tricky question.. some manufacturers make skids that work together to cover certain components.. Oil pan skid is probably the most critical because that can end your day pretty quick, although mine doesn't have a scratch on it.. Overall I'm pretty happy with my evo protek system.
For me, sliders that serve as sort of a step were easily #1. My Jeep came with the factory sliders, but I added bolt-on rails. #2 is relocating and protecting the e-disco motor on my model of Jeep. After that, I'm not sure what I would protect next, probably oil pan, even though it's high up, it's vital.
Rockhard has fixed the hole. It is now a good-sized rectangular opening with a bolt-on cover. You can sorta see it in the 'After" photo I posted in your other thread.
I'm running the ASFIR under my Dozercon, these are nice beefy aluminum plates that not only save you on weigh but give you great protection underneath.
I'm not happy with my ASFIR engine skid plate....
It won't work with with a lift - it will hit the exhaust system. I have a 3-1/2" lift and it's going to take a lot of modification (cutting off the skid plate where it rubs, leaving that part exposed with a blunt edge to hang up). There's nothing in their literature that says it won't work with a lift. I told them I had a lift before I bought it, but they didn't tell me it wouldn't work with a lift, until it was installed and didn't fit. They said I could return it (and pay the $165 shipping), or go to a qualified mechanic and have it altered to fit. I put nearly 2" of spacers in the rear, and it still rubs.
It might be fine with a stock set up, but I'm not buying any more from them.
I have the Rock Hard skids too, and they're great. I know people suggest the oil pan skid first since it is both critical and unprotected, but it's pretty hard to whack that area with a rock. The front area of my gas tank however gets hit all time. So along with rock rails, the gas tank skid would be my first choice. But I would do all the skids when you can.
Do diffs first. I like poison spyder diff covers. I also installed a slider from rough country on my rear diff. Thing is thick and protects a lot, but was a massive pain to install and I doubt I would do it again in hindsight. After diffs I would do an oil pan / transmission skid, and I also like lower control arm skids. After that think long and hard about an extra gas tank skid. If you have a 4 door do the gas tank skid sooner. Factory transfer case is actually pretty good, but you can always do that one too.
Things can be done cheaper of course, but I am a big fan of rock hards products. They make fantastic skids. I am probably going to pickup their front and rear bumpers soon as well.
I love my Rough Country diff sliders and Rock Hard skids. Also skid lower control arms.
If an auto, do engine oil skid first. You have zero factory protection there. At least on gas, Transfercase etc you have factory skids for what they're worth.
Gas skids take more whacks on a four door than a two door, but the factory one will hold out a little while. This wouldn't be first for me on a two door.
Honestly, The transmission on the auto's seems like it would be the most vulnerable. It's made of very thin steel and it sits lower and closer to the center of the breakover than the oil pan.
That being said, I have no clue how there is not a single scratch on my tranny pan, and my engine oil pan has all sorts of dents.
I have Rock Hard on my JKUR. The fuel tank has by far the most scrapes. Others have indicated their fuel tank skid also gets the most hits. As a reference point, I put all three of mine on at the same time. I skipped on the evap skid as I have never hit it.
I went Metal Cloak skid system; very happy with the fit and coverage.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Ask a question
Ask a question
Jeep Wrangler Forum
9M posts
468K members
Since 2005
A forum community dedicated to Jeep Wrangler owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about reviews, performance, trail riding, gear, suspension, tires, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, for all JL, JT, JK, TJ, YJ, and CJ models!