Is it safe to drive w/o Tcase skid?

**moshmont** · 03-27-2009, 11:33 AM

I need to replace the threadnuts on my 98 TJ & I was wondering if it is safe to temporarilly city drive without the skidplate?

Pillswoj · 03-27-2009, 11:36 AM

No - The skid plate holds up the transmiision / Transfer Case

**Jerry Bransford** · 03-27-2009, 11:41 AM

While I wouldn't do it for long, the rear of the tranny/t-case is held up by a heavy bracket welded to the frame so you'll be ok for a while. I used to say it wasn't ok to do so either as Pillswoj suggests but I was recently reminded of that support bracket that does provide a good solid support for the rear of the engine/tranny/t-case assembly. I had forgotten about that support and bracket even though I had been required to remove and reinstall it several times this past year.

**Unlimited04** · 03-27-2009, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry Bransford

While I wouldn't do it for long, the rear of the tranny/t-case is held up by a heavy bracket welded to the frame so you'll be ok for a while. I used to say it wasn't ok to do so either as Pillswoj suggests but I was recently reminded of that support bracket that does provide a good solid support for the rear of the engine/tranny/t-case assembly. I had forgotten about that support and bracket even though I had been required to remove and reinstall it several times this past year.

Jerry, I don't have this bracket. My entire drivetrain is supported by the t-case skid and the engine mounts. If I remove the t-case skid (JeepMedic in my case), my trans, t-case and driveshaft will be on the ground, and my engine will be pointing toward the sky.

You can't remove the t-case skid and drive. You can't even remove it without supporting the drivetrain - it holds the drivetrain in the vehicle!

**Jerry Bransford** · 03-27-2009, 11:58 AM

That's odd, my '97 does... it did with the first AX-15 it came with from the factory, and it was retained with a different bracket when I converted to the automatic tranny last year. Blaine's (mrblaine) two TJs are the same way, he was the one who reminded me of the support rod and bracket's presence when I previously said the rear of the drivetrain was supported only by the skidplate.

**Unlimited04** · 03-27-2009, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry Bransford

That's odd, my '97 does... it did with the first AX-15 it came with from the factory, and it was retained with a different bracket when I converted to the automatic tranny last year. Blaine's (mrblaine) two TJs are the same way, he was the one who reminded me of the support rod and bracket's presence when I previously said the rear of the drivetrain was supported only by the skidplate.

Interesting indeed.

heres a JeepMedic install on a 2005, with lots of pictures, and no extra bracket:
http://www.wanderingtrail.com/Mods/TJLJmods/Medic_tummytuck/Medic_tranny.htm

**Jerry Bransford** · 03-27-2009, 12:26 PM

None of those pics show the area where it would be, up inside on the passenger side.

Here is a photo of the rear transmission support rod and bracket I am referring to.

**Unlimited04** · 03-27-2009, 12:28 PM

I'll crawl under there and look again today to make sure, but that doesn't look familiar. Is there adjustment?

**Jerry Bransford** · 03-27-2009, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unlimited04

Is there adjustment?

No, it's just a simple bolt-on bracket and support rod.

The_Rookie · 03-27-2009, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry Bransford

None of those pics show the area where it would be, up inside on the passenger side.

Here is a photo of the rear transmission support rod and bracket I am referring to.

My 01 has that set up but its only the exhaust hanger in front of the cat

LJameson · 03-27-2009, 01:04 PM

I have that same rod you're talking about, but it only goes to the exhaust. Where does it bolt to on your Jeep?

**Jerry Bransford** · 03-27-2009, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeepfreak4life7

I have that same rod you're talking about, but it only goes to the exhaust. Where does it bolt to on your Jeep?

If it goes to your exhaust, it is NOT the same rod. If you looked carefully at that photo, which is why I included it, you'll see it goes to the mount bolted to the transmission and not to the exhaust. Did you not look at the photo closely enough to see that?

TJeeper · 03-27-2009, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry Bransford

If it goes to your exhaust, it is NOT the same rod. If you looked carefully at that photo, which is why I included it, you'll see it goes to the mount bolted to the transmission and not to the exhaust. Did you not look at the photo closely enough to see that?

Jerry-

Crawl under your Jeep and look again. The mount attaches the exhaust to the tranny, to keep the exhaust from rattling. I just got done cutting mine off.

The_Rookie · 03-27-2009, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry Bransford

Welcome to JF but that's something else entirely... apples and oranges.

Thanks

I have the same bracket bolted to my tranny but other than being bolted to the skid it has no other attachments other than the rod that gos to the exhaust

Do you have a pic of the other end of the Rod shown in your pic

Steve

cmgorman94 · 03-27-2009, 01:36 PM

Jerry, I hate to say that I think you're wrong, but I think that you're wrong. I've pulled the tranny and transfer case on a few 4 cyl TJs, and I never remembered seeing/dealing with that bracket, but I figured maybe I was just forgetting it. With that being said I just went and looked under my Jeep to double check that I'm not an idiot, and sure enough there is no bracket that goes to the frame. I'm willing to go take pics if you still don't believe me. Maybe that bracket is just a 6 cylinder thing? Your guess is as good as mine.