Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

Purchased BMB 1.25" Body Lift, 1" MML, & Savvy Shifter - Now Which Skid?

Arthurius

Master Of Some
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Dec 14, 2021
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Mesa, Arizona
06 LJR, 2" suspension lift and 33's

Title says it all, which skid plate should I get to replace the factory one? I think I have purchased most of the stuff for a mild tummy tuck and I want to get the belly up as much as possible.

Separately, is there any option for a standalone trans crossmember that's worth a damn besides the Savvy option nowadays? TMR has one, Genright has one as well, even Motobilt? Savvy's seems a bit expensive and I've heard "its not what it once was" but I don't know if that's enough to ward someone from buying it.
 
... Savvy's seems a bit expensive and I've heard "its not what it once was" but I don't know if that's enough to ward someone from buying it.

The criticism of new Savvy is directed at specific product redesigns, like the bumpers. Have they made their way to ruining the belly skids yet?
 
I'm going down this rabbit hole soon on my 97.

My plan is to fabricate my own custom cross member that uses the factory transmission mount. I think I'll put my angle finder on the engine, install the body lift and mml, then jack up the transfer case/transmission to match the original angle and see where that gets me...decide if I go up from there.

I'll probably drive it for a bit sans skid plate and dial in vibrations.

Once I'm satisfied I'll decide if I'm making my own skid or if an off the shelf model will work.

You might need a slip yoke eliminator and adjustable control arms for vibes...or not since you've got a lower lift and longer wheelbase.

-Mac
 
Have they made their way to ruining the belly skids yet?

I have seen some postings from @mrblaine that the savvy kit was redesigned some time ago, but i haven't heard of anything recent since they started te whole ownership debacle.

I guess another way to ask the question is, are there any drawbacks to the Savvy kit that would make you want to install a different independent crossmember & skid combo? Especially with the price difference. Savvy kit is going for well over $1000 all-in and TMR crossmember is $150 and a UCF aluminum skid is $600.

Is Savvy still the top dog, and just buy once cry once?
 
I think the "redesign" mentioned is that the savvy setup (tcase and oil pan skid) once was a single piece design. Now the two are sold and installed separately.
 
I think the "redesign" mentioned is that the savvy setup (tcase and oil pan skid) once was a single piece design

Yes! That is what i was remembering. I am going to have the crossmember installed by a local shop so i will reach out to them for additional insight.

I would really like to go with one of the cheaper options to save some coin for an eventual arms upgrade. It seems the premium you pay for the Savvy design is largely in the material and the independent crossmember feature, unless someone can point to something I'm missing.

The problem with piecing it together is I can't really determine which skid because they all seem similar and the prices range from Barnes to, well, Savvy. Maybe i will listen to @macleanflood and install the lifts and crossmember, take measurements and go from there.
 
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Yes! That is what i was remembering. I am going to have the crossmember installed by a local shop so i will reach out to them for additional insight.

I would really like to go with one of the cheaper options to save some coin for an eventual arms upgrade. It seems the premium you pay for the Savvy design is largely in the material and the independent crossmember feature, unless someone can point to something I'm missing.

The problem with piecing it together is I can't really determine which skid because they all seem similar and the prices range from Barnes to, well, Savvy. Maybe i will listen to @macleanflood and install the lifts and crossmember, take measurements and go from there.

That particular redesign occurred about 15 years ago. The fundamentals of the early surfboard skid and the current modular system are nearly identical where the crossmember and the center skid are concerned.

With regard to new Savvy ruining their fundamental designs in recent months, we haven't seen what their plans are for the skids.

The premium you pay is for the design, not simply the material. If you value the design, then the options are limited.
 
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I installed undercover fab extra clearance tcase skids on my last four rigs with positive results

What are your thoughts on the lo-pro trans mount? Or did you avoid using it? I have their aluminum/steel rear bumper and think its pretty solid.

I keep hearing that both the Savvy and the UCF lo-pro mounts can result in vibrations. Use of the stock trans mount would be ideal, but I already have installed an Anchor trans mount and experience more vibes than stock.
 
I keep hearing that both the Savvy and the UCF lo-pro mounts can result in vibrations. Use of the stock trans mount would be ideal, but I already have installed an Anchor trans mount and experience more vibes than stock.

As have I...sticking with my Anchor OEM style mount even if that means more skid plate. Vibrations and a comfortable freeway ride are absolutes in my book.

I'd suggest you start with adjustable control arms and figure out your vibration issues before you complicate things more.

Granted you'll probably have to chase vibrations all over again after the mml and bl...but at least you'll have a fundamental understanding of where your shit wants to be.

-Mac
 
...

I keep hearing that both the Savvy and the UCF lo-pro mounts can result in vibrations. Use of the stock trans mount would be ideal, but I already have installed an Anchor trans mount and experience more vibes than stock.

What you keep hearing lacks a lot of nuance.

The LoPro vibrates a lot because it lacks any effective isolation due to the hinge design folding over into a metal on metal mount.

Savvy vibrates some only because the two bonded rubber bushings have less material than the factory mount.

Vibrations coming from the exhaust contacting the body and frame are installation issues that can be resolved.
 
What are your thoughts on the lo-pro trans mount? Or did you avoid using it? I have their aluminum/steel rear bumper and think its pretty solid.

I keep hearing that both the Savvy and the UCF lo-pro mounts can result in vibrations. Use of the stock trans mount would be ideal, but I already have installed an Anchor trans mount and experience more vibes than stock.

Lo-pro mount looks great on paper (not really, but atleast people think so), but in real life usage, it's pretty crappy.

See Garrett's comments final comments here.
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/ucf-lopro-transmission-mount-thoughts.35610/

You might as well save money and bolt the tcase to the skid directly rather than using that mount because it will not do any "isolation". @jjvw explained it perfectly above.
 
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Another question regarding the Savvy kit, the website states the kit comes with a new raised exhaust hangar. Should i still anticipate having to do exhaust modifications? Would removing the third cat make this part of the process simpler?
 
I'm anticipating having to do a lot of exhaust massaging with custom hangers. I've already prepared for most of this making my own custom down pipe from my header back to my single cat next to the transfer case on my 97. Lot simpler on my older model.

-Mac
 
What are your thoughts on the lo-pro trans mount? Or did you avoid using it? I have their aluminum/steel rear bumper and think its pretty solid.

I keep hearing that both the Savvy and the UCF lo-pro mounts can result in vibrations. Use of the stock trans mount would be ideal, but I already have installed an Anchor trans mount and experience more vibes than stock.

Wasn't necessary when I installed the extra clearance skid in my 06 LJ Rubicon. Before installing the skid I also installed a motor mount and body lift.

I opted for the extra clearance versus extra high clearance skid to avoid fitment issues with the rocktrac transfer case.

I also used the UCF lol clear pump mount and just welded it directly to the top side of the transfer case skid.

My exhaust was removed prior to install so not sure if there would have been clearance issues.
 
After reading through this install i think i prefer the Savvy as most (all?) other options require fab and welding that i cant do and would rather not pay someone to do.

Maybe this is showing my green but am i correct that the Savvy kit is bolt-on? I thought this kit was welded to the frame like others customs setups are.

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/savvy-under-armor-skid-plate-install-write-up.16379/

100% bolt on. If you don't count hammer work for the 241.
 
Another question regarding the Savvy kit, the website states the kit comes with a new raised exhaust hangar. Should i still anticipate having to do exhaust modifications? Would removing the third cat make this part of the process simpler?
Probably, yes. If nothing else, you'll need to adjust the rear two hangers since you want them helping hold the exhaust up. I've had success just bending some of the rods, others are more involved. The exhaust moves up with the trans, adjustments are required.
 
Lo-pro mount looks great on paper (not really, but atleast people think so), but in real life usage, it's pretty crappy.

See Garrett's comments final comments here.
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/ucf-lopro-transmission-mount-thoughts.35610/

You might as well save money and bolt the tcase to the skid directly rather than using that mount because it will not do any "isolation". @jjvw explained it perfectly above.

I still don’t even know what problem a Lopro is trying to solve with a 231 transfercase.
 
What are your thoughts on the lo-pro trans mount? Or did you avoid using it? I have their aluminum/steel rear bumper and think its pretty solid.

I keep hearing that both the Savvy and the UCF lo-pro mounts can result in vibrations. Use of the stock trans mount would be ideal, but I already have installed an Anchor trans mount and experience more vibes than stock.

For what it's worth, I can tell you that you can run an oem mount with a UCF ultra high clearance skid and a 231 case. I have a 1.25"body lift and have about an inch clearance to the tub with no modification. The larger case will probably need some tub clearance. You couldn't pay me to run a lo-pro mount. That idea doesn't even look good on paper.
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts