Starting a new thread to get some specific advice on skid plate replacement.
2004 LJ Auto Trans with 4" lift - Jeep has what I assume are OEM transmission & Transfer Case skid plates. The previous owner added spacers to the OEM skid plate mounting bolts to clear the drive shaft after lift install:
Did some serious crawling last weekend and managed to damage the front mounting bolts on the OEM Transmission skid plate. Drivers side pulled mounting bolt out and looks like I lost the nutsert, and mounting hole looks like it has been wallowed out:
Passenger side bolt is still tight but it took some whacks and looks rough:
Looking for recommendations on ways to repair/replace. I think the front holes for the trans plate are too damaged to get a nutsert to properly hold which makes repair somewhat involved & expensive? Assuming that is the case, I think the best bet is to at least replace just the trans plate with something that will also cover the oil pan. From my initial shopping it looks like the aftermarket versions will NOT use the OEM mounting holes in front and will mount to the OEM Transfer Case skid plate in the back (see bolts circled in picture)?:
Is this correct, and what brands/models do y'all recommend?
I know it would be best to replace both the Trans and TC plates at the same time, but I dont have deep pockets, so would rather replace the skid plates one piece at a time. Any major problems doing it piecemeal like this?
Is there a manufacturer out there that is affordable enough to do both?
I see aluminum and steel versions - what are the pros/cons or one vs the other?
Basically looking for advice and product recommendations. Any help appreciated!
2004 LJ Auto Trans with 4" lift - Jeep has what I assume are OEM transmission & Transfer Case skid plates. The previous owner added spacers to the OEM skid plate mounting bolts to clear the drive shaft after lift install:
Did some serious crawling last weekend and managed to damage the front mounting bolts on the OEM Transmission skid plate. Drivers side pulled mounting bolt out and looks like I lost the nutsert, and mounting hole looks like it has been wallowed out:
Passenger side bolt is still tight but it took some whacks and looks rough:
Looking for recommendations on ways to repair/replace. I think the front holes for the trans plate are too damaged to get a nutsert to properly hold which makes repair somewhat involved & expensive? Assuming that is the case, I think the best bet is to at least replace just the trans plate with something that will also cover the oil pan. From my initial shopping it looks like the aftermarket versions will NOT use the OEM mounting holes in front and will mount to the OEM Transfer Case skid plate in the back (see bolts circled in picture)?:
Is this correct, and what brands/models do y'all recommend?
I know it would be best to replace both the Trans and TC plates at the same time, but I dont have deep pockets, so would rather replace the skid plates one piece at a time. Any major problems doing it piecemeal like this?
Is there a manufacturer out there that is affordable enough to do both?
I see aluminum and steel versions - what are the pros/cons or one vs the other?
Basically looking for advice and product recommendations. Any help appreciated!
