TJ with no skid plate?

[Ben Packwood]

Hi All! Entirely novice JEEP enthusiast here so bare with me.....

Bought ‘99 TJ earlier this year and when I did, it had its belly plate off (and what I presume is an after market ‘cross member’ in its place) How safe is it to have it in its current state? Should I be looking to get the full plate back on?? I’m not doing any crazy off roading.....yet.

Also, I’m assuming I’m missing one of the four smaller transmission bolts??

Thanks in advance.

 

[Blank]

pics will help alot

 

[Ben Packwood]

pics will help alot

Should be showing thumbnails at bottom of page?

 

[Chris]

Well, it’s safe for on-road, but if you plan on doing any off-roading (especially in the rocks), then it’s not good at all.

 

[glwood]

That's a first. I've not seen that before. I assume the skid plate fits up against the cross member? If so, it would be a good idea to have it on there, and the 4th bolt on the transmission mount. Are the holes in the aftermarket cross member threaded to accept bolts?

 

[Rob5589]

Skid plate in not necessary, until you smack something with the transfer case You are set up for a higher clearance skid, so not all bad. Definitely fix that mount/missing bolts.

 

[Ben Packwood]

I don't know whether the plate came off for him to fix that missing bolt, and then he never got round to it?? At this point everyday is a school day with this TJ!

Are you thinking the plate will fix up hard to the cross member? Haven't got underneath to offer it up, but that would be far easier right?

 

[Rob5589]

I don't know whether the plate came off for him to fix that missing bolt, and then he never got round to it?? At this point everyday is a school day with this TJ!

Are you thinking the plate will fix up hard to the cross member? Haven't got underneath to offer it up, but that would be far easier right?

It is a one off, you will only know what works when you climb under there and do some hands on.

 

[Ben Packwood]

That's a first. I've not seen that before. I assume the skid plate fits up against the cross member? If so, it would be a good idea to have it on there, and the 4th bolt on the transmission mount. Are the holes in the aftermarket cross member threaded to accept bolts?

Definitely not threaded! But if a head scratcher this one!

 

[weldedcambolt]

Thats what i am talking about....some old school. check for cracks around it an on top. at least you can see the leak. An was it just torn open, from the gasket sealant, that aint working? heres a video that helped me understand what was going on under there on mine. it will give you the confidence an take it down an get it right.

 

[TJ2]

Skid plate in not necessary, until you smack something with the transfer case You are set up for a higher clearance skid, so not all bad. Definitely fix that mount/missing bolts.

Two years ago, I saw a new '15 Jeep Renegade w/o skid plate in the trails, decked the bottom with a stomp and cracked the cast casing in 3 piece.

 

[Jorge Bolivar]

Many fellas like this set up type, it easy out the maintenance of their TJ's. After replace the missing bolts and nuts, you can keep it like that as long not go off road. Then I will suggest to re install. Will be a good idea to check that the plate mounting holes are in good shape and get the correct bolts if not have it yet.

Now, keep on mind that the reason the previous owner may run it without the skid plate is the heat transfer to the cab.

That is a nice set up. I just do some similar but with different products, GR cross member, UCF skid plate. I like to check all the under section after my wheeling trips and remove this plate holding the tranny is not fun.

Happy Trails Buddy!

 

[jjvw]

How much is a body lift is there? That's a pretty flat belly and there needs to be room for everything to go. Either the tub is heavily cut and bent and/or there is a big body lift.

2003 Rubicon

 

[Shwane]

Now, keep on mind that the reason the previous owner may run it without the skid plate is the heat transfer to the cab.

Interesting, I've never heard of this. Is it a noticable difference without it on?

 

[TJ2]

Interesting, I've never heard of this. Is it a noticable difference without it on?

Jorge is just pulling your legs.

 

[Shwane]

Jorge is just pulling your legs.

Lol, I would need an explanation before i believed that

 

[jjvw]

Raising the drive train usually involves moving and stuffing the exhaust higher into body. That can lead to more heat making its way into the cab. I doubt the presence, or lack, of the skid would make much difference.

2003 Rubicon

 

[Jorge Bolivar]

Raising the drive train usually involves moving and stuffing the exhaust higher into body. That can lead to more heat making its way into the cab. I doubt the presence, or lack, of the skid would make much difference.

2003 Rubicon

How much different you think could be based on your describe involved job? Plate on? Plate off?

 

[jjvw]

How much different you think could be based on your describe involved job? Plate on? Plate off?

Compared to a stock jeep? You might want to wear shoes in the summer. Like I said, the plate itself isn't the issue.

2003 Rubicon

 

[ac_]

I actually like it. It looks like it was was well done. I think you could go off road with it. I mean major rock crawler might be an issue, but when is it not? I would wheel that. The trans and transfer case are above the cross member. It has a SYE. I would fix the leak, and the missing bolt. I would also watch when you are wheeling, so you don't get hung up on it, but most 4x4's have cross members. Not all have skid plates. If you could integrate that other skid plate that might make you slide over logs, rocks or whatever easier, but It definitely looks like it will hold the guts in the TJ.

I am only going by the picture, but it looks solid from here.

I love nice fab jobs!