nickl

I don't have any-I have a cheap Jeep JY near me & was wondering what your thoughts are on factory XJ skids. Are they good enough? I'm just looking for something cheap & easy to put on. No rock crawling planned just logging roads with cross ditches & a few rocks here & there.

Are all year skids the same (I have a '99)? I assume there are 3-oil pan,TC & gas tank?

How much is a good deal for a set?

Thx!

93gc40

They are better than NO skidplates. They won't stand-up to Hard-core rock banging, but the occasional scrape over a boulder or log, no problem

93gc40

Stock plates: Fuel tank, TC and front suspension. Oil pan and transmision aftermarket only. If you have the front skid fine if you don't, You'll never miss it. The other 2 are an almost must for the off-roading, you describe.

EMAXX620

i am in the works of putting a ZJ one on my xj. Almost done, just got a few more holes i gotta expand and it will be complete. it seems pretty beefy. i dont recall seeing and skids on the xjs in my local junkyard

2.5TURBO

Common prices I've paid/sold for were
$70 brand new front skid
$20 t/c
$50 sold my gas tank skid

These prices are definitely on the high side for what they were but definitely good investments. You'll be glad those skids are there for the accidental blow to the gas tank......or that rock you didn't see.

I landed my front skid bottom edge on a rock and it just bent the smallest amount. Considering how hard I clipped the rock I was expecting WAY more damage.

nickl

Thanks guys,

1)Do you know if all years are the same

2)Do they use existing bolts/mounting points or do I need those too?

gpXJ

I believe the front skids are universal. Gas tank skids are definitely year dependant....pre-96, then 97-up, however I know guys who have modified an older one to fit on a newer XJ.

nickl

Found a guy with front skid & TC skid for $40, says he has had the tc one on 2 XJs, one with a 231 the other a 242 (1990 & 2000models) & it fits both fine-sound right? I have a '99...

Does anyone have any pics of where these both bolt up or it VERY obvious?

Thx again!

suburban_sam

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=http:...?v=wlQ96kNLhJ4

I did stuff like this a whole season on the stock cross member, t-case skid, and a reinforced stock gas tank skid. They are all replaced now because of the damage.

nickl

Neat, I won't be doing anything near that severe though, just rough roads..

troy fritz

A 97+ will fit a 96- with a little work. I put a 99 on my 96 and it works great.Had to remove my hitch and do a little cutting and bending but she went right on. Then I reinstalled the hitch and am loving it.

2.5TURBO

The front skid bolts into nuts welded in the frame. Bolt the 3 passenger side loosely then have a friend flex the single driver side until it lines up and install the bolt. I believe all 4 bolts are the same thread and sometimes you can only get 2 to line up on the passenger side. (I've had to install it both ways on mine.)

The t/c I own but haven't installed yet so you're gonna have to wait for suggestions on that.

The gas tank skid depends if you have nutstrips or not. New from the dealer they are $30+ each. You can get a set from JCR for $40.
http://www.jcroffroad.com/Merchant2/...egory_Code=DPL

If someone has installation info for the t/c I would appreciate it as well.

Cherokee

i believe the t case skid is attached the same way as described for the front suspension one. nuts are welded onto the frame and then bolted on from underneath.

but i've never attached one myself, i'm just looking at mine that came with my xj.

i've got a nice view through the big holes in my floor lol.

nickl

Thanks cherokee, etc. Anyone please have any pics?

Cherokee

ah sorry mate.

just covered up the view haha.

i can take pictures from underneath if you want. yes?