Transmission & Catalytic Converter Skid Plate

[LWM]

Designed a skid plate for the transmission and catalytic converter today, it will go to the water jet shop tomorrow and then I will get some idea on price range. This skid replaces my beat up "belly guard" that I took of and traded for some headphones :)

[Matt]

Interested! That bellyguard of mine is taking a beating.... I have a feeling that'll be replaced every few years (once it doesn't bolt back on lol)

[Holaday07 4.7]

You know I am interested

[07JeepXK]

What are your plans for making your skid better then the Belly Guard? I have the belly guard now and that thing is STOUT!

[BonesWK]

im looking forward to see the price comparison!

[LWM]

What are your plans for making your skid better then the Belly Guard? I have the belly guard now and that thing is STOUT!

Without putting down 4xGuard because I had their product and it is a very good product (but I beat that thing up and needed a new one anyway), I think this one is better because it is a little larger (not a lot) and is built as one solid piece which should prevent it from bending as must as the forementioned one does. I hope to make it a little thicker but that will depend of cost as well as fuction which I will not know until the first one is completed and installed. Thickness will depend on several things and the first one will not be the thickest as it will be for testing and then ticker metal can be used if needed.

I am sure that there will be at least one field test unit availble in the near future for some lucky volunteer.

[Matt]

Ill be taking mine off to do my trans service soon. ;)

[07JeepXK]

I thought the whole purpose of 4xguards two piece design was to stop it from bending like a one piece design would? I know the rock I landed on at Rausch Creek would have destroyed a one piece skid..

[Matt]

That joint in the 4xg definitely adds stiffness.

Shape is more important than plate thickness. A thinner plate with a few stiffening ribs welded in place would be lighter & strong. (Example - it takes a thicker piece of flat bar to equal the capacity of some L-stock.)

[LWM]

I thought the whole purpose of 4xguards two piece design was to stop it from bending like a one piece design would? I know the rock I landed on at Rausch Creek would have destroyed a one piece skid..

I am not sure if the two piece is to make the shipping package smaller or for stiffening (only 4xG knows that answer) but there ae other ways to stiffen the plate as well.

[07JeepXK]

I am not sure if the two piece is to make the shipping package smaller or for stiffening (only 4xG knows that answer) but there ae other ways to stiffen the plate as well.

I don't think it had anything to do with shipping. If I recall I remember reading that its made like that for extra strength.

[LWM]

I don't think it had anything to do with shipping. If I recall I remember reading that its made like that for extra strength.

Makes since to me, I don't know anything about their design but I do know the product saved me a lot in repair bills that I did not have to make.

I just want to make sure people know that am in no way complaining about their product, I am just offering an alternative. The 4xGuard is a great proven product but I wanted to offer an additional option for those in the market for a skid plate.

[Sal-XK]

I bent mine pretty good and dented it in a few spaces. One thing is obvious it will at some point need to be replaced if your using it. I would take one that was a few pounds heavier but stronger.

[AJeepZJ]

I imagine, though, it will get use as you get higher off the ground.

[Sal-XK]

I imagine, though, it will get use as you get higher off the ground.

The more ground clearance you get the bigger your eyes get the bigger the obstacles get! You'll always be slamming that area of your jeep.

[AJeepZJ]

You're right, it's true! It takes a lot to talk me OUT of something. Because once my eyes are set on an obstacles I take it.

[Sal-XK]

You're right, it's true! It takes a lot to talk me OUT of something. Because once my eyes are set on an obstacles I take it.

Just adding the SA sliders made me more ambitious for sure :)


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[Matt]

Lol being armored definitely changes your thought process... I "plan" on sliding over stuff now; no longer gauge my lines by trying to avoid hitting...

[criket]

What about replacing the crossmember that the skids bolt to with a smaller one? That crossmember hangs low and I get it caught on everything way before my skids hit. If you could make a smaller crossmember with more bolt holes then you could add the skids to all sides, even over the muffler area.

Just a thought....

[07JeepXK]

Are you referring to the transmission cross member?

[criket]

Are you referring to the transmission cross member?

Yea.

[07JeepXK]

That would be nice to have one that's low profile. It really wouldn't be that hard to make.

[LWM]

Just have to make a few minor improvements and this product will be available in the store.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/04/IMG_0065-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/04/IMG_0070-1.jpg

[pjmjr508]

looking good

[Sal-XK]

Looks cool I didn't even know you were making that!


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[LWM]

Looks cool I didn't even know you were making that!

Lots of projects in the works :)

[Sal-XK]

Lots of projects in the works :)

LOL I see that awesome :cool:

[DetroitMarauder]

Can it be combined with the OEM skids?

[LWM]

Can it be combined with the OEM skids?

Yes! This uses the same bolt holes as all the other manufactures' skid plates so that it is compatible with any combination. You could run the ASFIR front, Steel Armadillo Transmission and OEM Transfer case if you wanted.

[LWM]

Couple of teasers for the new skid plate:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/05/DSCI0192-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/05/DSCI0193-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/05/DSCI0196-1.jpg

[stites-xk]

I like it alot

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[Pixelcodex]

Looking awesome. I have read elsewhere that you are hiring a welder, so I imagine the skid plate is not available yet. But would this fit the WK as well? How is it weight wise compared to the Asfir aluminum one you are selling?

[LWM]

Looking awesome. I have read elsewhere that you are hiring a welder, so I imagine the skid plate is not available yet. But would this fit the WK as well? How is it weight wise compared to the Asfir aluminum one you are selling?

This product does not require the welder so I just need to get it on the water jet schedule. I will know the final weight as soon as I get the first production run item, my current one has extra metal and therefore extra weight.

[Pixelcodex]

This product does not require the welder so I just need to get it on the water jet schedule. I will know the final weight as soon as I get the first production run item, my current one has extra metal and therefore extra weight.
Cool, look forward to that info.

[Omelet]

So do you have an estimated release date and price?

[LWM]

So do you have an estimated release date and price?

I hope to get this one to the water jet this coming week. Cash flow and lack of welder has slowed things more than I like but I am working through these issues.

[LWM]

OI beat this thing real good at Moab and discovered two weak spots so those have been addressed and this will go to the waterjet shop tomorrow, Monday July 16th. Hope to have them in stock real soon if anyone is waiting so that they can pick one of these up

[06JeepXKHEMI]

John, do you have any of these available in stock? I really cant stand the design of my 4xg, since I cut the ypipe for true dual it rattles where the 2 pieces bolt together, not the bottom.. Ive got payment ready so let me know..

[LWM]

John, do you have any of these available in stock? I really cant stand the design of my 4xg, since I cut the ypipe for true dual it rattles where the 2 pieces bolt together, not the bottom.. Ive got payment ready so let me know..

None in stock but I can place a water jet order for steel or aluminum and get it pretty quick.

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Ok lets do the steel one

[Matt]

^^How much would you sell your 4xG for? My buddy Tim still needs one for his WK

[06JeepXKHEMI]

What do you think is fair? I just spoke with John and completed the buy so I can take mine off whenever..

[Matt]

Have you even wheeled with the 4xg belly skid on yet?

[06JeepXKHEMI]

no its brand new basically, the only thing im worried about is shipping, you dont even want to know what i just paid in shipping charges!

[Matt]

no its brand new basically, the only thing im worried about is shipping, you dont even want to know what i just paid in shipping charges!

Were you going wheeling in February? Can bring it to rausch

[LWM]

Ok lets do the steel one

Placed the order today, Thanks for the sale!

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Were you going wheeling in February? Can bring it to rausch
Yea I do I could bring it then if he wants it


Placed the order today, Thanks for the sale!
Thanks, great talking to you!

[Matt]

Yea I do I could bring it then if he wants it


$150?

[06JeepXKHEMI]

I guess so..

[Matt]

I'll shoot him a text. He needs that and a diff guard to breath easier at Rausch :p

[jjt250]

Hey if Matt's buddy doesn't pick it up, I might be interested, but it would need to be shipped since I live in Omaha.

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Im ok with that but it'd be $150 plus the shipping

[Matt]

Tim said he'll take it. We'll have to do a parking lot install. :)

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Tim said he'll take it. We'll have to do a parking lot install. :)

Nice! Im glad Im not the one doing it! I hate the design of it and a PITA to get right. Sooo glad Ive got an SA guard coming!

[Matt]

Im looking forward to seeing the SA version. Hell my belly and suspension skids are beat up pretty bad.... the SA version of both is probably not far off.

Actually..... I wonder if I should take those skids off to see if they're contributing to that noise im having trouble tracking down...

[06JeepXKHEMI]

My exhaust is hitting on the part of the belly guard that connects the 2 pieces together, which I think is a horrible design. I really cant wait for the SA one to come in, only thing that concerns me is nutserts, never delt with them before, wow I sound like a rookie!

[07JeepXK]

I did a belly guard parking lot install at Rausch Creek because I received it in the mail at the last minute

[brendon]

only thing that concerns me is nutserts, never delt with them before,

Nutserts are great when installed properly. Not hard to install either.

[Sal-XK]

Try to rent or borrow a nutsert tool it makes it so much easier.

[Matt]

Im ok with that but it'd be $150 plus the shipping

Tim may be retiring the WK and wheeling the TJ for a while. He's putting an offer in on a house and is basically worried about breaking something expensive on the WK... TJ's cheaper to fix.

See if John (jjt250) wants it. If not, i'm sure another one of the local guys will probably pick it up.

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Damn, alright Ill put up a for sale thread..

[Matt]

Yeah i've been on his case about it :(

Post up a for sale thread... i'm sure someone will pick it up. If someone local to me, like steve (mrnavy) or jim (JBenn911) want it I can pick it up for them at Rausch so there's no shipping involved.

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Ok, Im just not eating the cost of shipping would be no point on selling it, I imagine shipping will be 50-80$

[jjt250]

Ok, Im just not eating the cost of shipping would be no point on selling it, I imagine shipping will be 50-80$

I would be interested in buying it but like you said, shipping would be a lot. With the price of shipping combined, I could almost buy a brand new one from 4xGuard. Not to mention I just bought about $500 in suspension upgrades. Good luck with the sale though!

[07JeepXK]

If its still cheaper than buying a new one and you plan on getting one you might as well bite the bullet and purchase Andrews. It was installed recently and still new.

[Matt]

I've had good luck with USPS parcel post. You can probably bolt the skid together so its "folded" together creating a smaller footprint and ship it without a box like my other skids came. Might end up being under $50 like that. Or if you can find a slim enough box to put them in...

[06JeepXKHEMI]

I have to go to the post office anyways, Ill see what size flat rate boxes they have and go from there.. Appreciate the help guys! Looking forward to the simplicity of the SA, Jon picks it up Monday so install thread will be soon!

[jjt250]

I wish I could buy it now but I've just spend a good amount of money on suspension. I've also decided to get a Green Diesel Engineering tune w/ DPF delete as my next mod and that costs $800 so I gotta save some money for that. I'm sure you'll find someone who wants it though!

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Received the skid today, damn this thing is STOUT!!! Jon, thanks again what do you suggest coating it with?

[hoaxci5]

anything variation of pink and purple always brings joy to us...

[06JeepXKHEMI]

hahaha funny!! Im thinking bedliner 5-6 coats?

[hoaxci5]

On underside skids I always just used cheap flat black spray paint.. I figure it's going to get messed up pretty quick and it makes it quick/cheap/easy to touch up..

[Matt]

anything variation of pink and purple always brings joy to us...

TRUTH!!!! lol

[LWM]

Received the skid today, damn this thing is STOUT!!! Jon, thanks again what do you suggest coating it with?

I agree, you can powder coat but the best thing is just paint and then you can touch up.

[Matt]

I have to agree.... for anything thats expected to get scraped on rocks on occasion, rattle can is best.

As a matter of fact i'm having this issue with my 4xG sliders that are powercoated black. You can clearly see where i've touched them up with rattle-can.

[06JeepXKHEMI]

thats what i was thinking, i have a couple bottles of bedliner black in the garage, Ill start putting some coats on today probably install next weekend when its a bit warmer. I will be taking off 4xGuard today though and touching up whatever it needs so whoever buys it doesnt.. Im definitely impressed with the SA skid, not bashing 4xGuard but it has nothing on the SA!!

[LWM]

Im definitely impressed with the SA skid, not bashing 4xGuard but it has nothing on the SA!!

That's great to hear! Thanks! Make sure you document your install and let me know what I can do to improve the product down the road.

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Here's a comparison shot..
https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png

[LWM]

Thanks for posting that, lots of people ask wheat the difference is and it is hard to verbally explain.

[Matt]

Awesome! Looking forward to seeing it get beat up at RC

[pjmjr508]

once you get the SA one on let me know if you have the same issue with it touching the CATS. On my 4x belly it makes a vibration sound because the cats tap it.

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Thats the main reason I went for it to be honest. Wish I knew how much better the SA one is before I bought the 4xGuard. Ill be putting a few more coats of paint on this week and install probably next Saturday. Hopefully there will be no more rattling, dont think there will be since mine was rattling on the lip of the 2 pieces connected..

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Going to install the skid tonight, anyone have any tips with the install of nutserts? I know theres tools out there but is there an easier/cheaper way to get these in?

[LWM]

Going to install the skid tonight, anyone have any tips with the install of nutserts? I know theres tools out there but is there an easier/cheaper way to get these in?

I included a set up for that purpose. All you need to do is drill the hole and then insert the bolt assembly that has the nutsert on it, hold the inner nut with a wrench (it is loose and for holding against body only) and tighten the bolt until snug. You can tighten with a wrench but I suggest you use a low speed drill or nut driver if you have a socket attachment.

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Got it! Thanks

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Just finished installing the stout SA belly skid... Was a simple install only slightly different from the other belly skid install, you'll see in pics below. Jon I know you wanted to know if there's anything to change to make easier but it was straight forward as can be, the only thing I found difficult was the passenger side bolt going into transfer case skid was kind of hard to get started due to the angle of skid, it slopes downward about 1/4" towards that side to give clearance for mid pipes.. I tried taking pics sorry they are with my phone it was damn cold out!!! I'll go in order with directions:
First if you have front skid obviously those bolts come out.. With the SA skid you must install spacers supplied between mounting holes and belly skid:
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/u6eta3y6-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/ade2upy6-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/asahe4ag-1.jpg
The front skid gets installed underneath SA belly skid. From there install bolts going to rear crossmember and transfer case skid, if you have one. I didn't take any pics here pretty straight forward although to make it easier to install passenger side bolt I used my knees to push up on skid and get bolt started. Now I did t tighten everything so I can look to see where to install nutserts, here's where I stopped and looked.. before I tightened the rest of the bolts that outer lip was already flush and frame rail so I tightened everything up and she isn't moving.. I will be installing nutserts eventually just need to get either a warmer day or warmer garage. My thought is to drill new holes in nothing skid and Jeep, here's why..
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/etega9yh-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/2usu3udy-1.jpg
As you can see I can't use either holes on skid or Jeep, but I drove around with no rattles so it will do u til I figure out whether one or two nutserts will suffice, I tried prying skid down and It's nit moving which I like the tight flush fit and I'm sure I can get some insight from you all on whether one or two is needed. Maybe after bouncing off some rocks will loosen her up!! Now the other issue which is the main reason I got the SA was to easy if the true dual exhaust/mid pipe rattled against it which I'm happy to it doesn't!! I snapped some pics for you who were interested in this..
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/ba2ada6y-1.jpg
This pic is from the hole cut to mount bolt to transfer skid good amt of clearance there
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/9uju2u4y-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/yvu9a9yr-1.jpg
First of many SA products!!
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/yga7yvyr-1.jpg

overall very impressed, looking forward to beating this thing up Sunday at Rausch, Thanks again Jon!!!
And one more just cause I love that stance!
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/my2ujydu-1.jpg
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[LWM]

Very nice write up, thanks for the feedback.

[Matt]

Looks great man. Looking forward to seeing you slam it on a few rocks at Rausch :cool:

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Thanks, definitely going To need nutserts rattled slightly this am headed to the gym.. hopefully it wasn't the exhaust, if it is looks like me headers and mid pipes are going to move up on my list..

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[Matt]

Man if your exhaust moved that much id check those motor mounts!

[06JeepXKHEMI]

It's when I turn right so which mount should I look at

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[07JeepXK]

His motor mounts should be fine. My jeep has 127,000 miles of pure beating and mine are still solid

[Matt]

Not all motor mounts are made equal and every vehicle doesnt have parts fail at the same age/mileage. Diagnose by symptom, not similarity.

Not to mention you also have that puny 4.7L. :p

Andrew id take a peak at them all. If theres a bad/worn one it'll be obvious.

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Ok I'll chalk that up on the list for tmrw afternoon! I still may just spend the money for the headers and mid pipes, early bday present just need to see how bored Adam is and if he wants to tackle the job!

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[07JeepXK]

Not all motor mounts are made equal and every vehicle doesnt have parts fail at the same age/mileage. Diagnose by symptom, not similarity.

Not to mention you also have that puny 4.7L. :p

Andrew id take a peak at them all. If theres a bad/worn one it'll be obvious.

Haha puny 4.7 L
I have plenty enough power to turn my 33's!!

[Matt]

Lol sorry man I couldn't help myself. :)