Artec JLU full belly skid reviews?

[tonygiotta]

On a different note, I recently got back from a trip to Moab. Ran pretty much all the difficult trails there on my 315's (a little shorter than 35's). Moab has no shortage of ledges and needless to say, my aluminum skids really got put through the grinder. Still very pleased with them. No signs of deformity, just lots of scratches. None of the recessed hardware looks damaged to the point where there would be any difficulty removing it. I also can't say I had any issues with the aluminum not sliding like people seem to worry about. I slid my way across Rocker Knocker no problem and I feel like that is one of the most extreme examples of needing to slide on your skids.

Post Moab (and Rubicon) pics:

Still not much damage in the oil pan area. Crossover pipe would be smashed by now though:

Transmission / transfer case portion takes most of the beating:

Gas tank skid isn’t too bad either. Discoloration is from grease sling after tearing my driveshaft boot:

It does however look like I’m having issues with the rear driveshaft contacting the skid when the rear end is flexed out. Time to get rid of the factory driveshaft soon anyways:

Overall, very pleased with the skids and still happy with my Artec aluminum choice.

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[4xFUN]

Just got an email from Artec saying they will finally release a full belly pan system for the 'cool kids' who 'rock' 2-door JL's! As for timing, they said next quarter...

 

[KansasJL]

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.

I know this is an old thread but for the sake of information… I ran the Artec skids on a stock JLUR for 2 years and it will hit the pumpkin on the front diff. When I was putting on the spacer lift I noticed it. There is a gouge in on of the pumpkin flanges. I can take a picture if anybody is interested in it.

 

[tonygiotta]

tonygiotta, what lift are you running ?

EVO's coilover kit, but with MetalCloak control arms and track bars. Running it set at about 3" of lift if that's what you're after...

 

[JeepinJason33]

Yep. EVO's coilover kit should have a lot more axle articulation than my Mopar lift. Metalcloak is another that might cause a driveline issue.

I had some shipping issues with Metalcloak so they offered me a great deal on their full skid plate system. I have the eTorque batter and even with the rear axle offset a half inch, my rear driveshaft rubs on their battery skid with minimal flex. They don't seem to be too concerned about it even after sending pictures. I will probably take it off and cut the corner off myself.

 

[KansasJL]

tonygiotta, what lift are you running ?

KansasJL, photos please.

I am glad to hear they are about out. haha, They said fall last year, then spring and now fall again. I stopped holding my breath almost 2 years ago because I needed a set bad. I will be watching for a discount before ordering. My current belly skids are over the top of the stock skids and weigh a lot.

Sorry for the delay. Here are the pictures.

this is the top of the diff.

this is the bottom flange of the diff.
The bracket that drops down off the motor mount is what is making contact.

 

[Gabby53E]

yeah, thinks it’s right here.

You can see where the pipe has been rubbing on the ski plate. Fortunately the pipe doesn’t show any damage. Shop wrapped pipe for now to see if that prevents further wearing and noise.

 

[zouch]

still really waiting to see these for the EcoDiesel,...

 

[Chocolate Thunder]

You can see where the pipe has been rubbing on the ski plate. Fortunately the pipe doesn’t show any damage. Shop wrapped pipe for now to see if that prevents further wearing and noise.

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/artec-jlu-full-belly-skid-reviews.61939/post-1393712

A metal rasp to shave the opening slightly worked perfectly for me. No rub, no need to wrap or modify the exhaust in any way.

 

[JL2021guy]

They may eventually need to modify the oil Pan skid to be less bent at the exhaust loop area and have the engine skid brackets a bit longer to make sure it fits all jeeps. Mine does not fit correctly by about 3/4”. I really don’t want to bend my exhaust for this on a 2021 JL 3.6

 

[Gadgettr1]

They may eventually need to modify the oil Pan skid to be less bent at the exhaust loop area and have the engine skid brackets a bit longer to make sure it fits all jeeps. Mine does not fit correctly by about 3/4”. I really don’t want to bend my exhaust for this on a 2021 JL 3.6

I used longer bolts and stacked a few washers at the front engine mounts to lower the skid plate slightly to clear the exhaust where it crosses over.

 

[JL2021guy]

O

I used longer bolts and stacked a few washers at the front engine mounts to lower the skid plate slightly to clear the exhaust where it crosses over.

On 2021 driver side oil skid bracket bolts on top of engine mount so it’s tougher to modify. I’m literally the fist to buy it lol

 

[4xFUN]

Haha, I've been contacting them at approx. 6 moth intervals for over two years. Last July they said later this year, Now first half 2022.

Total bunch of BS...At this point I am so ticked off I likely will just keep the EVO that I had to modify to fit, we are on the fourth MY of the JL for crying out loud!

 

[zouch]

another 6 months, and still nothing for the Diesel JLU...
@Artec

hoping that if/when they finally get them out, they go on better than the Artec Premium Sliders i put on,...!

 

[Bullwinkle]

I’ve used mine plenty of times. The aluminum slides fine when you are on the rocks, but will show some gouges afterwards. Price to pay for lightweight setup. I’d buy again.

Anyone know the proper term for the bolt set up on the left? Maybe I mean, lol, do those come with the skids and the #5 is your cure for the non matching hole in skid plate?

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