Skid plates Aluminum V. Steel

[ronhallam]

What's are people's opinions on aluminum skid plates v. steel plates?

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[onemoreokie]

I was asking myself the same question this week. I went into the local 4X4 shop and the techs and owner were adamant to get steel. They said the aluminum while light, doesn't hold up to mountain rock bashing.

 

[SilverSurfer]

Aluminum is lighter, does not rust and is by far a better heat dissipator than steel (Remember you have a gearbox generating lots of heat down there).

Aluminum tends to be less forgiving than steel when you need to slide over rocks, steel will slide where aluminum might stick (Because aluminum is softer).

All depends what you want to do with your Jeep. 12 years of off roading behind me with 4 Wranglers, I have never added additional under body protection.

 

[TxJeepers]

I’ve only added a steel engine/tranny skid on mine. Evo is my go to for that. I’ve never had an issue with the factory transfer case or gas tank skids on any of my previous Jeeps.

 

[VKSheridan]

100% agree with @SilverSurfer.

If you spend more time in mud, peat, tundra or swamp than rock, aluminum is great. Easier to lower to clean out timber, moss, beer cans and dead turtles.

If your time is spent more at the dunes or beach, no skids unless you’re going for laughs.

If you tend to test the boundaries of stupidity like I do on granite, limestone or sandstone, steel is a good choice.

 

[At Risk Ute]

Went with aluminum for the bigger ones (driveline and front swaybar) and steel for the smaller ones (FAD and LCAs).

Not expecting to bash the aluminum ones hard enough to destroy them (my bad if I do) and wanted to save some weight.

 

[ronhallam]

All great advice. Im just thinking middle of nowhere and you punch hole in engine oil pan or tarnny. If break something else you could at least still run engine for heat and comfort until help arrived!!! I have 4 in lift and 37in tires I do not plan on hitting anything but never know.

 

[Morris4x4]

Howdy neighbor (larmier resident too). I have full steel on mine. There are the tidbits others mentioned but protection is protection. Rather have and not need then need and not have. I do some aggressive trails so the peace of mind is much needed.

-Julia

 

[Odyssey USA]

All great advice. Im just thinking middle of nowhere and you punch hole in engine oil pan or tarnny. If break something else you could at least still run engine for heat and comfort until help arrived!!! I have 4 in lift and 37in tires I do not plan on hitting anything but never know.

That was my thinking. I don’t need it to take multiple hits or belly slide. I just wanted another layer of protection when remote. I went with the inexpensive aluminum Asfir engine skid. The only thing I’m not liking is when I loosen my oil filter and let it drain, the stream hits the skid and runs the length of the skid to the middle of the Jeep and runs out. A mess.

I’m going to be working with JB Waterweld to make a dam and try to direct it to the drain hole.

 

[CaJLMetalHead]

That was my thinking. I don’t need it to take multiple hits or belly slide. I just wanted another layer of protection when remote. I went with the inexpensive aluminum Asfir engine skid. The only thing I’m not liking is when I loosen my oil filter and let it drain, the stream hits the skid and runs the length of the skid to the middle of the Jeep and runs out. A mess.

I’m going to be working with JB Waterweld to make a dam and try to direct it to the drain hole.

would the Fumoto F106S help you with the oil drain issue?

 

[Odyssey USA]

would the Fumoto F106S help you with the oil drain issue?

Only if it mounts to the oil filter body. As to the drain plug part of the problem, I created a short dam to help direct it about 1/2” to the drain cutout. Most goes into the oil container but some clings to the metal and it very slowly runs down the bottom of the skid after a few minutes but it’s manageable. I’m not sure if something would spin on the drain plug threads being that close to the skid.

 

[CaJLMetalHead]

Only if it mounts to the oil filter body. As to the drain plug part of the problem, I created a short dam to help direct it about 1/2” to the drain cutout. Most goes into the oil container but some clings to the metal and it very slowly runs down the bottom of the skid after a few minutes but it’s manageable. I’m not sure if something would spin on the drain plug threads being that close to the skid.

ohh ok!!

I also saw this other alternative.. it seems more compact.. no idea if it works for your case... or if they make a version that fits our JLs

Amazon.com: Stahlbus Oil Drain Valve Plug M14x1.5x12mm Steel - CLEAN, EASY, NO TOOL Oil Change - Includes Oil Drain Plug, Washer, Cap, Connector, Silicone Hose : Automotive

 

[ronhallam]

I ordered the EVo and they also sold me a valve to replace oil pan drain plug you slide lever and it drains thru a rubber hose. Just have to see if new part has correct plug threads.

 

[rockadile]

I was looking at the Asfir skids, I wish they would make the front "steering rod protector" skid in black to blend in more.

 

[AnnDee4444]

What's are people's opinions on aluminum skid plates v. steel plates?

Even though aluminum is not as strong as steel, it can be somewhat compensated for by adding material.

Check out this post: https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/2-0-engine-skid-plates.49229/page-20#post-1658896

Asfir vs. M.O.R.E.

The M.O.R.E. is wider, but unfortunately doesn't fit 2018 2-doors due to the gas tank (2019+ is OK). Even thought the M.O.R.E. skid was way heavier, the Asfir brackets were actually heavier.

Asfir skid ≈ 4 gauge aluminum
M.O.R.E. skid ≈ 8 gauge Steel

Asfir brackets ≈ 0 gauge steel
M.O.R.E. brackets ≈ 3 gauge steel

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