Opinions on JK Engine Skid

    My girlfriend recently purchased a 14 JK Sport. After last week's trail ride in my TJ she is ready to take hers on its maiden voyage. Knowing her she wont be happy sticking to greens, I figure an engine skid would be a good first purchase. I haven't found any that seem that much better than any others so I'm looking for suggestions.

    Quote from Keith.eric


    I did fine without one. Tell her a little scraping noise is scary at first but she'll get over it. :mrgreen:


    I didn't get so lucky in my JK. I've only wheeled it three or four times and I have two pretty good dents in the oil pan.
    The cross member and fuel tank skid are even worse. :doh:


    Personally Wayne, I'd replace the cross member and buy a Clayton engine skid. Maybe give them a call because they may have something that works without replacing the stock cross member. Not sure. :shrug:


    Info here: http://claytonoffroad.com/prod…th/15_132/products_id/429

    replace the crossmember, it's a POS, bent mine 3 inches first time weeling it. got a guaraunteed bombproofe one from under cover fabworks. he told me if I bend or break it they would replace it. idont think I even scratched it yet & I'm not easy on it to say the least.

    Quote from Tonka


    Is the stock rubicon cross member alot better than the normal jk cross member? I think I can get my hands on one cheap but Im not sure if its worth it.


    I could be wrong but I don't think they are different. Mine is a Rubicon and bent very easily so even if they are different, they aren't any better.

    The newer models don't really have an engine skid at all. All they have is a bar going between the frame rails by the transmission (I've got mine if you want it). Everything else is completely exposed. Finesse will get you through a lot, but I added a JCR engine/trans skid right before I left for Colorado and Utah. Never touched it... :) No experience with the stock crossmember, but if the other guys are saying it's weak... I'd do something to help it out.

    Jerry / Whatevah

    2020 Gladiator Mojave - 33" Falken mud tires, LoD side steps, Zroadz bed rack, Quadratec QRC winch bumper, Superwinch EPi 9.0, Kleinn on-board air, Kleinn air horns, lots of lights, Yaesu ham radio with GPS tracker.

    Gone- 2012 JK Rubicon with stuff. Long gone- Long-arm 2001 Cherokee with stuff.

    Quote from whatevah


    The newer models don't really have an engine skid at all. All they have is a bar going between the frame rails by the transmission (I've got mine if you want it). Everything else is completely exposed. Finesse will get you through a lot, but I added a JCR engine/trans skid right before I left for Colorado and Utah. Never touched it... :) No experience with the stock crossmember, but if the other guys are saying it's weak... I'd do something to help it out.



    See thats what I was told with the new factory crossmember that their isnt one, its not a skid like the tj but just a bar. In all honesty I keep forgetting to get under their and take a look. Im thinking of grabbing the factory rubicon skid so at least I have some protection, as of now this isnt going to see rocks.....at least for awhile, Ive got my crawler so this is more of a family expidition style/beach rig. So I figure this would be some cheap insurance in the meantime to protect it better than nothing. Is the coverage decent though?

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