Jeepsk8
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- May 19, 2018
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- Location
- Sierra Vista, AZ
- Vehicle(s)
- 2020 JLUR
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- #1
Even though there are bars and skids already installed from the factory, I just couldn't get past all the gaping holes with really important stuff exposed to rocks. I decided to install a full underbelly skid system. My choices boiled down to Artec and Rock Hard. Rock Hard skids come with a nice coating whereas the Artec skids come raw and being about the same price I went with Rock Hard.
I will start by saying that I have LoD rock sliders that mount to the frame. This causes some issues with the skid system since they share some mounting points and exist in the same areas. I had to cut out 2 notches in the belly skid to clear the front mounts for the sliders.
They neglected to include the brackets for the gas tank skid but I was able to plow ahead with the rest of the install while I waited. The belly skid was no drama after cutting the notches. The oil pan skid was a PITA, mostly because the brackets don't really line up all that well and there are 2 bolts with nuts that are nearly impossible to get together without being double jointed. Once together, it is solid as a rock.
The resonator skid was no drama at all. The gas tank gave me some worries because of the sliders. I went ahead a lopped off the front frame mount because I was sure it was gonna give me problems. After that I mounted the brackets. 2 of the 3 went on no problem but the one closest to the rear diff fought me to the very end. Once you remove the stock bolt the metal of the stock skid sprung out making it very difficult to get the replacement bolt with bracket attached started. You really need a second set of hands with this damn thing. Lots of expletives later I had it on. Put the skid on after loosening most of the belly skid bolts which you have to do because the tank skid gets pinched between the belly skid and rearmost crossmember. Got it in place and the frame bolt installed. Started hooking up the brackets to the skid and that damn bracket reared its ugly head again. There was no way the nut and bolt they included was going to fit. Regardless of how I tried to manipulate it it was going to be hard into the stock skid to the point of deforming it and maybe intruding into the gas tank. I found some smaller hardware to put there instead. Tightened everything up and I'm done.
This has to be the absolute worst install experience I have ever had with a Jeep. The product in the end is excellent and I have no regrets, but I would have had a better install if I didn't have the slider issue and had an extra set of hands. Not a big fan of their brackets either, but they are stout.
I will start by saying that I have LoD rock sliders that mount to the frame. This causes some issues with the skid system since they share some mounting points and exist in the same areas. I had to cut out 2 notches in the belly skid to clear the front mounts for the sliders.
They neglected to include the brackets for the gas tank skid but I was able to plow ahead with the rest of the install while I waited. The belly skid was no drama after cutting the notches. The oil pan skid was a PITA, mostly because the brackets don't really line up all that well and there are 2 bolts with nuts that are nearly impossible to get together without being double jointed. Once together, it is solid as a rock.
The resonator skid was no drama at all. The gas tank gave me some worries because of the sliders. I went ahead a lopped off the front frame mount because I was sure it was gonna give me problems. After that I mounted the brackets. 2 of the 3 went on no problem but the one closest to the rear diff fought me to the very end. Once you remove the stock bolt the metal of the stock skid sprung out making it very difficult to get the replacement bolt with bracket attached started. You really need a second set of hands with this damn thing. Lots of expletives later I had it on. Put the skid on after loosening most of the belly skid bolts which you have to do because the tank skid gets pinched between the belly skid and rearmost crossmember. Got it in place and the frame bolt installed. Started hooking up the brackets to the skid and that damn bracket reared its ugly head again. There was no way the nut and bolt they included was going to fit. Regardless of how I tried to manipulate it it was going to be hard into the stock skid to the point of deforming it and maybe intruding into the gas tank. I found some smaller hardware to put there instead. Tightened everything up and I'm done.
This has to be the absolute worst install experience I have ever had with a Jeep. The product in the end is excellent and I have no regrets, but I would have had a better install if I didn't have the slider issue and had an extra set of hands. Not a big fan of their brackets either, but they are stout.
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