Anybody heard of ASFIR skidplates?

[Holaday07 4.7]

http://asfir.com/catalogueDetailsEN.asp?Prod_ID=1300&combo1=13&combo0=6&Cat_ID=589

[BonesWK]

after a quick google from their site phone # it looks like they are an Israel based company. Shipping could get beefy.

Tel: +972 4 6511400
E-mail: [email protected]

[Sal-XK]

http://asfir.com/catalogueDetailsEN.asp?Prod_ID=1300&combo1=13&combo0=6&Cat_ID=589

I have Hurd of them those are aluminum and very pricey

[Holaday07 4.7]

gotcha, i was thinking the weight savings would be a plus but that only pays for soo much

[LWM]

They have a distribution center here in Arizona too.

[Matt]

I think their skids are more targeted towards rally style / desert / dunes type of offroading as opposed to trail riding & rock protection. Aluminum doesn't do so great sliding on jagged rock with 5000 lb coming down on it.

[BonesWK]

Saguaro offers an aluminum Transfer Case Skid

[Holaday07 4.7]

I think their skids are more targeted towards rally style / desert / dunes type of offroading as opposed to trail riding & rock protection. Aluminum doesn't do so great sliding on jagged rock with 5000 lb coming down on it.

A ton of guys in my Jeep club run Savvy skids and armor, and it is all aluminum. These guys beat the crap out of it, and a few of them compete. Seems to me it is a good trade off of weight and protection.

[Matt]

How much weight savings is there really? Guys here are mangling thick steel skids (belly guard comes to mind)... an AL skid of the same thickness would get trashed quicker so it either needs to be thicker or have more reinforcement which cuts into the weight savings.

If anything I'd think corrosion resistance is a bigger benefit especially for a trail rig that you don't clean after every run.

I guess someone needs to buy some aluminum skids so we can compare. :)

[Sal-XK]

It depends on which blend of aluminum you use. At the same thickness it can be twice as strong as steel. But that is really expensive.

[LWM]

I was going to make an aluminum version of the SA skid plate but didn't think there would be a big enough market for me.

[Matt]

It depends on which blend of aluminum you use. At the same thickness it can be twice as strong as steel. But that is really expensive.

Reeeally expensive!

[Sal-XK]

Reeeally expensive!

Reeeaallly expensive like a $300+ suspension skid. :eek:

[Matt]

Reeeaallly expensive like a $300+ suspension skid. :eek:

Lol..... Lets just say that I wouldn't pay $300+ for an aluminum skid without knowing what grade aluminum it is.

And either way, I'd still prefer a much cheaper / slightly heavier steel plate.... lol I don't want to worry about "damaging my expensive skids"!

With that said, I'd love for someone to get them so we can check them out. :)

[Sal-XK]

I heard that aluminum don't slide to well over rock like steal does or maybe we discussed that hear before anyway I read somewhere.

[superacerc]

Aluminum is softer and would gouge easeier I would think.

[Sal-XK]

Aluminum is softer and would gouge easeier I would think. you have to keep in mind that there are several blends of aluminum available. It's strength varies greatly on which blend you use. It goes by a number system which I can't remember what they are but I think 5120 is one of something like that.

[Matt]

I heard that aluminum don't slide to well over rock like steal does or maybe we discussed that hear before anyway I read somewhere.

We talked about that here. Again it depends on the composition of the aluminum...

FYI I checked out S4XC's tcase skid. Its 3/16" 5052, but they don't state the temper condition. I'd guess its 1/4 hard since that's the most popular..... which puts it at about half the strength of general purpose steel. BUT its extremely corrosion resistant.

I've never scraped aluminum across rocks, but the way I see it a softer metal will allow jagged edges to dig in and grip better. But hell, if people are using them for competition I'd like to know what grade their using and how they hold up to impacts..... nothing beats trailside experience!

[Asfir4x4]

A lot of questions here in regards to the ASFIR4x4 products. I will try to get some of them clarified.

1. The factory and development is in Israel. As a large Military vehicle contractor in the European/Middle East market all of our products are designed to take incredible abuse.

2. Our Skid Plates are made from 1/4" 5052 Aluminum. The same material used for armored vehicles for over 100 years. I drop our 6000 lb. JK on rocks here in AZ and other than a dent and scratch here they are up to the task.

3. We are more expensive than other skid plates on the market, but that is because of the engineering, additional coverage we offer and some material cost differences.

4. The weight savings is half as much as a comparable steel set. On a JK the core 4 pieces net 85 lbs versus 180 - 195 lbs for steel.

5. Aluminum does not crumple like steel when you land on it. As the Modulus of Elasticity is much greater it will flex and return to shape much better. Plus if you happen to bend it a 5 lb. sledge on the neighbors driveway will bring it back to shape. As an added measure 5052 is a work hardenable material and when you pound it back into shape it gets stronger.

6. 5052 does not grab on rocks, the softer materialmolds around shapes and deflects. Not to say you will not get some scratches/gouges on them, but that just proves they are working.

7. Aluminum will not corrode. Everytime the material is scratched ot abraded it will regenerate a new layer of aluminum oxide to protect itself. So scratch and gouge away, it will not affect it.

8. We sell this line for the Daily Driver that wants to get his rig home on monday to get to work but likes to go out and play with the assurance that the vital components of the vehicle are well protected.


I will throw a special offer to one person on this forum that would like to try the skid plates, come wheeling with a few of us and then report back on what the final outcome was. As we are in Arizona I just ask that you can travel to a trail out here. Just send me a PM about your vehicle and what you think of our products (I do really like skeptics).

Thank you.

Armando Verdugo
Sales Manager
ASFIR4x4
16050 N. 76th Street #103
Scottsdale AZ 85260

[email protected]
480.247.9545 office
480.290.5993 mobile

[Matt]

I love getting info straight from the source, thanks!!

Also love the offer to test it out.... Jon, maybe that's a good opportunity for you and then even become a distributor? ??

[BonesWK]

I love getting info straight from the source, thanks!!

Also love the offer to test it out.... Jon, maybe that's a good opportunity for you and then even become a distributor? ??

x2 - Armando, thanks for taking the time and creating an account to clear up the issues/questions. That is some customer service right there. Looking forward to someone testing!

[pjmjr508]

x2 - Armando, thanks for taking the time and creating an account to clear up the issues/questions. That is some customer service right there. Looking forward to someone testing!

x3

[AJeepZJ]

I just learned a lot about aluminum.

[Asfir4x4]

Thank you guys!

We do what we can as we still are a newbie in the US and our products are somewhat unknown to a lot of people. Although ASFIR has been around for over 30 years in the rest of the world, breaking into the US market is an ongoing job.



http://s1131.photobucket.com/albums/m554/asfir4x4/?action=view&current=JKinFJC.mp4

Here is a video of our JK out in the rocks, yes I use the products! Take a look at the gouges on the Gas Tank Skid. I slammed down hard and slid right off.

[Asfir4x4]

I just learned a lot about aluminum.

It's not just for yummy beverages!! :D

[Holaday07 4.7]

It's not just for yummy beverages!! :D

Thanks! After watching these guys beat on the Savvy Aluminum armor, I was wondering if there were options for our vehicles. We already drive a whale of a vehicle so i like the weight savings. I for one now am looking for a new lift option after adding all the 4xg armor because the front end dropped so much. Anyways, thanks for chiming in, and when will you be making a bar for the Commander like the one for the 100 series LC?

[Matt]

http://s1131.photobucket.com/albums/m554/asfir4x4/?action=view¤t=JKinFJC.mp4

Here is a video of our JK out in the rocks, yes I use the products! Take a look at the gouges on the Gas Tank Skid. I slammed down hard and slid right off.

I just have one complaint..... i was watching this video on my laptop and i have my speakers on. My wife, who is sitting on the other couch, heard the music, looked at me funny, then said "ummmmm.... what are you watching??" ........

[Sal-XK]

I just have one complaint..... i was watching this video on my laptop and i have my speakers on. My wife, who is sitting on the other couch, heard the music, looked at me funny, then said "ummmmm.... what are you watching??" ........

LMAO I do consider watching jeep videos porn but can do without the music :)

[pjmjr508]

I just have one complaint..... i was watching this video on my laptop and i have my speakers on. My wife, who is sitting on the other couch, heard the music, looked at me funny, then said "ummmmm.... what are you watching??" ........


When ever my wife walks in & sees me watching a jeep video, she turns & goes how much is this going to cost? lol

[Matt]

Lol the Jeep video wasn't the problem. Sal caught on right away!

The music in that video makes it sound like a porno hahahahaha... oh good times. I then had to add some play by play... "oh yeah, right there! Woooow look at that body!"

[pjmjr508]

LOL Yup I missed that LOL

[Asfir4x4]

I added that song because my wife always says I am looking at "Truck Porn".

[Holaday07 4.7]

A lot of questions here in regards to the ASFIR4x4 products. I will try to get some of them clarified.

1. The factory and development is in Israel. As a large Military vehicle contractor in the European/Middle East market all of our products are designed to take incredible abuse.

2. Our Skid Plates are made from 1/4" 5052 Aluminum. The same material used for armored vehicles for over 100 years. I drop our 6000 lb. JK on rocks here in AZ and other than a dent and scratch here they are up to the task.

3. We are more expensive than other skid plates on the market, but that is because of the engineering, additional coverage we offer and some material cost differences.

4. The weight savings is half as much as a comparable steel set. On a JK the core 4 pieces net 85 lbs versus 180 - 195 lbs for steel.

5. Aluminum does not crumple like steel when you land on it. As the Modulus of Elasticity is much greater it will flex and return to shape much better. Plus if you happen to bend it a 5 lb. sledge on the neighbors driveway will bring it back to shape. As an added measure 5052 is a work hardenable material and when you pound it back into shape it gets stronger.

6. 5052 does not grab on rocks, the softer materialmolds around shapes and deflects. Not to say you will not get some scratches/gouges on them, but that just proves they are working.

7. Aluminum will not corrode. Everytime the material is scratched ot abraded it will regenerate a new layer of aluminum oxide to protect itself. So scratch and gouge away, it will not affect it.

8. We sell this line for the Daily Driver that wants to get his rig home on monday to get to work but likes to go out and play with the assurance that the vital components of the vehicle are well protected.


I will throw a special offer to one person on this forum that would like to try the skid plates, come wheeling with a few of us and then report back on what the final outcome was. As we are in Arizona I just ask that you can travel to a trail out here. Just send me a PM about your vehicle and what you think of our products (I do really like skeptics).

Thank you.

Armando Verdugo
Sales Manager
ASFIR4x4
16050 N. 76th Street #103
Scottsdale AZ 85260

[email protected]
480.247.9545 office
480.290.5993 mobile


Just currious, who is trying these? If you need a volunteer I know where you can find one.

[LWM]

I sent them a volunteer e-mail and PM but have not heard back yet.

[criket]

He is busy with his build thread on the other forum, lol.

I have no idea who you guys are referring too, I just threw that one out there.

[Lt_JWS]

hmmmm I might have to try this out i was planning on getting a 4XGuard Belly skid, my real question is will it bolt up to the factory skids?

[Sal-XK]

hmmmm I might have to try this out i was planning on getting a 4XGuard Belly skid, my real question is will it bolt up to the factory skids?

I'm sure there skids are bolt on I hope. Someone needs to take the plunge :)

[Matt]

Sounds like we have a few guys trying to take the plunge.... oooooh Armando......

[Omelet]

I sent them a volunteer e-mail and PM but have not heard back yet.


He is busy with his build thread on the other forum, lol.

I have no idea who you guys are referring too, I just threw that one out there.


I thought my ears were burning so I had to look around! :D I saw this thread and sent a message off to him Sat. It looks like Jon beat me to it, which is probably best since he is right there.

[LWM]

It looks like Jon beat me to it, which is probably best since he is right there.

I will be stopping in next week to see what we can install, full report coming soon!

[Omelet]

Awesome! Keep us posted, I have been wanting to try those things for a while.

[Holaday07 4.7]

Looking forward to hearing how these work!

[Asfir4x4]

I thought I set this up so I would get instant feedback if anyone replied here, but apparently that does not work.

We will get you guys some details shortly, as we coordinate schedules this week.

Thanks everyone!

You can email me directly or call me on my cell if you have any questions. 480-290-5993 [email protected]

[Sal-XK]

You can subscribe to the thread and choose instant email notification. That way you'll know instantly when someone replies to the thread.

[Asfir4x4]

You can subscribe to the thread and choose instant email notification. That way you'll know instantly when someone replies to the thread.

It stopped sending them. I just unsubbed and resubbed. Seems to have fixed it. Thanks!

[Sal-XK]

It stopped sending them. I just unsubbed and resubbed. Seems to have fixed it. Thanks!

Oh it sends one email and resets once you visit the thread. So if you read the email but don't sign in and view the thread it won't send anymore. Once you view the thread it resets and sends an email with a new reply. Hope that helps bro I'm looking forward to someone getting you skids.

[Holaday07 4.7]

as long as they have a Belly Skid, which he is letting me know, I will be ordering one this week

[Omelet]

Couple of questions:

Will your transfer case skid work with the factory gas tank skid? The factory t-case skid bolts to the gas tank skid, but it looks like your t-case skid has its own rear brackets? If yours does work with the factory gas tank skid (I am guessing it just bolts over it), how close it the t-case bracket to the gas tank skid?

It appears as though the transmission skid doesn't cover the passenger side cat. Is there a reason why? Is there another plate the you sell that does cover it, or is it not of a concern to you?

[Holaday07 4.7]

Couple of questions:

Will your transfer case skid work with the factory gas tank skid? The factory t-case skid bolts to the gas tank skid, but it looks like your t-case skid has its own rear brackets? If yours does work with the factory gas tank skid (I am guessing it just bolts over it), how close it the t-case bracket to the gas tank skid?

It appears as though the transmission skid doesn't cover the passenger side cat. Is there a reason why? Is there another plate the you sell that does cover it, or is it not of a concern to you?

I was currious about the tcase skid as well. I have the regular gas tank skid, and although it is pretty beat up it still works. If theres does not need the $200 mopar gas skid, it could be worth the cost defference. And where can we get pricing on these?

[Asfir4x4]

110111021103Will try to get everything here and all your questions answered as quick as I can. Here is a link to the items we offer for the GC:

http://store.asfir4x4.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PRDS&Store_Code=asfir&Category_Code=JGCS

and the Commander:

http://store.asfir4x4.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PRDS&Store_Code=asfir&Category_Code=JCS




I need to get in touch with a moderator so I can get a vendor account as I think I am getting into dangerous territory with all of this information.

[Asfir4x4]

Couple of questions:

Will your transfer case skid work with the factory gas tank skid? The factory t-case skid bolts to the gas tank skid, but it looks like your t-case skid has its own rear brackets? If yours does work with the factory gas tank skid (I am guessing it just bolts over it), how close it the t-case bracket to the gas tank skid?

It appears as though the transmission skid doesn't cover the passenger side cat. Is there a reason why? Is there another plate the you sell that does cover it, or is it not of a concern to you?



Check out the pictures I posted, this should show what you are asking. In general the skid plates protect the "Vitals" of the vehicle drivetrain.


Disclaimer: I do not and will not claim to know every vehicle out there, so I will pass along any piece of information I have to allow you all to decide if what we offer will fit your needs.

[Sal-XK]

I've bent every skid under my jeep so far. How would you compare the strength of your skids vs the OEM skid?

[Omelet]

These are bound to be stronger than the weak OEM skids! I was looking for a good replacement for the 4xGuard Belly and I hoped Asfir would be the answer, but now I am not sure. If I got it I would need to fab up a cat skid to go with it. I am not looking to drop $500 on a new cat!


Armando thanks for the link! I couldn't find that page from the site's home page. I am liking the price of the t-case skid! Though I am not sure why the pic in the link is different than the one installed on the pic you posted? Same with the tranny skid? The ones in the Commander link seem to be correct. Do you have any instal pics of the 542055 front skid?

[Sal-XK]

Ya I bent my belly guard pretty good had fun doing it to. I like there tranny skid which is the suspension skid to us correct? It looks like it allows good air circulation.

[Omelet]

This would be the Belly replacement:

1104


If the weights listed are correct, it only weighs 5lbs less than the Belly and doesn't cover as much. So I will probably just reinforce the Belly to take the abuse.

[Omelet]

This would be the suspension skid replacement:

1105

Not sure how this big boy could be 18lbs and the tranny skid is a wopping 27lbs? Which leads me to believe the tranny skid's listed weight is incorrect.

[Holaday07 4.7]

Looks like it will not be a replacement for the belly skid :( I have to get the cats covered, mine are extremely dented and the after the last trip is my number one priority

[Omelet]

Since I did the other two I may as well post the t-case skid:

1106

This one is also listed as 18lbs.


Suspension Skid: $300 at 18lbs.

Transmission Skid: $234 at 27lbs.

Transfer Case Skid: $247 at 18lbs.


Another thing is the Commander suspension skid is listed as $300 and the Grand Cherokee is listed as $337 even though it is the same skid?

[Asfir4x4]

We have a full 1/4' 5052 aluminum skid plate. Not to say they will not bend, but as this material has a higher modulus of elasticity it will bend far greater than steel and return to shape. If you do get it past the "return" point it will bend. Part of our engineering to to plage the skid plate out at a distance that will absorb the energy and allow the brackety to provide a sub-structure strength.

Like I have said before, I launch our JK on our skids and have always driven away with al my vitals in working order! I really can't say so much for U-Joints and Trackbar mounts though.....

[Asfir4x4]

Since I did the other two I may as well post the t-case skid:

1106

This one is also listed as 18lbs.


Suspension Skid: $300 at 18lbs.

Transmission Skid: $234 at 27lbs.

Transfer Case Skid: $247 at 18lbs.


Another thing is the Commander suspension skid is listed as $300 and the Grand Cherokee is listed as $337 even though it is the same skid?

The images on our website are of just the skid plates from Solidworks and do not always show in scale or with all of the added crossmembers and brackets. Also, some of the belly pans, the Commander comes to mind as it has all of those holes cut into it, may be 1/ 4" Steel.

I will be in the office tomorrow fitting with Jon and I will look over all of the Commander and GC skids and have a definite answer to the weight and coverage issues.


As for the cats, I would look into some tube with an ID that fits over them and then clamp them on to allow some protection. If you are hitting on them that hard I would look at relocation of them at a muffler shop.

[Sal-XK]

You'll see the belly guard on Jon's jeep when you're underneath it. It covers the cats completely and its a cheaper alternative to trying to relocate the cats. There also in that magic spot that all of us seem to hit all the time. :)

[Matt]

There's also not a lot of room under the XK to move stuff around.

[Sal-XK]

There's also not a lot of room under the XK to move stuff around.

Is there a reason the cats are located where they are? Or can they be moved further down the line? If you get a aftermarket muffler the room cleared up in that space is huge. Just wondering if there is a reason cats are always so close to the engine.

[Matt]

Is there a reason the cats are located where they are? Or can they be moved further down the line? If you get a aftermarket muffler the room cleared up in that space is huge. Just wondering if there is a reason cats are always so close to the engine.

The cats won't work if they're too far away from the engine; they need to reach a certain temperature to serve their purpose. Downstream the exhaust will be too cold and they won't do anything.

[Sal-XK]

The cats won't work if they're too far away from the engine; they need to reach a certain temperature to serve their purpose. Downstream the exhaust will be too cold and they won't do anything.
Gotcha thanks learn something new everyday :)

[Asfir4x4]

I will look at Jon's rig tomorrow and see if there is an easy fix.

Thanks for the info!

[LWM]

I spent several hours with Armando at ASFIR today and as soon as my daughter gives me my camera patch cord I will share some photos and my opinion on these products.

Stay tuned.....

[Sal-XK]

I spent several hours with Armando at ASFIR today and as soon as my daughter gives me my camera patch cord I will share some photos and my opinion on these products.

Stay tuned.....

Get control of your kids man J\K You can't remove the SD card from your camera? I can't remember the last time I used a cord to plug my camera into the computer.

[Asfir4x4]

As Jon said we spent some time today playing with the Commander and all of your concerns are clear as day now.

I am going to request some changes in the products we offer and see if there is something we can do to help cover the cats and add some beef to the rear crossmember. Jon's was abused real good!

Also, we set Jon up as a dealer so please contact him for pricing, I am sure we will get his website updated soon enough.

Thanks to all of you!

Armando

BTW: I will be needing a GC to do some test fitting on rea soon. Can't do a freebie on those, but will make it a sweet deal for your time if you want to buy some skids.

[LWM]

Get control of your kids man J\K You can't remove the SD card from your camera? I can't remember the last time I used a cord to plug my camera into the computer.

I forgot I can take the card out and that I have a card reader... Must be an age thing! :)

[Matt]

I like where this is going! :)

[LWM]

So today I drove the XK over to ASFIR in Scottsdale, AZ and met with Armando who showed me their line-up of Commander and Grand Cherokee products. They currently manufacture three products for the Commander and five for the Grand Cherokee that are available here in the United States.

I looked at a front skid plate and we agreed that the best time to try one of those is when the new bumper is finished and the GetLost4x4 stuff in no longer protecting my radiator. The ASFIR front skid plate covers the area similar to the 4xGuard front skid and OEM engine skid combined. I am not sure yet of the pricing but I did like the fact that one skid covered both areas.

The next skid plate is the area we currently cover with the 4xGuard "Belly Guard". Here are a couple photos of the one I removed from my Commander today:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/01/Other36-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/01/Other28-1.jpg

You can see it is bent up pretty good, but don't get me wrong... that is a good thing. The damage was absorbed by the skid plate and not the catalytic converter! The skid plate can be bent back into shape with a good hammer.

I replaced the 4xG with an ASFIR Transmission skid plate P/N 545060 which has it's pluses and minuses. On the plus side it is soooooooo much lighter (I will find the actual weight) than the 4xG skid which weighs approximately 25 pounds, on the negative side (and it is a BIG negative), it does NOT protect the catalytic converter. Armando did take some good photos and we talked about how it could be changed to cover it with an added plate similar to the 4xG currently does. If you look at the 4xG cover it does appear that it originally was only one piece and after review the second section was added (I do not know for a fact that that is the case, just an observation).

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/01/SkidPlates6-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/01/SkidPlates38-1.jpg

I then removed the Jeep Transfer Case Skid Plate which weighs approximately 12 pounds and replaced it with the ASFIR Transfer Skid Plate P/N 545065. This skid plate come with a mounting bracket that will allow you to install the plate using the factory fuel tank, I used the upgraded off-road skid plate so I did not need to use the bracket (the transfer case skid plate bolted directly to the fuel tank skid plate).

Here is the plate prior to installation:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/01/SkidPlates1-1.jpg

And installed:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/01/SkidPlates45-1.jpg

It bolted right up to the off-road package OEM skid plate, but the down side to this installation is that the bolt heads are exposed and certainly will be torn apart by heavy wheeling:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/01/SkidPlates29-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/01/SkidPlates51-1.jpg

My fuel tank skid is really bent up as well and we talked about the need to make one for that area as well.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/01/Other40-1.jpg

[Matt]

A few questions:

1) You mentioned their "front skid" looks like it covers the same area as the 4XG front skid + the OEM front suspension skid. That sounds good... but being that I just changed my oil 2 hours ago it reminds me that I need to remove the 4XG front skid to get to my oil filter. Does this mean we'd have an even larger skid plate that needs to be removed every oil change? (FWIW, my OEM suspension skid took a beating on my wheeling trip and is bent upwards quite a bit... so i WOULD like a stronger skid in that area)

2) For the belly skid, it's great that they're looking into covering that other catalytic convert... that's 100% required IMO. I'm just wondering about all of the slots they have in that skid plate.... seems like a lot of areas to get hung up on? Also looks to be like a lot of thinner sections; wondering if they'll hold up to the abuse we put the 4XG belly guard through...

3) Again on the belly skid; do you have a side view? From that picture it looks like it drops down an inch or so and then shoots backwards towards the rear of the vehicle. Is there less ground clearance with that skid than with the 4XG belly guard?

[Matt]

... i like the look of the t-case skid though. Does it feel notably stronger than the OEM tcase skid? That may be one of my upgrades after i beat up the stock one.

[LWM]

A few questions:

1) You mentioned their "front skid" looks like it covers the same area as the 4XG front skid + the OEM front suspension skid. That sounds good... but being that I just changed my oil 2 hours ago it reminds me that I need to remove the 4XG front skid to get to my oil filter. Does this mean we'd have an even larger skid plate that needs to be removed every oil change? (FWIW, my OEM suspension skid took a beating on my wheeling trip and is bent upwards quite a bit... so i WOULD like a stronger skid in that area)

I do not think you would have to remove it, it appeared to have holes in all the correct places but I will let you know once we do install one how accessible the filter and drain plug are.


2) For the belly skid, it's great that they're looking into covering that other catalytic convert... that's 100% required IMO. I'm just wondering about all of the slots they have in that skid plate.... seems like a lot of areas to get hung up on? Also looks to be like a lot of thinner sections; wondering if they'll hold up to the abuse we put the 4XG belly guard through...

the ASFIR skid plate is twice as thick as the 4xG so they add the needed strength in that manner, the holes allow the transmission pan to vent and grant access to the lower area if needed.


3) Again on the belly skid; do you have a side view? From that picture it looks like it drops down an inch or so and then shoots backwards towards the rear of the vehicle. Is there less ground clearance with that skid than with the 4XG belly guard?

The ASFIR skid is the same distance so it does not effect ground clearance, I didn't get any measurements but they are within a fraction of an inch of each other.

[LWM]

... i like the look of the t-case skid though. Does it feel notably stronger than the OEM tcase skid? That may be one of my upgrades after i beat up the stock one.

I am not sure how I can say that it "feels notably stronger", the weight is so much less that you would not expect it to be as strong, but the design I am told allows it to flex just enough and then return to its original shape. I will go out and put them to the test but I from what I was told and what I saw while installing them I would not fear having them on my Jeep as long as ALL the areas are covered. My Cats currently exposed so I am nut sure how long I will go before covering that expensive item.

[Matt]

For the t-case skid, i was thinking in terms of thickness.

Only way we'll really know is to hit one on rocks.... but from the pictures I couldn't get a good handle on how thick it is compared to the stock steel skid.

[LWM]

For the t-case skid, i was thinking in terms of thickness.

Only way we'll really know is to hit one on rocks.... but from the pictures I couldn't get a good handle on how thick it is compared to the stock steel skid.

Stock is pretty thin, I don't have a tool yet for thickness (on my list) but the ASFIR is .25 inches thick.

[Omelet]

As Jon said we spent some time today playing with the Commander and all of your concerns are clear as day now.

I am going to request some changes in the products we offer and see if there is something we can do to help cover the cats and add some beef to the rear crossmember. Jon's was abused real good!

Also, we set Jon up as a dealer so please contact him for pricing, I am sure we will get his website updated soon enough.

Thanks to all of you!

Armando

BTW: I will be needing a GC to do some test fitting on rea soon. Can't do a freebie on those, but will make it a sweet deal for your time if you want to buy some skids.

I am up for driving out there! I will be making a trip soon. I am interested in at least the t-case skid for sure. Once there is an added plate over the cat on the tranny skid I will want that one too. Depending on pricing I might be interested in others :D

[superacerc]

A few questions:

1) You mentioned their "front skid" looks like it covers the same area as the 4XG front skid + the OEM front suspension skid. That sounds good... but being that I just changed my oil 2 hours ago it reminds me that I need to remove the 4XG front skid to get to my oil filter. Does this mean we'd have an even larger skid plate that needs to be removed every oil change?



I've changed my oil at least 3 times since i've had the 4xguard skid on the front and have never taken it off. I can still reach in there adn get the filter off and finesse it right through the gap with no problem. Of course I have the 4.7 so i'm not sure of the tolerance difference. I guess you guys with the 5.7Ls are just out of luck in that dept. I love those new skids. Esp the t-case one. Looks good!

[Matt]

With the 5.7 you have to take off the front guard... no way around it.

[superacerc]

That's too bad. I still wish I had the 5.7L though, hehe!...

[LWM]

With the 5.7 you have to take off the front guard... no way around it.

The guys that change my oil have never mentioned that, makes me wonder if they are really changing the filter.

[Matt]

The guys that change my oil have never mentioned that, makes me wonder if they are really changing the filter.

It's not that hard to take on/off so they probably just remove it..... lol or they never change your filter ;)

[superacerc]

Just take a sharpie and put a dot on your filter. Then when you get it changed see if it's the same.

[Asfir4x4]

I will have an Omlete GC here on Feb. 3rd for test fitting. Will look at the oil filter issue at that time and report back.

As Jon gets his new bumper going we will do some test fit on the Commander front skid plate and report back on that.

Thanks to everyone for helping to get all of this information straight here!

[LWM]

I will have an Omlete GC here on Feb. 3rd for test fitting. Will look at the oil filter issue at that time and report back.

As Jon gets his new bumper going we will do some test fit on the Commander front skid plate and report back on that.

Thanks to everyone for helping to get all of this information straight here!

Thanks for jumping in and providing the time and information so our members can make informed purchasing decisions.

[LWM]

We installed two skid plates on Omelet's WK yesterday... Photos to follow!

[Omelet]

Not the greatest pics, but it will work for now!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/02/f1f2536d-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/02/34da55c2-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/02/4d84f308-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/02/6a0e771d-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/02/fdb33784-1.jpg

[Holaday07 4.7]

do you not have the Belly guard?

That **** looks Awesome! Looks like a successful trip to AZ

[Omelet]

No I do, I just left it off for the trip. It needs a little work before it goes back on the Jeep :D I don't feel the ASFIR trans skid is an adequate replacement for the 4xguard belly at this time.

[Matt]

Whats the mounting hardware for that front skid look like, they're not just metal screws on the very front are they? Is it easy to take on/off?

[Matt]

Took skid plates off and weighed them for product comparisons:

OEM Suspension (engine) - 20lbs
OEM Transfer Case - 11lbs
4xG Front - 30lbs
4xG Belly - 25lbs
ASFIR front (covers front & engine) - 23lbs

Took this from the other thread since its relevant. :)

[LWM]

Whats the mounting hardware for that front skid look like, they're not just metal screws on the very front are they? Is it easy to take on/off?

They are metal bolt s that use existing holes in our vehicles, what I do not like it that they are hex head bolts and you run the risk of sheering or damaging the head on a real rocky trail. I am going to make a replacement parts kit (an optional item that can be ordered if desired) that would have pan head style bolt heads driven by a hex/Allen wrench type tool so that the bolts can be removed if needed and run a lesser risk of damage.

[Matt]

They are metal bolt s that use existing holes in our vehicles,

Existing threaded holes or through holes via nut/bolt?

[Omelet]

The front skid uses the 4 OEM bolt holes that the suspension skid uses, plus the 3 bolt holes on the bottom of the radiator support. It is super easy to put on/take off since it only ways 23lbs!