thinking it is time for belly skids...

[rforbes]

So, as a bit of background. 2024 Wrangler Rubicon 4xe with a 3.5" teraflex lift and 37" tires. I have been doing some pretty mild wheeling but I have my eyes set on the Rubicon. To do that I am thinking it is time for re-gear, bigger brakes, and...a bellly skid system.

I am looking at the Next Venture Motorsports belly skids with the UHMV. Those, however, are quite expensive. Do people have any opinions on them? Worth the money?

Thanks!

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[Ratbert]

I've beat mine to hell and back. They're holding up well.

Note that you'll somewhat silently slide over stuff instead of the typical steel on rock guy-wrenching grinding. Also note that you might slide sideways when you're not expecting it.

 

[rforbes]

I've beat mine to hell and back. They're holding up well.

Note that you'll somewhat silently slide over stuff instead of the typical steel on rock guy-wrenching grinding. Also note that you might slide sideways when you're not expecting it.

the unexpected sliding hasn't been too concerning?

 

[Ratbert]

the unexpected sliding hasn't been too concerning?

A little, but that's what the UHMW layer is supposed to do. The alternative is that horrid grinding that tears at your gut.

 

[rforbes]

A little, but that's what the UHMW layer is supposed to do. The alternative is that horrid grinding that tears at your gut.

I am here for the lack of grinding sound, for sure.

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[Blue Bear]

Check out Artec's stuff. I'm running the same lift and tire combo, and their skids cover everything you want covered. I've banged them up pretty good in spots with no issues.

 

[roaniecowpony]

IMO, you'll want the skids for sure to do Rubicon. The gears are a solution for street rpm, not for crawling capability to get through the Rubicon. Same for the brakes. But I agree they are very worthwhile. I ran the trail without any diff skids or shock mount skids. I was careful and didn't take any damage to the diffs. The shock mounts ... well they took most of the grinding. So, maybe shock mount skids are worthwhile. Some kind of strong protruding rock rails are necessary. I had to pivot against a few boulders with my RockHard step style (protruding) rock rails.

Get some kind of power steering enhancement. I did the trail with no power steering enhancement, as well as a dozen other BOH trails. There are many situations where you just can't turn the wheel when you need to and should be able to, given the minor tire restrictions of terrain, but are hampered by the low tire pressures of a large diameter tire. I recently installed the Apex power steering boost kit and cooler. I haven't had it on the trail yet. PSC is the big end of this.

 

[ManOfSteel_Rust]

Skids are well worth the investment. Especially those of us with the 48V battery...takes away any concern of damage on the trail. I love having a full flat belly to slide over obstacles. Currently running MC where the fit and finish is awesome. My last build I ran Artec and loved the light weight of the aluminum but it does sound like ripping a tin can open over rocks.

 

[GATORB8]

Another value option in aluminum is Asfir.

One of the diesel guys did a pretty slick comparo thread, I'll see if I can find it.

EDIT: Here's that thread https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/summary-of-available-ecodiesel-skid-plates.90479/

 

[rforbes]

Check out Artec's stuff. I'm running the same lift and tire combo, and their skids cover everything you want covered. I've banged them up pretty good in spots with no issues.

interesting. Looks like good stuff. I have been worried that aluminum is a bit weak hence interested in the UHMW plates that NVM offers. This also tells me that the NVM price is not all that outlandish.

 

[rforbes]

IMO, you'll want the skids for sure to do Rubicon. The gears are a solution for street rpm, not for crawling capability to get through the Rubicon. Same for the brakes. But I agree they are very worthwhile. I ran the trail without any diff skids or shock mount skids. I was careful and didn't take any damage to the diffs. The shock mounts ... well they took most of the grinding. So, maybe shock mount skids are worthwhile. Some kind of strong protruding rock rails are necessary. I had to pivot against a few boulders with my RockHard step style (protruding) rock rails.

Get some kind of power steering enhancement. I did the trail with no power steering enhancement, as well as a dozen other BOH trails. There are many situations where you just can't turn the wheel when you need to and should be able to, given the minor tire restrictions of terrain, but are hampered by the low tire pressures of a large diameter tire. I recently installed the Apex power steering boost kit and cooler. I haven't had it on the trail yet. PSC is the big end of this.

Part of doing the Rubicon is getting to the Rubicon on a 17 hour drive, hence the gears, heh.

Interesting, As far as steering, are you thinking like a PSC ram assist or something like that?

 

[rforbes]

Another value option in aluminum is Asfir.

One of the diesel guys did a pretty slick comparo thread, I'll see if I can find it.

EDIT: Here's that thread https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/summary-of-available-ecodiesel-skid-plates.90479/

That is a great write up! Thanks for finding that!

 

[GATORB8]

That is a great write up! Thanks for finding that!

One item to make sure you look at, some plates stack on the stock skids and some replace them. You'll notice the big difference in the "removed" weight in his list.

 

[roaniecowpony]

Part of doing the Rubicon is getting to the Rubicon on a 17 hour drive, hence the gears, heh.

Interesting, As far as steering, are you thinking like a PSC ram assist or something like that?

Yeah, with 37s PSC with the ram is ultimate steering setup. I was in my engine bay and went with an Apex boost kit. It's just a spring, gauge and cooler. It boosts from OE ~1300 psi to around 2000 psi. I'll see if I like it. But, I may end up at a PSC system.

 

[rforbes]

One item to make sure you look at, some plates stack on the stock skids and some replace them. You'll notice the big difference in the "removed" weight in his list.

I definitely noticed that. I will say this reaffirmed my interest in the NVM stuff. They also have a 4xe specific solution which it is unclear if the others do as well.

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