Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

Where to weld on Currie mini skids?

Hackyman

TJ Enthusiast
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Mar 22, 2024
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Nevada
Looking for advice on best location for currie skids. Im sure it would be best to put the axle under the jeep and check clearance with the joint, but it's on the bench and I'd rather weld it in while standing.

Should it go all the back? Or farther forward?

Thanks for your help!

Do people hammer the front closer to the tube?

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The second picture is how I did mine, somewhat flush with the end of the bracket. I slid mine up just a tad to allow for a small puddle of weld juice on the ends. No, no need to hammer the fronts. The "L" shape the bracket makes by being so thick allows for a nice spot to lay your bead. On the tube section, I welded about a 1/2" at a time, alternating from one side to the other and about 5 minutes in between (it wound up being 3 individual beads, starting on each end, then I filled the center). Not sure if that's necessary, but the concern is too much heat. Don't worry about the joint, it will clear.
 
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When I weld my Johnny Joint bracket on my front axle I think I am going to get a set of these as well (looks like low hanging fruit). Is it a good idea to put them on the rears as well or am I being an idiot? Again I am mostly new to off roading so there will always be an occasional dumb question.
 
Do people hammer the front closer to the tube?

Put them where it makes the most sense. Weld each side. Then hammer the front close to the tube. Weld the front.
 
When I weld my Johnny Joint bracket on my front axle I think I am going to get a set of these as well (looks like low hanging fruit). Is it a good idea to put them on the rears as well or am I being an idiot? Again I am mostly new to off roading so there will always be an occasional dumb question.

Do some research on the JJ bracket on the axle. Many don't like it or aren't using it. Reinforcing the tower for the rubber bushing may be a better choice.

I don't recall what the rear axle LCA bracket looks like off the top of my head, but I dont think the skid would fit. If it did it would only offer protection when backing up, or it would get in the way of the control arm.
 
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When I weld my Johnny Joint bracket on my front axle I think I am going to get a set of these as well (looks like low hanging fruit). Is it a good idea to put them on the rears as well or am I being an idiot? Again I am mostly new to off roading so there will always be an occasional dumb question.
The skid up front serves two purposes. First, it is a skid to help you slide over objects that contact the bracket. Second, it boxes the two sides of the bracket together which makes it much stronger.

If you look at the rear, you’d see that a skid there would close off the control arm and make it difficult to remove if not impossible. So, just up front.
 
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The skid up front serves two purposes. First, it is a skid to help you slide over objects that contact the bracket. Second, it boxes the two sides of the bracket together which makes it much stronger.

If you look at the rear, you’d see that a skid there would close off the control arm and make it difficult to remove if not impossible. So, just up front.

The rear axle side brackets are a also an entirely different shape, meaning that the front mini skids cannot physically fit on the rears.
 
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The skid up front serves two purposes. First, it is a skid to help you slide over objects that contact the bracket. Second, it boxes the two sides of the bracket together which makes it much stronger.

If you look at the rear, you’d see that a skid there would close off the control arm and make it difficult to remove if not impossible. So, just up front.

Yes but I do all my trails in reverse!😂
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts