2026 model year frame bracket change

[YBABRAT]

I looked at my 2023 frame and there are no mounting holes for this bracket/skid/deflector to mount.

ETA: I made a quick photo and didn’t get all the frame area in the view, but there are no bolt holes or threaded holes beyond the two long slots.

I've seen a few dealer templates, from the past, to allow the dealer to install a part that was not installed at the factory. Usually that is done after an early build, when making a change, or to make a factory option available to earlier years. As for noticing bolt locations... one picture shows the elongated hole being used. Possibly the hole to the left may be another to be used. Seems that right side and left side uses different mounting points.

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[nagoya10]

I've seen a few dealer templates, from the past, to allow the dealer to install a part that was not installed at the factory. Usually that is done after an early build, when making a change, or to make a factory option available to earlier years. As for noticing bolt locations... one picture shows the elongated hole being used. Possibly the hole to the left may be another to be used. Seems that right side and left side uses different mounting points.

Yeah you’re right, looks like a mounting bracket is mounted in the slots. Interesting.

 

[jellis4148]

It's a tire deflector. At this point nothing indicates that it is reinforcing the frame. That'd be a significantly larger chunk of metal.

Even though you're right. I don't think they are listening to you. Let's get this up to at least 20 pages saying this will protect your rock sliders, and make the frame as strong as a tank. It could never be a tire deflector as the part number says. We certainly can't believe facts. We have to keep going about what it isn't. My guess is it is skid plate for an air tank. That way you can protect your train horns.

 

[gato]

That looks like a great idea! But I do wonder about the potential for dirt and water building up and producing rust right there.

It took them some time, but I'm glad to see they're finally addressing some of the goofy engineering decisions on the JL.

It's is no different than your fuel tank skid. If you ever pull it out, you'd be shocked as to the trash that accumulates there.

 

[yokramer]

Even though you're right. I don't think they are listening to you. Let's get this up to at least 20 pages saying this will protect your rock sliders, and make the frame as strong as a tank. It could never be a tire deflector as the part number says. We certainly can't believe facts. We have to keep going about what it isn't. My guess is it is skid plate for an air tank. That way you can protect your train horns.

I hear it makes your fingers longer so you no longer need the turn signal extension as well.

It also auto defrosts your window so go ahead and toss the skoda scraper

 

[Soapy]

It looks like they are bolt on so it should make it easier for the after market to design skid plates that use the same hole for mounting after they are removed.

 

[Terrymo]

I hear it makes your fingers longer so you no longer need the turn signal extension as well.

It also auto defrosts your window so go ahead and toss the skoda scraper

I mean just because Jeep specifically calls the part a tire deflector doesn’t mean it isn’t something else entirely. Maybe it’s a tire deflector that identifies as a skid plate if you’re a hard core drifter that plays cat and mouse with other cars on the road. My 3.6 minivan motor identifies as a hemi and if I say it’s true enough times that makes it true. Y’all a bunch of judgey judgers.

 

[yokramer]

I mean just because Jeep specifically calls the part a tire deflector doesn’t mean it isn’t something else entirely. Maybe it’s a tire deflector that identifies as a skid plate if you’re a hard core drifter that plays cat and mouse with other cars on the road. My 3.6 minivan motor identifies as a hemi and if I say it’s true enough times that makes it true. Y’all a bunch of judgey judgers.

 

[WXman]

I never could understand why the '24 and '25 only had the passenger side bracket. So it's OK for the driver to lose their legs in a crash, but we want to protect the passenger? What?

 

[jadmt]

I never could understand why the '24 and '25 only had the passenger side bracket. So it's OK for the driver to lose their legs in a crash, but we want to protect the passenger? What?

It probably is more likely for the passenger side axle tube to break at the FAD joint......stupid design....

 

[mini2nut]

Yes, it deflects the heavy tire/wheel from entering into the lower cabin area during an offset collision. Toyota also has a has a similar bracket on the new generation 2024+ Tacoma. It's designed to protect the occupants lower extremities (feet, ankles, thighs, etc.) during a frontal collision event.

 

[gato]

@Artec Is this going to interfere with the aluminum full belly skid installation?

I saw one on the lot yesterday and these things are massive, they extend way back (to almost middle of front door)

 

[jrodrigues1278]

I have them on my 2026. It has definitely complicated things like getting white knuckles sliders.

if anyone needs better pictures let me know.

 

[gato]

I removed mine (to install Artec skid plates) from my 2026 in ˜5 min. 7 bolts per side, can be done easily with Jeep on the ground and tires on. They are incredibly heavy, and the bolts are huge. I may do some cutting on them to see if I can fit them back over the Artec.

 

[Rubicon_Wrangler_JL_2018]

I assure you, you're not missing much. It is still a cesspool.

As for the '26 Brackets, judging from my bolt on sliders on my 2019 it doesn't look like they interfere too much with basic bolt on sliders. You can still see the frame bolts and body mounts. More integrated stuff it might be harder to clearance, but not attach. Main attachment points of them seem to just wrap the frame and stay behind the body "tub". Can still access the body mounts, just may have to clearance the slider on the inside. Just my guess.

Well, I inquired with LOD Offroad b/c I was going to order their Signature series rock sliders, like I had on my 2018 Wrangler and they told me that those "tire deflectors" will definitely interfere with their rock sliders.

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