I swapped out my coolant this weekend, and noticed this hideous protective mat under the engine. It was obvious that it had been pulled before, as many of the holes were ripped from the plastic rivets, and in some spots it was just hanging there. What's the harm of just ripping this thing out for good?

I suppose it's to keep mud and such from getting up into the suspension and engine, but I don't really off road and what little off roading I do is more like light trails. Should I go buy another one that's not all ripped up and replace it? I'm inclined to leave it off.

 

IT's a splash guard. I still have mine on my 91.
It stops you from stalling when you hit that real big water puddle on the road.

It's just extra protection. It's your call

 

It also helps keep mud and water out of your altenator. Most ppl have them gone pretty quick and there are few left intact by about 5-8 years after the Jeep was new.

 

I ripped mine out, because it was a POS. I have not had any problems with it, but I don't do a lot of wheeling in water and or mud, so....

 

COSXJFAN - thread hijack-
yes I agree Bad owners.
My neighbors got a Pit pup the same time I got my Masitff pup.
Those two dogs play together for hours, both 9 months old. They never hurt each other, and the mastiff now weights 110, and the Pit 60.
That Pit is one of the sweatest dogs I have evern met.
She is extremely protective of Her Momma to stangers, but that is their job. (right)
Hell my mastiff would tear you in half if you messed with her Momma, and that is the way I want it. We have sat for the Pit, and never had an issue. Great dogs.

 

It's all about how they are raised....just like children!! I'm very passionate about the Pit Bull Terrier, they get a very bad rap for BS reasons, IMHO!!

 

Yeah, I know I have a Rottie that weighs in @ 125lbs.
Take a walk thru the park with a rottie and a mastiff both well over 100lbs, mothers grab the children and run....

Truth be know both dogs would allow a child to do anything to them, it's the adults they get a leraty over. PM me a pic or two.

 

I agree that it's a POS and a bandaid fix from Chrysler. If you did a lot of wheeling, I'd think a real skid plate would be a better alternative anyway.

 

i ripped mine out when i swapped the engine in my cherokee. i wheel it quite often, and when i do i get really muddy and wet, i do not have any problems with my engine with the little mat out from under my jeep.