scbrooks87

Anyone know if a ZJ front skid (protecting steering parts) can be made to work on an XJ? I'm buying a used ZJ t-case skid and it's coming with the front skid plate as well.

Thanks!

88whitecomanche

I don't think it's big enough(surface area) to cover any steering parts...
I've tried the zj transfer case skid but didn't feel confident drilling into an already weak trans crossmember....
So I gave it to someone else and found an xj transfer case skid a few later at the Jy...

SteveMongr

^ Correct, not large enough or strong enough. Not sure how the TC skid will work out. Here is a picture of the two.

scbrooks87

Thanks, looks like the front skid will be re-sold or used for welding practice. I've seen the TC skid used on an XJ before and it seems to fit right up just fine, but as 88whitecomanche mentioned, does require that new holes are drilled into the transmission crossmember.

thebyus

Front skids are a waste of time unless you are running stock height. As soon as you lift, you get away from all the clearance issues a front skid tries to protect against.

SteveMongr

^ I disagree. My rig is lifted 4.5" and the front skid has been very beneficial during adventures.

unidentifiedbomb

Only skid from the factory that is worth keeping imo is the gas skid. Granted, the front, skid is great for under 3"s and always a good splash guard. The transfer case skid barely covers much and most people don't aim to have large rocks in that area when wheeling.

Big David

I have a GC tcase skid on my XJ. It's better than nothing but it is a little thin. Don't be surprised when you bend it but it will take some abuse.

scbrooks87

Thanks for the input everyone! For $10 I couldn't say no to the TC skid, and if I destroy it on the trails, it'll be money well spent in my eyes! I may get a beefier TC skid down the road but for now this should at least help for a while.

SteveMongr

Sounds good. Perhaps post a picture of it once installed. Here is the XJ skid on a 242 transfer case, I attached it to flange of cross member.

scbrooks87

I'll definitely post up a pic once I get it on there. I like the flange mount! Gives a bit better ground clearance, and less of a lip to catch on a rock. Question though, if you land that on a rock, do you think it could bend the flange easier than if it were mounted to the main body of the xmember?

SteveMongr

The flange is twice the metal of the box portion. Could add a piece of flat stock spanning the backside of flange too.
I'm not worried about it here in the sand.

bad_idea

Where did you take that pic Steve? I've been wandering Carova quite a bit lately, haven't ran into a ledge like that.

SteveMongr

Carova beach is a state roadway. Will not find ledges, jumps or deep sand like on Hatteras island. Carova can be managed in 2WD, but Hatteras often requires 4WD just to make it to the beach. Pictures are of Hatteras

bad_idea

Hatteras Island requires a permit? Are there trails to wander or just beach front to drive up and down?