Let's Talk Skid Plates

KimsJeep

KimsJeep

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After reading a post recently about a skid plate, I decided that I should start thinking about getting some for my Jeep now that I am starting to go off-road. So I did like everyone and went to a known place to see what the one I wanted was called, then went to eBay to see if I could get it cheaper. LOL

What do you all think about these skid plates for the steering box? I mean is there that much difference in the metal being used from this eBay one and lets say the Rugged Ridge one??

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-...0001&campid=5337789113&icep_item=184006463904
Also, what other skid plates do you all recommend I get for doing light off road use? I have the one that protects the transfer case. That is all I have, and I think it is something that comes stock doesn't it? LOL

Oh, and referring back to that other post I read on a particular skid plate. I don't want to have to lift my Jeep or anything to use them, so any recommendations for skid plates that one can use on a stock Jeep?

Thanks.
 
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Fouledplugs said:
It really depends on what you define light off road use as.

When I think light off road, I dont think about trails that require anything more than the factory skid...even that’s a stretch.
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Well, I really don't know yet. LOL I want to go on just basic fire roads and OHV trails but I just want to make sure I am covered if I do end up on a trail that could possibly do damage. I don't plan on any major rock climbing or anything. I just want to make sure if lets say I have to go over a something and I am high centered, I won't break anything going over it. If that makes since.

So maybe I will just get the oil pan skid plate and the steering box one.
 
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Jerry Bransford said:
The skidplate that protects the transfer case doesn't extend far enough forward to protect the oil pan. That's the one I'd place first on the list of priorities for skidplates. Punching a hole in your oil pan could prove very expensive.
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Ok, I will go check out the oil pan skid plates. :D
 
Wow, I really need to learn how to fabricate my own stuff!! LOL 144 bucks for the cheaper oil pan skid plate.

Think I will stick to easy fire roads for a while. LOL
 
My Rubicon came from the factory with 3 skid plates, 1 under the gas tank, 1 under the transfer case and 1 under the automatic transmission. I wonder every once in a while why there isn't another one under the engine oil pan. I might be somewhat crazy but I probably won't ever get the 4th. Maybe it's because we have more mud than rocks, I don't know.

I'm also not too sure my cast iron looking steering box would need a skid plate to begin with but if I thought it did I don't think I'd buy the one in that ebay link. I don't think 2 bolts would be enough and it doesn't look like the only bolt in the front is even tightened properly or maybe it is but the skid plate was designed by middle school kids. The before and after picture shows two completely different Jeeps, not the worst part of the deal, just weird to me.
 
KimsJeep said:
Well, I really don't know yet. LOL I want to go on just basic fire roads and OHV trails but I just want to make sure I am covered if I do end up on a trail that could possibly do damage. I don't plan on any major rock climbing or anything. I just want to make sure if lets say I have to go over a something and I am high centered, I won't break anything going over it. If that makes since.

So maybe I will just get the oil pan skid plate and the steering box one.
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I can respect that. You changed my mind with that perspective.

you are right, it's better to be prepared than not be...you know, just incase. I like that.
 
That steering box skid would offer some protection, it’s no worse than most and better than nothing. You really could fabricate your own engine skid for much less money. You can get 1/4” steel plate sheared to size from Metal Mart and weld angles to it for stiffness. @Indy was fabricating one for his TJ. You need a 33” long plate that tapers from 8” in the front to 13” in the back and 1-1/4” angle to stiffen the sides.
 
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The factory transfer case skid gets a bad rap but it does a good job of protecting the transfer case, the gas tank skid likewise. The engine however is very vulnerable.

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DrDmoney said:
That steering box skid would offer some protection, it’s no worse than most and better than nothing. You really could fabricate your own engine skid for much less money. You can get 1/4” steel plate sheared to size from Metal Mart and weld angles to it for stiffness. @Indy was fabricating one for his TJ. You need a 33” long plate that tapers from 8” in the front to 13” in the back and 1-1/4” angle to stiffen the sides.
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No need for 1/4", 3/16" is more than strong enough and lighter too.
 
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KimsJeep said:
That is a whole lot better on price!! Thanks for the link. :D
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Yea the ones that just protect the oil pan are cheaper than the ones that protect the oil pan and engine. But if you’re not in the rocks oil pan skid should suffice.
 
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I got my steering skid off amazon. it was 3/16" steel three bolts and the only difference I could see from companies like warn or poison spider was that it didn't have some logo laser cut into it. In this case your paying extra just to have their logo.
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