Barnes 4WD Jeep TJ Bolt On Skid Plate Questions

MikekiM

MikekiM

TJ Addict
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Nov 3, 2018
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East of Montauk, NY
I have a 2.5 - 3.0" SL and a transfer case drop kit with the stock skid. No SYE and no MML. Jeep is my DD and sees very mild dirt fire roads with an occasional rock patch, and often outer beach soft sand. Never enough to lift a wheel. No vibrations now and given it's a DD, I want to be as certain as possible that I don't take two steps backwards and have to chase vibrations again.

I'd like to gain back a little clearance lost to the stock shovel. Considering something like the Barnes bolt on skid which claims to recover about an inch of clearance. Will I still need the drop kit? I have a t-case cable shifter to install when the stock skid comes off. I would like to avoid the SYE, MML and changing drive shafts.

I know what I don't know, so please educate me.. Exactly what do I need to install the Barnes skid and not have issues? And what optional items might I want while I am in there?
 
Since you already need a TCase drop with 2.5-3” SL, and you’re planning to remove the drop and add a Barnes skid that is raised 1” over stock, then you’ll be seeing at least 3.5” at the skid and you will need an SYE, rear adjustable arms, and a DC. It’s unavoidable.
 
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Try a MML with the stock skid. If you get vibrations, lower the skid a little with washers until the vibration stops.
 
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At 3” + SL being seen at the TCase, you must have an SYE. A MML simply won’t alleviate the driveline angle.
 
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I have a TJ Rubicon (so no SYE or transfer case drop needed) and a two inch lift. I had no vibes with this. Then I installed the Barnes skid plate and while I didn’t have vibes, I would get what seemed like bad clutch chatter on engagement. I then installed a DC shaft, rotated the pinion, etc. and this problem went away. I suspect a MML might have solved the problem also but for unrelated issues I did not want to do that.
 
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I have the Barnes skid plate on my 06. I measured after the install and gained .75" over the stock skid. I seem to recall there is a difference in the depth of the earlier vs late model skids. Maybe someone will chime in and verify. I have been happy with the skid and would definitely say it's an upgrade over the stock one. If your just adding it for addition clearance I would check the dimensions of your skid plate vs the Barnes. Without an SYE or MML you will still need your drop and a higher skid plate will just exacerbate the driveline issues requiring addition drop spacers. A MML is cheap and easy to install. You may want to start there and see if you can get rid of your transfer case drop.
 
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