Undercover Fab TC Skid Plate Install Pics - Page 4

**undercoverfab** · 02-26-2010, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevilDogDoc

So what's the secret to getting the JF discount on this slice of fried gold?

Add the skid to your cart and view the cart. You will see a place to type "jeepforum.com" and click "add".

DevilDogDoc · 02-26-2010, 07:48 PM

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!

Rigger007 · 02-27-2010, 10:47 PM

I thought I would post a few pics of my install here as well. I shortened the exhaust hanger on the tranny mount by 5/8" to keep the cat out of the floorboards, but I'm still rubbing against the front right upper control arm mount. I think I'm going to have to have someone bend the pipe down a tad for me to clear that correctly. I have an AA t-case skid bracket that is also just touching the body, but a BFH should fix that easy enough. I'm very happy with the skid (1/4" steel), though screwing with all these adjustments and popping that 77lb skid on and off is killing me, lol.

before:

after:

**undercoverfab** · 02-28-2010, 05:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rigger007

I thought I would post a few pics of my install here as well. I shortened the exhaust hanger on the tranny mount by 5/8" to keep the cat out of the floorboards, but I'm still rubbing against the front right upper control arm mount. I think I'm going to have to have someone bend the pipe down a tad for me to clear that correctly. I have an AA t-case skid bracket that is also just touching the body, but a BFH should fix that easy enough. I'm very happy with the skid (1/4" steel), though screwing with all these adjustments and popping that 77lb skid on and off is killing me, lol.

before:

after:

Thanks for taking the time to post pictures.

Rigger007 · 02-28-2010, 07:43 AM

5/8" left me with about an 1/8" gap between the bottom edge of the muffler and the skid plate recess. I may need to change that hanger again. I'm going to take all the hangers off, let it relax and see what needs to happen from there.

**undercoverfab** · 02-28-2010, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rigger007

5/8" left me with about an 1/8" gap between the bottom edge of the muffler and the skid plate recess. I may need to change that hanger again. I'm going to take all the hangers off, let it relax and see what needs to happen from there.

It's a balancing act with the factory exhaust. Let us know how you get it worked out.

Thanks,

**undercoverfab** · 03-01-2010, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rigger007

I thought I would post a few pics of my install here as well. I shortened the exhaust hanger on the tranny mount by 5/8" to keep the cat out of the floorboards, but I'm still rubbing against the front right upper control arm mount. I think I'm going to have to have someone bend the pipe down a tad for me to clear that correctly. I have an AA t-case skid bracket that is also just touching the body, but a BFH should fix that easy enough. I'm very happy with the skid (1/4" steel), though screwing with all these adjustments and popping that 77lb skid on and off is killing me, lol.

before:

after:

I just read in another thread about modifying the AA bracket for clearance with a high clearance skid.

Here's a link...

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/pr...ml#post7350231

Rigger007 · 03-01-2010, 05:19 PM

Thanks Matt, I forgot the AA bracket came with those directions mentioning that mod, it was a while ago I installed it. I shaved some of the bracket off, but drilling new holes to mount the whole bracket closer to the t-case will take care of the rest of my problem. I tried using a BFH on the tub, but it didn't want to dent, LOL.
I'll have to pop the bracket back off and drill holes, I'll post up some photos before I throw it back on.

I was hoping to get in to the exhaust place tonight to have them look at re-bending the down-pipe near the front right upper control arm mount, but I'm stuck at work for a while it seems and won't make it tonight.

All told I'm pretty excited about this set-up. I have so much more room under the rig now, and I can have a coffee cup in the cup-holder and still hit second gear, which I haven't been able to do in a year! The tranny seems a lot louder now, and the shifting feels different, but I assume that's because it's closer to the tub now, and I've been running with a MML and t-case drop for so long I got used to how it drove.

**undercoverfab** · 03-01-2010, 05:30 PM

I'm not sure why the transmission would seem louder. It may be because of the contact you have on the upper control arm mount with your exhaust. Make sure that you don't have any contact points with the transfer case and let us know how it all turns out.

Thanks,

Rigger007 · 03-09-2010, 06:06 AM

I finally had some time to upload some photos. Thanks goes to Alexia for her diagram of the modded AA t-case shifter bracket. I had to redrill the two holes where it mounts to the tranny, then cut off the section with the old holes for it to fit on, but it works great. I threw in some pictures of my shortened tranny mount exhaust hanger. I don't have a welder, so I cut and bolted it back together. The loud tranny sounds are gone, and it shifts as smooth as it did when I bought it (hard to remember what it drove like stock

). It must have been the contact of the linkage and tub.

kaybone · 03-09-2010, 07:46 AM

Did you have to modify that AA Bracket because you didn't do the body lift or
is ti because you have a 2004. I have that same bracket already installed on my 99TJ and I didn't think that I would have to do that as I am installing a 1.25" BL. Also, is that the Ultra High Clearance version that you have installed there?

**undercoverfab** · 03-09-2010, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaybone

Did you have to modify that AA Bracket because you didn't do the body lift or
is ti because you have a 2004. I have that same bracket already installed on my 99TJ and I didn't think that I would have to do that as I am installing a 1.25" BL. Also, is that the Ultra High Clearance version that you have installed there?

I believe he has the 2" deep "no body-lift required" skid. That skid does move the transfer case up, just not so much that it will hit the tub. Because of that you will have to make some modifications to the AA bracket. Exhaust mods are also usually required to lower the cat/muffler down so that it hovers in the new tighter gap between the skid and the tub.

kaybone · 03-09-2010, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by undercoverfab

I believe he has the 2" deep "no body-lift required" skid. That skid does move the transfer case up, just not so much that it will hit the tub. Because of that you will have to make some modifications to the AA bracket. Exhaust mods are also usually required to lower the cat/muffler down so that it hovers in the new tighter gap between the skid and the tub.

Thanks for the reply, well since I see you are on here directly, I'll ask my questions in here instead of calling, so everyone can see.

So basically, I have a 99TJ 4.0 with manual tranny that I will install a 1.25 BL
on prior to installing your skid. Because I have a 99, I have to get the Ultra high clearance version correct? And, will I still have to modify this AA bracket, which is already on my jeep with this setup, even though I am installing the BL? I would like to not mess with that bracket, it was a pain to get on the first time when I redid my clutch. I am assuming there wil be some minor exhaust
bracket mods as well.

Also I am assuming that a MML is not absolutely necessary, even though I am installing the BL, I can always move the engine shroud, and drive train shouldn't be an issue because I will also install an SYE and new rear drive shaft.

Lastly, if I order on your website how soon could expect delivery? I am cautious here because I got screwed by 33 Engineering, which of course is not your problem, but makes me want to be careful.

**undercoverfab** · 03-09-2010, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaybone

Thanks for the reply, well since I see you are on here directly, I'll ask my questions in here instead of calling, so everyone can see.

So basically, I have a 99TJ 4.0 with manual tranny that I will install a 1.25 BL
on prior to installing your skid. Because I have a 99, I have to get the Ultra high clearance version correct? And, will I still have to modify this AA bracket, which is already on my jeep with this setup, even though I am installing the BL? I would like to not mess with that bracket, it was a pain
to get on the first time when I redid my clutch.

Also I am assuming that a MML is not absolutely necessary, even though I am installing the BL, I can always move the engine shroud, and drive train shouldn't be an issue because I will also install an SYE and new rear drive shaft.

Lastly, if I order on your website how soon could expect delivery? I am cautious her because I got screwed by 33 Engineering, which of course is not your problem, but makes mewant to be careful.

I would recommend the "ultra high clearance skid" since you will be installing the body lift. That will maximize the clearance. You will need to modify the AA bracket as shown above.

You could use the "no body-lift" version of the skid along with a 1.25" body-lift and the AA bracket so that you wouldn't have to modify the bracket, but that seems wasteful.

I would follow Alexia's guide and modify the bracket so you can take advantage of the BL.

Although it wouldn't be required I always recommend the MML. The time and effort saved in avoiding the fan shroud relocation along with the decreased driveline angle makes it a no-brainer. Especially for the money.

If you order by Wednesday evening I can have it out on Friday. If you wait until after Wednesday it will be early the following week. I usually require a few days to get the parts out the door. Shipping is UPS ground, so 2 days minimum time in transit if you're close to Alabama. It could be up to 5 days in transit if you're on the west coast.

I haven't "screwed" anybody over and I won't be starting anytime soon.

kaybone · 03-09-2010, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by undercoverfab

I would recommend the "ultra high clearance skid" since you will be installing the body lift. That will maximize the clearance. You will need to modify the AA bracket as shown above.

You could use the "no body-lift" version of the skid along with a 1.25" body-lift and the AA bracket so that you wouldn't have to modify the bracket, but that seems wasteful.

I would follow Alexia's guide and modify the bracket so you can take advantage of the BL.

Although it wouldn't be required I always recommend the MML. The time and effort saved in avoiding the fan shroud relocation along with the decreased driveline angle makes it a no-brainer. Especially for the money.

If you order by Wednesday evening I can have it out on Friday. If you wait until after Wednesday it will be early the following week. I usually require a few days to get the parts out the door. Shipping is UPS ground, so 2 days minimum time in transit if you're close to Alabama. It could be up to 5 days in transit if you're on the west coast.

I haven't "screwed" anybody over and I won't be starting anytime soon.

Thank you very much for getting back to me quickly and answering my questions, I will decide in the next few days. I am leaning toward your
1/4 aluminum now rather than the steel because of weight. I was wondering
what your take was on earlier discussions on this thread and others
about the electrolytic galvanic action of aluminum and metal touching together and causing corrosion in wet areas like Ohio where I live.
If go with the aluminum I will of course paint it and wondering also what your recommendations are for painting.

Thanks for answering all my questions ahead of time!