Installing Metalcloak skids

[Rubi6mt]

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!

Cool. I too debated at nauseum AL vs steel. As I frequent trails with boulders higher then the frame I decided to go with the steel for longevity and ease to slide over (recognizing having UHMV layer renders this mute).

The other main reason for me to go with Metalcloak is the design is really well thought out with boat sided enldges and bolt mount guards as you can see in these pics

Also the weight disadvantage tbh is a non issue. I have a 3.6 6-speed and notice no change in every day driv8ng other then cornering a little flatter due to likely a slightly lower COG (and this coming from someone whose other car has a TTV8).

Regardless of what you choose, it will be heaps better then the silly stock skids that got me hung up on a particularly large rock and I had to winch off of it.

As for the exhaust, I went high tuck. Not sure of they offer similar for a 392?

Good luck and Happy 4th!

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[JP52]

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 Thanks for posting this. I just installed my Metalcloak skids and thanks to your tip I was able to replace the motor mount bolts from above. I held the socket on the bolt for the passenger side bolt with the worst angle from below while my son turned the wrench. That along with putting the swivel joint one small extension up from the bolt made it fairly easy. Way easier than taking off the inner fender liners as indicated by the instructions. Overall the install was very easy and they protect everything really well. Can't wait to get out and not be the guy with stock skids screeching over every rock while feeling like I'm tempting fate.

 

[svc707]

@svc707 Thanks for posting this. I just installed my Metalcloak skids and thanks to your tip I was able to replace the motor mount bolts from above. I held the socket on the bolt for the passenger side bolt with the worst angle from below while my son turned the wrench. That along with putting the swivel joint one small extension up from the bolt made it fairly easy. Way easier than taking off the inner fender liners as indicated by the instructions. Overall the install was very easy and they protect everything really well. Can't wait to get out and not be the guy with stock skids screeching over every rock while feeling like I'm tempting fate.

I did it myself so I struggled keeping the socket in place as the swivel binded but I’m glad my tips helped!

 

[DonH63]

Cool. I too debated at nauseum AL vs steel. As I frequent trails with boulders higher then the frame I decided to go with the steel for longevity and ease to slide over (recognizing having UHMV layer renders this mute).

The other main reason for me to go with Metalcloak is the design is really well thought out with boat sided enldges and bolt mount guards as you can see in these pics

Also the weight disadvantage tbh is a non issue. I have a 3.6 6-speed and notice no change in every day driv8ng other then cornering a little flatter due to likely a slightly lower COG (and this coming from someone whose other car has a TTV8).

Regardless of what you choose, it will be heaps better then the silly stock skids that got me hung up on a particularly large rock and I had to winch off of it.

As for the exhaust, I went high tuck. Not sure of they offer similar for a 392?

Good luck and Happy 4th!

I just visited a guy with the AEV (?) exhaust for his 392 (similar to mine but he's building his up much more). It is a nice system and tucks the muffler way up. I would not get a muffler skid plate with that system, though the exhaust pipes down the driver's side are basically hanging down same as stock. Some here and elsewhere have argued that it may be better to run the stock exhaust until you nail it, then replace with the AEV system for less money than replacing the stock.

 

[Rubi6mt]

I just visited a guy with the AEV (?) exhaust for his 392 (similar to mine but he's building his up much more). It is a nice system and tucks the muffler way up. I would not get a muffler skid plate with that system, though the exhaust pipes down the driver's side are basically hanging down same as stock. Some here and elsewhere have argued that it may be better to run the stock exhaust until you nail it, then replace with the AEV system for less money than replacing the stock.

That's exactly what I did. punctured a hole in the stock exhaust box and pancakes the exhaust tip, hence now I have the high tuck.

good luck!

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