2024 Willys Plastic Front Skid?

[MaybeRubi]

Video here (at 3min 15 sec) shows a JLU 2024 Willys (happens to be 4xe) as having a plastic front skid plate. Can anyone confirm that it's true for the non-4xe? Also, seems like it would be wise to replace that, but maybe with great approach angle, the front is less vulnerable than farther back? Thoughts? Wondering about a potential replacement (Rubicon skid?).
JLUW skids

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[DonH63]

Video here (at 3min 15 sec) shows a JLU 2024 Willys (happens to be 4xe) as having a plastic front skid plate. Can anyone confirm that it's true for the non-4xe? Also, seems like it would be wise to replace that, but maybe with great approach angle, the front is less vulnerable than farther back? Thoughts? Wondering about a potential replacement (Rubicon skid?).
JLUW skids

Seems more a deflector than a skid. If you plan on hitting things I would replace it with a steel or Al stock Rubicon or aftermarket skid.

 

[Dgr401]

The Willys, Sahara and Sport models all have the plastic air dam. The Rubicon has a steel skid plate to protect the sway bar disconnect system. The air dam is probably more of an aerodynamic piece rather than a protective piece although it covers the FAD (Front Axle Disconnect). There is a metal plate that runs between the frame rails that protects the FAD, this plate is behind the air dam. I’m not sure if the Willys still has the FAD, have read conflicting reports.

 

[J.Ferreira]

Video here (at 3min 15 sec) shows a JLU 2024 Willys (happens to be 4xe) as having a plastic front skid plate. Can anyone confirm that it's true for the non-4xe? Also, seems like it would be wise to replace that, but maybe with great approach angle, the front is less vulnerable than farther back? Thoughts? Wondering about a potential replacement (Rubicon skid?).
JLUW skids

That's just the plastic air dam that's on wranglers with plastic bumpers. More of an aerodynamics thing than anything else.
I suppose it offers a mild bit of protection, but if you hit a rock or anything else hard enough that piece of plastic ain't doin' shit.
Rubicon steel bumpers do come with a steel air dam. So obviously a bit more protection than the plastic.

 

[J.Ferreira]

The Willys, Sahara and Sport models all have the plastic air dam. The Rubicon has a steel skid plate to protect the sway bar disconnect system. The air dam is probably more of an aerodynamic piece rather than a protective piece although it covers the FAD (Front Axle Disconnect). There is a metal plate that runs between the frame rails that protects the FAD, this plate is behind the air dam. I’m not sure if the Willys still has the FAD, have read conflicting reports.

I believe the '23 Willys Sport has the FAD. I'd have to go outside and look to double check. But it's about 10F degrees outside right now so....no

 

[rforbes]

I believe the '23 Willys Sport has the FAD. I'd have to go outside and look to double check. But it's about 10F degrees outside right now so....no

From what I understand, the 2024 both Willys and Rubicon do not have a FAD. They seem to still have the housing but with a plate over where the FAD would be.

 

[MaybeRubi]

Thanks for the responses.
So, I'm not hearing that upgrading to real protection there is a common modification (though I suppose getting a steel bumper is). I take my Ford Transit on poorly and/or unmaintained Forest Service roads, and I have an aluminum front skid that protects the otherwise vulnerable intercooler. (Of course the Transit doesn't have the clearance or approach angle of a Jeep -- even with the 2" lift and 2" larger tires.)

 

[GATORB8]

FAD's on the axle. It's mainly an air dam, but metal versions protect the Rubi electric swaybar disconnect motor.

On a Willy's it really just would protect the frame horns. Ideal solution would be to chop off the horns and run something like the Quarter-Pounder.

If you're going to keep it, I'd switch to a heavy one that comes with some bumpers, or is available seperately from MORE Off Road (what we use) and other manufacturers.

We pealed the stock rubicon one backwards within a few months.

EDIT: Here's a link for the MORE one we use: https://mountainoffroad.com/collections/skid-plates/products/jlfsp18-jeep-jl-front-skid-plate

 

[Jburton]

Just bought a 2024 JLU Willys. Looking to change out the front plastic 'air damn' with a metal skid plate. Any recommendations for fit and ease of install? No serious rock crawling needed, just Wisconsin hard pack snow banks and piece of mind for mud and possible scrapping. Thx!

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