not tell me what the net weight change would be.
I believe the Rockhard does not replace the gas tank skid and therefore, is heavier. I am leaning towards the Artec. They are supposed to have the new 2021 3.6l version out soon.I was going to purchase RockHard but found a deal too good to pass on Artec so I got them. I did a lot of researching on both. You can’t go wrong with either one. I like the Artec fasteners. I like that it’s a little lighter. RockHard has a more rugged industrial look, Artec is more “graceful” looking IMO. Artec’s oil drain opening could be a little better positioned or larger, when the last of the oil drains out and it slows to a drip the oil misses the hole and the skid catches it.
I bought mine from a member in the marketplace.I believe the Rockhard does not replace the gas tank skid and therefore, is heavier. I am leaning towards the Artec. They are supposed to have the new 2021 3.6l version out soon.
Any good places to get the Artec at a discount?
I am sure this is from experience or they would not put the warning on there.Anybody put these on a sport with stock suspension?
On Arctec's product page they suggest a 1.5"+ lift. I emailed them about it and the response was this: " The reason for the 1.5" lift kit is required is due to if you hit a bump large enough when the suspension is up traveling the differential will come up and slam into the engine skid plate mounting bracket when at stock height with 1.5" it will clear the bracket."
I'm not sure I understand this... all the pictures they have under jeeps it looks like both diffs are not really new the skids plates. I'm wondering if this is a non issue.
Plenty of well placed drain holes in them, no issues whatsoever with water. As for mud, guess that depends on how sticky/chunky it is. If it's thick enough to clog up the drain holes, I'm sure you'll have issues with mud collecting on them. Just the nature of belly pan skids vs. the minimalistic OEM approach, and one of the many reasons I don't go looking for mud. Just tell your wife that if she must go slopping through the mud, she needs to find herself a nice water crossing shortly afterwards to rinse it out. lolFor those who have been running the Artec belly pan for awhile have you had any issues with mud/water loading up in/on the pan? My wife is not afraid to drive over/through anything. This causes quite a bit of mud buildup under the Jeep. Just curious if the belly pan will make the situation better or worse.