factory front skid plate
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Seasoned Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 262
Likes: 1
From: PSL FL
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Does anybody have a factory front skid plate on a lifted cherokee? Im wondering what kind of problems I may run into if I get one, I have about 3" of lift.
Thanks
Thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 750
Likes: 4
From: Blakeslee, PA
Year: 97
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.7
Shouldn't have any problems ... other than it won't protect as well because the lift has pushed the axle and steering components further out (and away) from the skid.
I believe there is an old post/thread on MadXJ on how to extend your factory skid to get a bit more protection again.
Joe
I believe there is an old post/thread on MadXJ on how to extend your factory skid to get a bit more protection again.
Joe
Factory front skid with 4" lift:


You won't run into any issues. The only bad thing about it is it makes troubleshooting/repairing steering parts a ***** cuz you have to somehow break up your arms and wrist into pieces so you can wiggle/slide/shove them through the steering components to reach what you are trying to fix.
The benefits of running the skid are protection of whatever's back there (i bent a draglink on a log before) and it pushes the water away from the fan when fording rivers or mud holes. This keeps the fan from throwing up all that mud and crap onto your engine.


You won't run into any issues. The only bad thing about it is it makes troubleshooting/repairing steering parts a ***** cuz you have to somehow break up your arms and wrist into pieces so you can wiggle/slide/shove them through the steering components to reach what you are trying to fix.
The benefits of running the skid are protection of whatever's back there (i bent a draglink on a log before) and it pushes the water away from the fan when fording rivers or mud holes. This keeps the fan from throwing up all that mud and crap onto your engine.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 443
Likes: 2
From: Prescott, AZ
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
all you need is square tubing and make some spacers for the rear bolts then get longer bolts. it's the same concept as making a t-case drop. the square tubing goes across the front under the bumper and maybe a hockey puck on the passenger side rear mount. the driver's side uses one bolt so you can use whatever you have to space that down too.
Last edited by muddeprived; Jun 29, 2009 at 06:35 AM.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 750
Likes: 4
From: Blakeslee, PA
Year: 97
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.7
I don't see it either.
I checked the old Cherokee America website too.
It's been a long time ... but I think it was a combination of what Muddeprived suggested and some round tubing on the bottom lip.
Google might be your friend here.

Joe
Seasoned Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 443
Likes: 2
From: Prescott, AZ
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
all you need is square tubing and make some spacers for the rear bolts then get longer bolts. it's the same concept as making a t-case drop. the square tubing goes across the front under the bumper and maybe a hockey puck on the passenger side rear mount. the driver's side uses one bolt so you can use whatever you have to space that down too.

how many pucks would you use for about 4.5" of lift? how do you secure them? i have 3" springs up front and will be usein some jks adj. coil spacers.thanks
Last edited by MISFITXJ; Jun 29, 2009 at 04:05 PM.
There is a hole in the middle of the bottom plate. I just drilled it out to fit 1/4" bolts and bolted them all together. Some people use rtv, some use epoxy, and i've seen one person use wood glue. LOL!


