zj skid plate questions

ilive4cars0122 · 10-08-2010, 09:35 PM

Hey guys I have a 98 GC 5.9 liter and was wondering a few things. First, the thickest skid plates you can buy is 3/16 inch right? Second, what brand such as skid row offroad, rusty's etc do you guys like? Third, mounting the fuel tank one should be fine with a hitch as well correct? Lastly, there is no welding or anything needed besides bolts and nuts and stuff right? Thanks again

**Technohead** · 10-09-2010, 02:28 AM

I like the factory gas tank skid plate. A 3/16" gas tank skid plate would be ridiculously heavy and complete overkill.

**Texas ZJ1** · 10-09-2010, 07:06 AM

You can find both skids (factory) at most u pull it lots, aka junkyards for cheap. No welding just bolt on and go.

Hunter

ilive4cars0122 · 10-09-2010, 06:27 PM

how thick are the factory ones because if they are 1/8inch thats only 1/16 less than 3/16 can't be that big of a difference right? and i have probably more tools than i need but no welder so they all meaning gas tank, transfer case, and engine/tranny skids bolt on right?

andrayder · 10-09-2010, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilive4cars0122

how thick are the factory ones because if they are 1/8inch thats only 1/16 less than 3/16 can't be that big of a difference right? and i have probably more tools than i need but no welder so they all meaning gas tank, transfer case, and engine/tranny skids bolt on right?

Yes they all bolt on but they are a pita by yourself, I wouldn't recommend trying the gas tank or steering skid alone.

**stageninja** · 10-09-2010, 08:17 PM

Factory skids are great. Most junk yards have them. T-case skid requires nutserts but the holes are already in the unibody. Gas tank skid does in fact bolt up with the tow hitch. Threaded holes are already in place for the front skid plate. Have done this retrofit to my current ZJ from my parts ZJ.

ilive4cars0122 · 10-09-2010, 08:30 PM

thanks guys...since i have the money to spend and want the best im thinking of something other than factory...any good brands you suggest?

Ganjatrooper · 10-09-2010, 08:55 PM

you can spend more and get "better" but factory ones are pretty much just as good just not as pretty from my understanding. Not to high jack the thread but just a quick question. I got a 94 ZJ and I have the factory fuel tank skid is there any other factory skid plates i can get at a JY? would a 96+ set up work and does mine come with the predrilled holes and what not?

**Texas ZJ1** · 10-10-2010, 06:11 AM

The stock ones served me well for over 10 years. They aren't "belly up" skids that you can land on and lift your Jeep. They are there to protect your Grand from rocks and dings. If your bashing your skids all the time, you might want to pick better lines.

Hunter

**Technohead** · 10-10-2010, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilive4cars0122

thanks guys...since i have the money to spend and want the best im thinking of something other than factory...any good brands you suggest?

Note that thicker does not mean stronger. A 1/8" plate with some ribs stamped into it will be stronger and lighter. The problem with most of the aftermarket stuff is that they don't do much, if any, real engineering.