LCA Bracket Skids

[SadRobot]

I think my next purchase is going to be some skids for the lower control arms as they seem to be taking some hits on the rocks.

Was looking at the Rancho rear skids

or a set of Front/Rear Rock Hard skids

Anyone have any opinions on experience with either of these?

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[Smokey_The_Rooster]

Check out Artec bolt on LCA skids.

 

[grimmjeeper]

No experience with those but I welded Artec skids on mine and have been happy with them.

 

[SadRobot]

No experience with those but I welded Artec skids on mine and have been happy with them.

Hmm I'd probably do bolt on. I don't have any way to weld. ?

 

[Buddy Lee]

I have the Hard rock lower skids. They are very stout and can take a hit. The only downside is they are wide and when you install them they pinch inward even with the included spacer. I also don’t like the bolt that comes with it, they rust almost immediately. I would recommend replacing it with a zinc one. Finally don’t follow the included torque values. They are to low. Just follow the factory torque specs which are much higher.

 

[RicRecon]

I have the Artec skids on my rear LCAs and they work very well

 

[BobW]

I like the RH4x4. Pretty easy to install with jeep flat on garage floor. The only hard part (for me) was getting the 190 ft-lb torque given limited clearance to floor. I did have to ratchet strap the front passenger side to pull things in line.

PS--if you want to upgrade the FAD skid, do that first since the LCA will be in the way.

 

[Chocolate Thunder]

Another vote for RockHard.

 

[Terrymo]

Hardrock4x4 front lower control arm skids will require you to modify the Metalcloak FAD skid if you have it. I switched to the Hardrock4x4 FAD skid. They may also also interfere with the newest version of the Next Venture Rubicon front diff skid and require modifying both pieces to have easy access to the LCA skid mounting hardware. As was already said their hardware is prone to rust.
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/rock-hard-4x4-front-control-arm-skids.45721/

 

[limeade]

Hmm I'd probably do bolt on. I don't have any way to weld. ?

I have the weld on Artec front LCA skids too. Cost me $30 to get welded on, so it's not very expensive to have done. They are strong and worth it. I went with the Artec bolt on rear LCA/Shock skids and they're also very strong and worth the cost. You won't go wrong with anything from Artec.

 

[SadRobot]

I have the weld on Artec front LCA skids too. Cost me $30 to get welded on, so it's not very expensive to have done. They are strong and worth it. I went with the Artec bolt on rear LCA/Shock skids and they're also very strong and worth the cost. You won't go wrong with anything from Artec.

Looks like the Artec are the thickest of the 3. If I went Artec I'd probably paid them black. That grey is just an odd choice.

 

[limeade]

Looks like the Artec are the thickest of the 3. If I went Artec I'd probably paid them black. That grey is just an odd choice.

They're powder coated and the color isn't too bad. Plus, the way they're oriented, the color doesn't stand out too bad.

 

[SadRobot]

I was looking at the Artec website and their disclaimer makes a really good point

"May not install if factory brackets are bent and bashed from rocks."

I checked mine out and their pretty banged out of shape. Are they fixable or am I SOL?

 

[Smokey_The_Rooster]

Watch the Artec video, they show using a screw clamp to get them on. Might work for you as well.

 

[Mx5red]

I'd pay someone to weld on the front brackets. My Rock Hard ones are fine but as said the bolts rust, they won't play well with FAD skid besides their brand, they are hard to tighten adequately.
It may be easier to pay someone to weld than to get the front bolts to 190+ ft-lb yourself again.
I had a "clunk" I noticed when reversing diagonally out of my driveway I finally tracked to these not being tight enough. Re-tightened and now they don't clunk, but still...

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