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Anyone have a real front skid plate?
- Thread starter blaster9
- Start date
j98cherokee
Active member
I'm going to be making some skids here in the near future so I'll try and do a template. Rocky Road Outfitters is working on rock sliders, a lift kit, roof rack and bumper/winch mount setups for the WL but no word yet on when they will be released. I've called around and heard others confirm that the mopar skids are pretty much non existent at the moment so I'm not holding my breath.
Sarge
Well-known member
Their full sliders with cover plates will likely be around $1k (per WK2 prices), which is money better spent than the OEM 'side steps' (which don't provide any functionality for off road protection, they're just steps).
I'd still really like to see aluminum skid options, though, for the substantial weight savings.
I'd still really like to see aluminum skid options, though, for the substantial weight savings.
Man, I have been looking for some leads on rock slides, skid plates, front recovery points (mine Summit doesn't even have tow eye), roof rack, etc. and I think today for the first time I saw the light at the end of the tunnel when I saw Rocky Road is working on something lol. Anyway, do post if you do end up making any of these. I would be really interested in them!
It's really a disappointment that you have to get the Overland to get the offroad group. I'm personally not a fan of air suspension on an off roader. I bought a limited and it crushed me that I couldn't even get a 2 speed transfer case unless I upgraded to the Overland. I love the vehicle, but sadly it is just a car and will only be just that. Fortunately, we also have a 2022 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, so I guess I don't have much to cry about. I do look forward to seeing Rocky Road come out with goodies for the WL, I just won't be putting any of them on mine unless I get a different one.
Sarge
Well-known member
Well, there will be companies making air->steel spring conversions eventually. I believe the suspension components are the same on both, aside from the air springs and corresponding shocks. Unfortunately it seems that will be the only way to have an eLSD and steel springs. I like the air suspension, but hate the reliability issues. I already had to take mine to the dealer to be reset when it had problems with too much tongue weight while loading sleds with the car running. First the rear collapsed b/c of the weight while loading, and then when I took the trailer off it lifted the rear all the way and slammed the front on the bump stops. You'd think it would just rest with an ignition cycle with no trailer on it, but it had to go to the dealer to have the code cleared (nothing was damaged, it was all in the computer). Super annoying.
No doubt conversion kits will be available, but it would be nice to just not have to convert it. StrutMaster gets around $1500 for one of their conversion kits, plus labor. Air suspension is like anything "it's great when it works". I had a Lexus LX and they had a superior design in their hydraulic suspension, which proved very durable. There are people with 20 year old systems that still function nicely, but Lexus has a different philosophy.
j98cherokee
Active member
Keep an eye out because if you haven't bought one already because there are plenty of Overlands out there with the steel springs due to the chip shortage. However, they only put the steel springs in the V6 Overlands and not the V8s.
Yeah not having a two speed transfer case on anything but an Overland up really is irritating.
Jake22
Well-known member
sure they do
Considering the number of LX470 & LX570, GX460/470 and RX that have over 200K on the clocks that would make a reliable and comfortable daily driver, I believe the statement to be true.sure they do
FlyingAvocado
Well-known member
Please be sure to document the installation with photos and/or videos. It would be super helpful to see someone putting these in. Hopefully it's as simple as changing them out, but just in case. 😉
Pleased to confirm the Front metal skid from the Off-road group DOES fit non-Overland models. We have a SR.
You’ll need to add 7 M8 x 1.25 rivnuts (and bolts) and good to go! I was able to re-use the tranny skid AND was able to bolt the factory felt shield back on so i keep fuel eco & the extra protection from rocks getting kicked up. Very pleased!!
You’ll need to add 7 M8 x 1.25 rivnuts (and bolts) and good to go! I was able to re-use the tranny skid AND was able to bolt the factory felt shield back on so i keep fuel eco & the extra protection from rocks getting kicked up. Very pleased!!
Attachments
j98cherokee
Active member
This is good news for sure. Did you end up using parts 18 & 19?
Nope and they actually wont fit without trimming of the factory radiator brace (plastic) so I opted out. Here’s to saving you all about $100 on those unnecessary parts haha