Is a radiator skid worthwhile?

[fuse]

On a run this weekend, the FJ in our group (which my wife dubbed the "Fake Jeep") plunged through a big mud puddle that I had driven around. Turns out the puddle was filled with 2" thick ice chunks that bent the crap out of his radiator. When his rig started overheating, one of our crew had to put a tow strap on it to get it to a local repair shop.

Assessing the damage to the FJ got me thinking about the TJ radiator. Sure enough, the lower plastic housing hangs down below the line of the bumper. If I had gone through that puddle, I might have torn off the whole bottom end of the radiator. I don't mind getting dirty, but fortunately I don't like unnecessary mud so I skipped that puddle.

So I'm wondering, who here has a radiator skid? Is there any evidence that it has actually protected your radiator from damage or otherwise kept something from ruining your day?

I see Rusty's Off-Road Products makes one. Is it any good? If a radiator skid is worthwhile, are there other skids to consider?

 

[ejay]

I use a Skid Row Offroad plate. Cost was under $80 and install was under 30 minutes. Peace of mind is there but I've never really tested it that hard as I don't do much crawling anymore. It looks the part especially compared to the soft metal/plastic of the under body of the radiator. I don't have a steering box skid...but I should.

From the website:
The 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ has its sway bar up on top of the chassis leaving the bottom of the radiator exposed. In addition, the factory radiator uses a plastic bottom tank that can be easily broken leaving your Jeep without coolant and you with an expensive repair bill. Adding an inexpensive Jeep Wrangler Radiator Skid Plate from Skid Row Offroad is a great way to make sure that you’ll never have to worry about that again. This skid plate is easy to install and only requires the drilling of one hole. It is made from laser-cut 1/8″ thick steel that is CNC folded for consistent quality and fit. Then it’s finished in an environmentally-friendly, and durable, black powder coating.

Skid Row Offroad's Jeep Wrangler Radiator Skid Plate protects the bottom of your radiator from punctures and other offroad related damage.
Material: Made of 1/8 inch thick steel
Finish: Semi-Gloss Black Powder Coat
Hardware: All Grade 5 zinc plated hardware is included
Origin: Made in USA
NOTE: Can be used with or without a body lift.

 

[MountaineerTom]

I put a Rusty’s skid on. I felt like it might help with a stick or something going up there or even something on the highway getting kicked of there.

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/installing-rustys-off-road-products-radiator-skid.15327/

 

[Camdenst]

I put one on this summer, partially because I want to have a cheap quick jeep project and partially piece of mind.

 

[tworley]

I'd rather have a skid at the oil pan, tcase, and gas tank.

 

[MountaineerTom]

I’ve got a Saavy engine skid mounted to the stock xfer skid. But still have the stock, thin, gas tank skid.

 

[ejay]

I’ve got a Saavy engine skid mounted to the stock xfer skid. But still have the stock, thin, gas tank skid.

I've got a lot of 9th degree armor but like you, I still have the OEM tank skid. It's worked just fine.

 

[Plumber1]

I installed the same Skid Row one things just for logs, branches, etc. as they are cheap. It just bothered my seeing that chunk or plastic hanging there. I have already done all the other kids so why not.

 

[06lj]

Dang it. I had never been worried about the bottom of the radiator until now.

 

[EJD]

Isn't the steering box just as vulnerable as the radiator? Better add one of those on there too!

 

[GASnBRASS]

I have the Rusty's radiator skid. It has a flat section that protrudes forward to the grill so it provides a bit more front protection than the Skid Row version.

It's just 1/8" sheet metal so it's more for blocking branches and such and not really for skidding over rocks, but for the price it beats trying to fabricate one yourself and fit's just fine.

 

[EzPeezy]

I put on the radiator skid mainly to prevent rocks and stuff from cracking into the bottom. Also if you go splashing into deepish water very often it's probably better to have waves hitting the skid instead of the radiator.

 

[TurboTJ]

I tow the Jeep behind my truck camper which tends to throw rocks and stuff right at that lower plastic radiator cap. So I installed the Skid Row.

 

[alittleoff]

I've got one, although I don't remember who's. I think it was worth it because of the large scratch it still has on it.