Skid Plate Upgrade

[UTME]

Looking at the @Quadratec aluminum skid for the oil pan. Will leave the rubicon skids for transfer and gas tank for now. May be they will have a sale for Black Friday.

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[BobW]

I've been very happy with RockHard4x4. I paid more to get the aluminum belly pan system, where the heaviest part is ~ 50 pounds. Easy for me to install flat on my garage floor. I've dropped and reinstalled the main skids twice to allow other work, it's pretty easy.

 

[RubiTrux]

I'd recommend the Artec JL full bellypan kit. This kit provides full protection while enhancing ground clearance and made of 1/4 6061 T6 aluminum and zinc plated steel, rocks and trees don't stand a chance with this. Artec 2021+ JL 3.6L 2Dr Bellypan with Oil Access | RubiTrux

 

[stretch-bsn]

I’m up in VA right now visiting family so I think I may give Peters Mill Run a go next Monday before heading back to LA.

You still up here? I got a set of diff skids I’ll sell for a reasonable price. They are for Dana 30/35 axles…not sure what you have.

 

[artisteMadk [SCAMMER]]

I getting ready to start conquering some trails with my 2021 JL 2 door and I want to upgrade the basic skid plates that came with the Jeep. Any recommendations on brands to go with or to stay away from? Any additional components I should consider protecting?

If you’re upgrading your skid plates on the 2021 JL 2-door, go with quality options like Motobilt or ASFIR, they offer solid coverage and durability for trail use. Avoid cheaper thin-steel kits that bend easily or hang too low. While you’re at it, consider adding protection for your fuel tank, transfer case, and lower control arms since those areas take a lot of hits off-road.

 

[artisteMadk [SCAMMER]]

I've been very happy with RockHard4x4. I paid more to get the aluminum belly pan system, where the heaviest part is ~ 50 pounds. Easy for me to install flat on my garage floor. I've dropped and reinstalled the main skids twice to allow other work, it's pretty easy.

I’ve heard great things about RockHard4x4’s aluminum setup. Sounds like it’s been a solid investment, especially with how easy it is to remove and reinstall. Lighter weight and good protection is a win-win for trail use!

 

[artisteMadk [SCAMMER]]

I've been very happy with RockHard4x4. I paid more to get the aluminum belly pan system, where the heaviest part is ~ 50 pounds. Easy for me to install flat on my garage floor. I've dropped and reinstalled the main skids twice to allow other work, it's pretty easy.

How’s the coverage, does it protect the fuel tank and transfer case well? Also was the install truly straightforward, or did you have to make any adjustments?

 

[BobW]

I’ve heard great things about RockHard4x4’s aluminum setup. Sounds like it’s been a solid investment, especially with how easy it is to remove and reinstall. Lighter weight and good protection is a win-win for trail use!

I went the "more armor" instead of "more lift" route.
The only mod I've made is to drill three 3/4" drain holes in the main pan just ahead of the steel cross-stiffener to wash out gravel, etc.

 

[artisteMadk [SCAMMER]]

I went the "more armor" instead of "more lift" route.
The only mod I've made is to drill three 3/4" drain holes in the main pan just ahead of the steel cross-stiffener to wash out gravel, etc.

Drilling those drain holes is a great idea, should help keep the main pan clean and reduce corrosion. You planning on taking it off-roading soon?

 

[BobW]

How’s the coverage, does it protect the fuel tank and transfer case well? Also was the install truly straightforward, or did you have to make any adjustments?

The coverage is really complete, especially around transmission and transfer case. This area is covered by two pieces, one wide frame-to-frame covering xfer, trans, and rear of engine, and a narrower one covering oil pan and front of engine.

The system includes separate plates covering the fuel tank and exhaust resonator. Install really was easy, no mods needed, just fit everything loosely before tightening. The RH4x4 video was more helpful than the pdf instructions which weren't 100% up-to-date. However, the RH folks were really responsive to questions.

For maintenance (changing gearbox fluids, installing trailer wire harness) I dropped only the front two.

One more note: the heaviest part is the full width pan, about 50 lbs, easy enough for me to handle. In steel, while thinner, I think the same part is more than 200 lbs.

 

[BobW]

Drilling those drain holes is a great idea, should help keep the main pan clean and reduce corrosion. You planning on taking it off-roading soon?

I installed it in 2021, so I've bounced on it a few times, though I'm more overlander than crawler, most recently on the rocky stretch of Laurel Canyon in the eastern Sierra.

 

[RubiSc0tt]

I went Quadratec Aluminum because I live in the rust belt and was trying to save weigh on this already heavy Jeep. I've use the hell out of them and while they are a little bent- overall they've held up well. I would buy them again.

 

[artisteMadk [SCAMMER]]

The coverage is really complete, especially around transmission and transfer case. This area is covered by two pieces, one wide frame-to-frame covering xfer, trans, and rear of engine, and a narrower one covering oil pan and front of engine.

The system includes separate plates covering the fuel tank and exhaust resonator. Install really was easy, no mods needed, just fit everything loosely before tightening. The RH4x4 video was more helpful than the pdf instructions which weren't 100% up-to-date. However, the RH folks were really responsive to questions.

For maintenance (changing gearbox fluids, installing trailer wire harness) I dropped only the front two.

One more note: the heaviest part is the full width pan, about 50 lbs, easy enough for me to handle. In steel, while thinner, I think the same part is more than 200 lbs.

It’s great that the install was easy with no mods, the RH4x4 video helped, and you only need to drop the front two plates for maintenance. Plus, at 50 lbs the aluminum pan is way easier to handle than steel, making routine work much simpler without sacrificing protection.

 

[artisteMadk [SCAMMER]]

I installed it in 2021, so I've bounced on it a few times, though I'm more overlander than crawler, most recently on the rocky stretch of Laurel Canyon in the eastern Sierra.

It’s great to hear it’s performing reliably without any issues even after some serious trail use.

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