Drewjharper1900

Hey guys I have a fab idea that I need an opinion on. I have a Clayton long arm kit and I am bolting a piece of 3/8" steel plate to the bottom of the x-member and have it extend so that it coveres the transmission and transfer case. Does the skid plate need to be braced at all or will the 3/8" stuff be strong enough to not bend?

OttawaXJ

I'd suggest some basic angle iron on the inside, aka facing the jeep, to strengthen it.

Drewjharper1900

Is there any way to strengthen it w/o a welder?

bighouts5591

you could drill and bolt it. or take it to a welding shop.

askingxforxit

You could probably use some 1/4" thick angle and bolt it to the plate. Use tapered head bolts so theres nothing to get snagged on. But probably won't be as strong as being welded.

super-d

Take a look at the Clayton belly skid they have for the XJ. I just got mine and its pure beef!

Drewjharper1900

I want there belly skid but it requires putting in that new x member. Plus it dissent protect the tranny and its a little pricey.

89xjrocker

Beer duct tape balsa wood and jb weld.

93XJLI

itll bend up into both the trans pan and tcase with a few good hits.

Lowrange2

Build a smaller separate x-member farther back and run the plate between the two x-members.

Have a shop weld up the rear x-member.

ktmracer419

3/8" would be heavy as hell and bend anyway if its unsupported for as long as you describe. If its unsupported at each end I would also worry about bending/breaking of the bolts holding it to the crossmember, or even damaging the crossmember.

a 1/4" (or even 3/16" skid) supported properly, with plenty of mounting points would fare much better.

Drewjharper1900

Alright ill start figuring out how im gona build x-members and support the skid. Thanks for all the suggestions!