Phoenix
Adventurist
When Jeep put a new engine in the JK, it also created some new challenges for protecting the sensitive parts in the belly. The new exhaust loop creates challenges when you lift the Jeep as the boot for the drive shaft comes very close to a hot exhaust pipe. Evidently this is much more of an issue for the 2 door vs the 4 door model. I have the 4 door model, so the rest of this post will be from my experience solving the issues for a JKU.
One solution that the aftermarket provided was some exhaust spacers. The issue I found with installing the exhaust spacers was that they shifted the exhaust system back a few inches. While this gave additional clearance for the driveshaft boot, it also made installing aftermarket skids more difficult.
As my driveshaft appeared to have the minimal clearance necessary, I opted to install the EVO Protek skids.
The EVO Protek skids went in over time. It is a 3 part system. The first part is the oil pan. They suggest doing this as you change your oil. This takes as long or longer than the other parts as you have to remove and reinstall 14 screws that hold up the oil pan. The screws on the corners are a particular pain to put back in place.
The next section to install is the Auto trans skid. This locks into place using some bolts on top of the tranny, as those bolts are on an angle and have plenty of lock tite on them, they are difficult to remove. Then you get to use a floor jack to lift the transfer case just enough to slip the driver side connection over the bolt. This takes a bit of trial and error. One error you do not want to experience is raising the transfer case too high and having the bolts move out from under the rubber bumpers. We managed to avoid that.
After this is accomplished, the final large belly/ cross member skid is installed. This is much more of an alignment, and drive the bolts home effort. I have 1 area under the passenger side door that needs to be opened up an 1/8 to get the bolt home.
Other skid systems for JKs of all years that I have seen or heard good things about include:
Synergy
Artec
Jcr
River Raider
Rock Hard
M.O.R.E.
Each comes with its own price / ease of install / materials challenges, but they all seem to get the job done.
What skid system are you using to protect your underbelly on your Jeep?
One solution that the aftermarket provided was some exhaust spacers. The issue I found with installing the exhaust spacers was that they shifted the exhaust system back a few inches. While this gave additional clearance for the driveshaft boot, it also made installing aftermarket skids more difficult.
As my driveshaft appeared to have the minimal clearance necessary, I opted to install the EVO Protek skids.
The EVO Protek skids went in over time. It is a 3 part system. The first part is the oil pan. They suggest doing this as you change your oil. This takes as long or longer than the other parts as you have to remove and reinstall 14 screws that hold up the oil pan. The screws on the corners are a particular pain to put back in place.
The next section to install is the Auto trans skid. This locks into place using some bolts on top of the tranny, as those bolts are on an angle and have plenty of lock tite on them, they are difficult to remove. Then you get to use a floor jack to lift the transfer case just enough to slip the driver side connection over the bolt. This takes a bit of trial and error. One error you do not want to experience is raising the transfer case too high and having the bolts move out from under the rubber bumpers. We managed to avoid that.
After this is accomplished, the final large belly/ cross member skid is installed. This is much more of an alignment, and drive the bolts home effort. I have 1 area under the passenger side door that needs to be opened up an 1/8 to get the bolt home.
Other skid systems for JKs of all years that I have seen or heard good things about include:
Synergy
Artec
Jcr
River Raider
Rock Hard
M.O.R.E.
Each comes with its own price / ease of install / materials challenges, but they all seem to get the job done.
What skid system are you using to protect your underbelly on your Jeep?
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