Installing Metalcloak skids

[svc707]

Installing the @Metalcloak skids on my Gladiator (will be adding these to the JL too for sure now). I didn’t have to drill the frame as mentioned in the instructions for the driver’s side. But I’m running Nemesis inner front liners so I’m having to wrestle at the motor mount bolts for the oil pan skid plate. I needed more extensions lol so I decided to just proceed on with the rear and getting most of the bolts secured but not tight. Went to Lowe’s and got a whole set of extensions for only $22 dollars!!!
My suggestion is just use some 2x4 wood and a jack to lift and line up the plates. There’s no sense in trying to balance the plates above you with your knees and elbows. It’s so easy to lift slowly and adjust then all the bolts go in with ease. Why do people post videos struggling to say “I did it myself without a jack. Could’ve used an extra hand”

But anyways I’ll continue in the morning.

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[Terrymo]

This is the way. Work smarter not harder.

 

[DonH63]

I'm looking into these as well as other skid plates for my JL. How long did it take to receive the set?

 

[svc707]

I'm looking into these as well as other skid plates for my JL. How long did it take to receive the set?

I think it was about 3 weeks.

 

[RARCAR12]

I always wonder that too use tools and the job goes easy did it myself used the same method took a couple hours at best. Delivery time was my only complaint as it took about 5-5 weeks but we’ll worth the money IMO

 

[svc707]

I always wonder that too use tools and the job goes easy did it myself used the same method took a couple hours at best. Delivery time was my only complaint as it took about 5-5 weeks but we’ll worth the money IMO

If I had plastic liners it would’ve gone so much faster that’s for sure! If any one is remotely thinking of liners in the future, spend $5.00 and get the longer bolts now. If you ever have your liners off you’ll be ready for just about any brand of skids

 

[svc707]

26” of extensions. And couple swivels for the passenger side. I finished the driver’s, lots of clearance from the top. Passenger side tricky, one more bolt to go but swivels joints have that one section that’s binds by nature and it causes the assembly to jump off. This is where a another hand under holding the socket will come in

 

[svc707]

The finale

 

[DonH63]

26"!?!?! Time to start seeing how many and what length I have... I think I have a couple of sets each for 1/2" and 3/8" but not sure they reach 26".

I sent several emails about weight and lead times to various skid plate manufacturers last week, waiting to see if they reply (probably need to call them all). Metalcloak looks really great, but looks pretty heavy. Roughly 2x the weight but 1/2 (or less) the price compared to Al. I'm an engineer so I have a spreadsheet, natch.

The motor skid worries me; I'll have to pull it for the dealer and don't want to have to mess with motor mounts every time. Especially on a 392 (NO room in the engine compartment!) Once it's installed, can you drop it and leave the brackets?

 

[svc707]

Once the longer bolts are in place it’s easy to remove the brackets. The bolt stays in place. You just add the nylock nut onto it and hold up the bracket @DonH63

to me the weight is all subjective. But it’s also down low weight vs on top

 

[DonH63]

Once the longer bolts are in place it’s easy to remove the brackets. The bolt stays in place. You just add the nylock nut onto it and hold up the bracket @DonH63

Got it, that's what I was hoping, thanks!

 

[Rangemaster]

I put mine on my rig with one of these.
ATV Lift
Makes installation so easy.

 

[DonH63]

Sanity check: This does not remove the factory gas skid plate, just puts the new one over (below) the old one? I noticed the (pricey) Al kits replace the stock gas skid to gain a little more clearance; how much does this one cost in ground clearance?

 

[Rubi6mt]

Sanity check: This does not remove the factory gas skid plate, just puts the new one over (below) the old one? I noticed the (pricey) Al kits replace the stock gas skid to gain a little more clearance; how much does this one cost in ground clearance?

Practically nothing in real world use

 

[DonH63]

Practically nothing in real world use

Thanks! I forgot to update, Chris at Metalcloak said it was very minor, under an inch. Looks like it's pretty flush so probably under 1/2".

I'm leaning Al to save weight but really like the Metalcloak system. Plus I wouldn't have to mess with the gas tank to add the skid. I do wish they had an exhaust skid, and the muffler skid for the 392 protected the tips. Lot of debate on whether either of those matters, natch.

Happy 4th!

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