Metalcloak vs. Artec industries skids for 3.6?

[xj_scuba]

I have the the Artec aluminum and its fantastic. Install was fine, definitely easier with 2 people. Its taken a few good smacks so far, held up great, slight galling where it was dragged but I have no doubt they will last the life of my jeep. Bolts are sunk in so they don't smack and catch the way quadratecs will.

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[RockyMtJL]

I plan on slamming them into rocks and need something that can take a beat down and can be hammered back into shape.

Yes, aluminum only. Not sure why you would go steel except cost?

 

[Martindfletcher]

I plan on slamming them into rocks and need something that can take a beat down and can be hammered back into shape.

I have beat the heck out of the artec aluminums on granite rocks in California and they have lots of scratches, no structural issues.

 

[tonygiotta]

Glad to see the positive reviews on the Artec skids, the brown truck just brought me a set of the aluminum ones yesterday! Just a heads up, Artec is running a "Lockdown-Build-Up" sale on their site right now (through the end of the month) and is offering 20% off all their products.

 

[Martindfletcher]

Glad to see the positive reviews on the Artec skids, the brown truck just brought me a set of the aluminum ones yesterday! Just a heads up, Artec is running a "Lockdown-Build-Up" sale on their site right now (through the end of the month) and is offering 20% off all their products.

my advice is run the gas tank empty (or bring a buddy) and use zip ties to push the ratchet straps through to hold up the tank. North ridge did a video or write up on it. Other than that easy peasy

 

[1996cc]

I've been using Rusty's Off-road skids. Here is a shot right after install. Been working great, until my 1st oil change. The initial pour from the plug worked great but once the pressure got less, it was running down the skid and i had to keep relocating the drip pan.

A Fumoto drain valve will change your life.

 

[4xnaz]

A Fumoto drain valve will change your life.

Thank you!!!!! It was so messy.

 

[Martindfletcher]

Thank you!!!!! It was so messy.

they make some that accommodate a hose as well. The short one works ok with artec.

 

[quietpeen]

my advice is run the gas tank empty (or bring a buddy) and use zip ties to push the ratchet straps through to hold up the tank. North ridge did a video or write up on it. Other than that easy peasy

Yes, the less gas in the tank the better. I don’t know to say that it would be impossible to do this job by yourself, but it will be very beneficial to have a second set of hands to do the install

 

[xj_scuba]

Yes, the less gas in the tank the better. I don’t know to say that it would be impossible to do this job by yourself, but it will be very beneficial to have a second set of hands to do the install

Definitely run the tank as low as possible. I tried to run the ratchet strap but in the end it wasn't worth the effort. Instead I just had the other guy hold up the almost empty tank as I dropped the stock skid and bolted up the retaining strap. I found it much easier, if you have someone capable of holding up the tank.

 

[Chocolate Thunder]

Definitely run the tank as low as possible. I tried to run the ratchet strap but in the end it wasn't worth the effort. Instead I just had the other guy hold up the almost empty tank as I dropped the stock skid and bolted up the retaining strap. I found it much easier, if you have someone capable of holding up the tank.

Yes, the less gas in the tank the better. I don’t know to say that it would be impossible to do this job by yourself, but it will be very beneficial to have a second set of hands to do the install

I am about to do this install alone. The gas tank is as empty as I dare without running out of fuel (< 2 gallons). Is it not feasible to use a jack stand or floor jack to hold the tank up while securing the tank retaining strap?

 

[tonygiotta]

I am about to do this install alone. The gas tank is as empty as I dare without running out of fuel (< 2 gallons). Is it not feasible to use a jack stand or floor jack to hold the tank up while securing the tank retaining strap?

No, not really. The problem is that the entire bottom surface of the tank is covered by the skid. If you’re holding the tank up with a jack, you’re also holding up the skid, which obviously prevents you from removing said skid (or installing the new one).

I really think the easiest way to do it by yourself is to attach the end of the strap to an extra large zip-tie (or other long, semi-flexible object) to allow you to thread the strap between the loosened skid and the gas tank. The tolerances are tight making it nearly impossible to just push the strap through without something to guide it. With the tank as empty as you’ve got it, it’s really pretty easy to manage. The tank is plastic and is very light weight when empty. You just don’t want it to fall or hang freely by the connections as you may break something.

 

[Chocolate Thunder]

No, not really. The problem is that the entire bottom surface of the tank is covered by the skid. If you’re holding the tank up with a jack, you’re also holding up the skid, which obviously prevents you from removing said skid (or installing the new one).

I really think the easiest way to do it by yourself is to attach the end of the strap to an extra large zip-tie (or other long, semi-flexible object) to allow you to thread the strap between the loosened skid and the gas tank. The tolerances are tight making it nearly impossible to just push the strap through without something to guide it. With the tank as empty as you’ve got it, it’s really pretty easy to manage. The tank is plastic and is very light weight when empty. You just don’t want it to fall or hang freely by the connections as you may break something.

Thanks. I do have some really long zip ties. I’ll try that.

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