Help with Metalcloak Undercloak skid plate!

[JeepinJason33]

I may be overlooking something simple here. I am installing a MC underclaok skid plate system and can’t figure out the engine mounts brackets for the life of me. This is a 2021 3.6l with eTorque.
The instructions make this step sound very easy. The bracket appears to mount to the underside of the motor mount. However the nuts on the underside are tack welded to the motor mount! What am I missing here?

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[21Rubi]

I didn't know they had the 2021 skid available. The motor mounts are different on the 2021. Last I talked with Metalcloak it sounded like it wouldn't be out till this fall. Hope you get it figured out and if it fits the 2021 3.6L etorque then that's great news. Just need it for the 2 door too.

 

[JeepinJason33]

Well, I figured it out. What a pain in the ass. The instructions have not been updated for the 2021. You need to look at the JT instructions... They show that you have to take off the inner fenders and then remove the engine mount bolts from the top. Well! That is easier said than done. There is no room in there at all to get a wrench to it. It took me over 2 hours to get those four bolts out and replaced with the longer ones. I am sure all the skid manufactures do it the same way, but be ready for some busted knuckles! The rest of the install went smoothly after that.

 

[21Rubi]

Did the tack welded nuts remain or were they removed and replaced.

 

[JeepinJason33]

They stay in place. You thread a new longer bolt in from the top. This longer bolt sticks through the nut and has enough thread left to get the bracket on with a lock nut over it. So the bracket sits on the factory nut. With all the tubes and exhaust running right on top of the motor mount it makes it nearly impossible to get to. I had to use one of those ratchet wrenches with a swivel head that allows you to get on the bolt with the handle coming back down.

 

[21Rubi]

Thanks for the info. I'm waiting for the 2 door version. I'll take a look at the space for the bolts on my Jeep, reckon it's the same as your 4 door and compare how other companies do it when they start to hit the market. Looking forward to covering up that oil pan.

 

[JeepinJason33]

I am not sure how else you can mount one unless the brackets go to the frame or someplace other than the motor mounts. Did I mention total pain in the butt! Lol. You can see the clearance I am talking about from the middle picture I posted above.

The rest of the job was easy.

 

[blnewt]

I am not sure how else you can mount one unless the brackets go to the frame or someplace other than the motor mounts. Did I mention total pain in the butt! Lol. You can see the clearance I am talking about from the middle picture I posted above.

The rest of the job was easy.

Jason, looks like you're used to working hard on your rides, any pics of that 97 TJ & that Cherokee??

 

[JeepinJason33]

Jason, looks like you're used to working hard on your rides, any pics of that 97 TJ & that Cherokee??

Thanks, I am in the home stretch on the JLUR, 3.5 GC lift on 37's with beadlocks, full MC skids, Ace rockers and bumpers, winch, ARB compressor, cameras, lights, etc. Going to shake it down for 10 days in Moab Memorial Day week.

Supercharged TJ

My daughter and I did the mild build on the XJ as she drives it to school. Less than 100k on it with zero rust. Thing is mint. We only take it on fire trails.

 

[hockeynut258]

Well, I figured it out. What a pain in the ass. The instructions have not been updated for the 2021. You need to look at the JT instructions... They show that you have to take off the inner fenders and then remove the engine mount bolts from the top. Well! That is easier said than done. There is no room in there at all to get a wrench to it. It took me over 2 hours to get those four bolts out and replaced with the longer ones. I am sure all the skid manufactures do it the same way, but be ready for some busted knuckles! The rest of the install went smoothly after that.

Thank you so much for sharing!!! I knew the mounts were different but the directions and parts didn’t match at all. Plus Metal cloak was closed for 4th of July weekend.

 

[JeepinJason33]

Thank you so much for sharing!!! I knew the mounts were different but the directions and parts didn’t match at all. Plus Metal cloak was closed for 4th of July weekend.

I sent them pictures to update the instructions and they told me they would get right on it... That was over a month ago. Glad you were able to figure it out. Not an easy task so hopefully they will stay on there for a while!

 

[FLTrailRider]

You need to phone Eric at Metal Cloak and have him send you the "longer bolts" and nuts for the engine mount.

I had the same problem.

 

[FLTrailRider]

Thanks for the info. I'm waiting for the 2 door version. I'll take a look at the space for the bolts on my Jeep, reckon it's the same as your 4 door and compare how other companies do it when they start to hit the market. Looking forward to covering up that oil pan.

FYI ... I have a 2 door and am installing it now. .. The directions they have are missing some steps and they failed to ship those bolts for the motor mount.. I'm waiting on that.

Plus there seems to be a problem with the OEM part 68292475AB Description of the part is: 48V Wiring to RT Skid Plate. It does not fit with the metal Cloak Transmission skid plate.. but there was no included replacement part for this. How they are going to fix this remains unknown at the moment.

 

[21Rubi]

Not the best news. I hope Metalcloak will get you a different bracket and get your motor mount bolts to you asap. Keeps us updated with your results.

 

[JeepinJason33]

As mentioned previously, if you have the eTorque, the instructions are wrong. You have to take a look at the JL instructions. Not sure how it works on the 2 door, but on the 4 door you have to remove the inner fender and use your imagination/extenders to tighten it up. Took me blood, sweat, and tears to get it around the exhaust.

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