Topic: engine skid plate mounting

[neale_rs]

I´d like to fabricate a skid plate for the oil pan, attaching it using the two bottom bellhousing bolts shown in the picture.  It looks like all they hold is a sheetmetal cover.  A few questions:

Is this actually all they hold?

Why are they bolts so big for such a small job?

Thanks

[jagular7]

Its overbuilt and designed by Jeep engineers.



Just note that the plate will also have to be attached up front or it will bend at those bolts. Take a look at Skid Row. They design and fab some good usable skid plates.

[oldjeep]

Bellhousing is aluminum - wouldn't be my first choice to transfer an impact to.

[Jeffy]

I agree, look at how teh Skid Row does theirs.  They have a metal U frame that bolts to the frame hand then hangs the skid off that on the front and it attaches to the stock skid plate at the back.

[neale_rs]

Thanks for the advice.  I'll check into that skid row plate.

[Clem]

I have one... They work well. One side mounted to the bottom of the driver's side engine mount. The other mounted to the spring hanger bolt. The third point clamped to the stock skid plate. It is simple, yet effective. It holds up fairly well with regular abuse.

[Jeffy]

The other option is to build a new transfer case skidplate and have a hoop extend forward under the oil pan hump.  If you have a SYE and a body lift you could go with a flat belly-up skidplate while you're at it.  Lots of options here, if you've got fabrication skills.

[Mozman68]

Here's the one from Full Traction....I still need to add it to my rig.



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[neale_rs]

That one also looks good.  I'll have to check if they have one for the YJ.  Thanks