Fuel Tank Skid Plate

[mrblaine]

OuttaHand Fab is one that’s adjustable

https://www.outtahandfab.com/product-page/jeep-tj-lj-modular-gas-tank-skid


I’d thought the MC one was too, but I was wrong.

You can always tell who is a designer and who is highly inspired by others. The little bolt on piece over by the exhaust is not needed and only adds expense that could benefit the customer if it was not there by reducing cost. The reason it exists stock is due to the thinner material. The reason it doesn't need to be there on a 3/16" thick skid is again, due to material thickness. You aren't going to smack the front of the tank upwards and collapse the main flange and mounting point. Thus, no need for something there by the exhaust. That and someone should teach the press brake operator how to build a dimple die for the sump. That lets folks know you know what you are doing instead of that welded thingy.

 

[PNW_LJ]

You can always tell who is a designer and who is highly inspired by others. The little bolt on piece over by the exhaust is not needed and only adds expense that could benefit the customer if it was not there by reducing cost. The reason it exists stock is due to the thinner material. The reason it doesn't need to be there on a 3/16" thick skid is again, due to material thickness. You aren't going to smack the front of the tank upwards and collapse the main flange and mounting point. Thus, no need for something there by the exhaust.

Is there a reason as to why the factory skid only has it on the exhaust side?

That and someone should teach the press brake operator how to build a dimple die for the sump. That lets folks know you know what you are doing instead of that welded thingy.

Yeah I was gonna say, that “thingy” looks crude.

 

[mrblaine]

Is there a reason as to why the factory skid only has it on the exhaust side?

The main front support is offset to the left. They added some additional support not against upward movement but to support the weight of the tank. Wholly not needed with a 3/16" hanger system.

Yeah I was gonna say, that “thingy” looks crude.

The best part of that hanger is Kilby did it, then all the copies of the Kilby did it the same way.

 

[freedom_in_4low]

I used to say 2003 since I'd never seen one before that and it made sense for that to be the year break due to all the other changes but someone corrected me with his 2002 that was purchased new with the correct build date to be an 02.

1 aftermarket is adjustable. I've not seen anyone else copy my design in that regard. Doesn't mean they haven't, I've just not seen it.

I could swear I saw another adjustable one a couple weeks ago but can't remember who and can't find it now. I thought it might be UCF but they just sell tucked and non tucked versions.

A build date in 2002 could be a 2003 model...I go by the year on the emissions sticker under the hood. That's the model year they gave the EPA.

 

[mrblaine]

I could swear I saw another adjustable one a couple weeks ago but can't remember who and can't find it now. I thought it might be UCF but they just sell tucked and non tucked versions.

A build date in 2002 could be a 2003 model...I go by the year on the emissions sticker under the hood. That's the model year they gave the EPA.

Read what I said, again, slowly this time.

 

[PNW_LJ]

The main front support is offset to the left. They added some additional support not against upward movement but to support the weight of the tank. Wholly not needed with a 3/16" hanger system.

The best part of that hanger is Kilby did it, then all the copies of the Kilby did it the same way.

Gotcha, thank you.

Learn something new every week here.

 

[OldBuzzard]

I wasn’t aware that the later skid was stronger.

Will look into that option.

The later skid is stronger, but it still won't stand up terribly well to a "bone rattling" hit. Tooth jarring, yes, bone rattling, no.

If you want to go that way, you can have the one from my '05 for free. It's in good shape. You'll have to pick it up, I'm in Englewood.

 

[chudlet]

FYI: https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/03-06-raised-gas-tank-skid.74680/

 

[Big John 04LJ]

I'm very happy with my Warn gas tank skid. Yes, it's heavier than an aluminum skid but man can it take a hit!!

 

[zachpeakee]

The later skid is stronger, but it still won't stand up terribly well to a "bone rattling" hit. Tooth jarring, yes, bone rattling, no.

If you want to go that way, you can have the one from my '05 for free. It's in good shape. You'll have to pick it up, I'm in Englewood.

I think I'll take you up on that offer!

If anything, I'll see what it handles. Worst case scenario, I end up back at square one, and regroup.

Englewood is only about an hour from me.
Shoot me a PM and we'll line up a day for me to ride up!

 

[zachpeakee]

While we're talking about gas tank skid plates
What do yall think about the barnes skid ? its 290$ but someone on FB has got if for 200Its far from me but ill need it here soon,if it doesnt sell
https://barnes4wd.com/products/high-clearance-jeep-tj-fuel-tank-skid-plate

This is what I was checking out lastnight.

however, the "extra 1" clearance" stems from the usage of a 1" body lift.
Which is the exact same scenario if I were to use a later-model skid + body lift.

As far as strength is concerned, i'm sure the Barnes is a thicker material construction, but I'm not sure how much that actually adds in terms of protection.

Similar to the 3/16 vs 1/4" belly skids.
1/4" is obviously stronger, but 99% of the time is over-kill.

My issue lies in the question of is that 1% chance a make-or-break factor.

 

[zachpeakee]

Additionally, the earlier skids are completely open on the driver's side, whereas the later ones encase the fuel tank.

Which is almost EXACTLY where I smoked mine.

Was coming off an erosion line, into a creek-bottom.
Only way in/out was dipping the front into the creek, and powering up the opposite side.
There was no better line to take.

Back end of the TJ had no choice but to slam, and it smashed right at that weak area where the skid is open.
To add insult to injury, I had to drag it the rest of the way down, which peeled it up like a banana.
Bashed that corner up pretty tough.

 

[LONGJP2]

Cutting and raising the late skid is a very good option that more should take advantage of.

And it can be done without welding.

 

[Jamesval035]

fwiw, maybe I got a1st gen update skid but my ‘01 came with the newer skid. Not sure of my build date though.

 

[freedom_in_4low]

Which is almost EXACTLY where I smoked mine.

Was coming off an erosion line, into a creek-bottom.
Only way in/out was dipping the front into the creek, and powering up the opposite side.
There was no better line to take.

Back end of the TJ had no choice but to slam, and it smashed right at that weak area where the skid is open.
To add insult to injury, I had to drag it the rest of the way down, which peeled it up like a banana.
Bashed that corner up pretty tough.

Where are the photos?!

 

[OldBuzzard]

Where are the photos?!

I suspect his TJ is getting VERY little attention since he bought an LJ.

 

[freedom_in_4low]

I suspect his TJ is getting VERY little attention since he bought an LJ.

Sounds like he went a little overboard trying to get his hands on a late model gas tank skid plate.

 

[zachpeakee]

Sounds like he went a little overboard trying to get his hands on a late model gas tank skid plate.

I never claimed I wasn't impulsive.

What do you mean? I got my late model skid plate for an absolute steal...