Rickg667
Member
I went with the quadratec. Metal cloak and JCR were backordered or not available. I did the engine and transfer case plates, never had issue with a Jeep gas tank plate... I wanted to cover the oil and trans pans... the replacement frame supports from quadratec are stout, the plates are thick, easy to install. Literally 30 minutes on my back with a socket wrench (a few beers). Only thing I am not a fan of is there is a depression between the plates, kinda wonder how long it will be until I get caught on it...Alright, let my start by saying this isn't going to be a Steel vs. Aluminum weight savings vs. durability debate, or a MC vs. QTec debate. That's not what I'm looking for.... it's strictly a cost/benefit analysis.
Question: the MC full system is $999. I was sold on this until I saw Quadratec is offering comparable (in coverage, at least) Aluminum skids, totaling roughly $847 + Shipping. I was 100% sold on the MC system for their design and coverage. However, it looks like I could save at least $150-200 alone by going with Quadratec.
Given this scenario, which would you choose and why? I'm curious if the design of the MC system is really worth the final difference, all things considered.
Considerations:
-I live in the Northeast so rust is a factor
-The Jeep is staying stock and handling lighter duty off road stuff for now (no more than a 3 out of 10 difficulty probably) due to limited time, and eventually bringing my wife and 2 year old son along who are not used to off roading.
-I would like to be able to build this Jeep into the same caliber of rig as my past 2 TJ's, being able to do some hard, technical trails on the weekend (probably eventually a lift and 37's), drive to work Monday, and take a road trip the following weekend. Similar goal to the LiteBrite JLUR, and several other builds on this forum which I've low key been using as inspiration for this build.
-I do most of my own work and would likely be installing in my driveway or a buddy's garage. I don't mind upgrading as needs change, but if I can pay a little more and have to only do it once, I am open to that.
-I haven't had a chance, but I was also considering reaching out to a few off road shops that are Authorized Metalcloak dealers within a ~200mi radius of where I live to see if I can maybe save some shipping that way. Has anyone in the Northeast gone this route?
Thoughts? Thanks in advance.
EDIT: Removed shipping charges because I was just on the Metalcloak site and they now offer free shipping to the lower 48 States on all orders over $100. So the difference is just the price at this point.
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