I'm sure there are a few companies out there selling front skids for our jeeps. A reliable one would be 4XGuard, which i'm sure you're familiar with.

From their site, a 4XG Front Skid weighs 36lbs. I think you can even get the steel one or the aluminum still..

It won't pull down on the front suspension as much as people think, because 36 lbs isn't a lot and it is closer to the springs themselves, instead of something like a steel bullbar or bumper. Even if you have the MD. It won't be too bad at all, i wouldn't be concerned over the added weight. If it's an issue, take an angle grinder and cut fore to aft strips out of it to reduce weight and a custom look.

here is the link to their site, of course do some looking around see if you can find other fabricators: http://4xguard.com/grand-cherokee-2005-2010/front-guard-10.html
And let me know if you find one for cheaper so i can sell mine :laugh:

 

I have the factory skid under the engine and the 4xGuard front skid in front of that..... no problem with the suspension. I don't have the weights...but they are heavy.

 

I'm gunna research some more I found a few places. But all were around the 275 range. Kinda think that is a tad high for some bent up aluminum. I'm kinda wonderin if iI could bend a sheet of aluminum myself in my shop as I am a tinknocker.

 

I barely have access to a decent welder, but have definitely considered making my own armor. I think it's easier than people realize, especially single-bend and cut sheets like front skids. Plus shape, design, and finish are so variable and can make for a very custom look. And all for a lot cheaper. I wish I would've. You should make your own! And post pictures 😁

 

Is the 4xguard front skid (or any other) compatible with my tow hooks? thanks

 

Unless I misread your question.. yes, the 4xg front skid plate won't affect what tow hooks you want to use at all. The bolts for the skid are nowhere near the bolts for the shackles.. any shackle that fits your jeep will fit with or without a front guard.

 

I just emailed 4xguard with the above question... I'll share if I learn anything interesting

 

Add on- here is mine, I have the 4xg front guard with the 4xg shackles, but as you can see, the shackles you choose will be unaffected by the front skid plate.

 

ahh yes I see how the guard mounts now... thanks !!

 

Thanks guys prob gunna go 4x but it is a nice lil penny for it.

 

i have the aluminum steel armadillo front skid (they also do steel). its about half the weight of a steel one and covers from the front all the way to the back of the engine. quite happy with it. its about the same cost as the 4x guard but a better unit imo

http://thesteelarmadillo.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=61&product_id=56

 

Does that plate cover the oil pan and transfer case as well? The two holes look like the drain holes in my stock oil pan/t case plate.. I've been looking for a one-piece armor plate that goes from the radiator to the oil pan.. If this is it, i will sell my 4XG immediately and get this one haha :2thumbsup:

 

I also have TSA aluminum skid plate. It only covers from the lower rad support/mount to the back of the engine oil pan. They also sell a trans skid plate and a t-case skid plate for those that did not come equipped with the Jeep version. My CRD came with Jeep skid plates, so at this point I only wanted the added front coverage and will get the trans plate to cover that. Everything else is pretty well covered. I may opt for the 4xG belly plate instead of TSA trans plate though. I do like 4xG rock sliders with nerf bar.

 

Yeah it goes from the rad support to the cross member at the back of the engine. Doesnt cover the trans or tcase. Need other skids for those

 

I think that's still more than my 4XG plate covers.. I'd like to find an aluminum one though to save weight. 36 pounds doesn't seem like much, but for one plate.. Idk. Really I want to fab up my own.

 

TSA does aluminum or steel. I have the aluminum and it weighs 25 lbs (the steel version is 51). and it is big, you don't really realize the true size of it until you see it.

 

Do you have any pictures of where the skid plate covers/connects? I'm really interested in one, but not seen any really good pics to understand how much it covers. best I can tell is it connects on the front cross member just below the radiator and back just past the oil drain.

 

 

Thanks for posting!.. This really gives me a clear understanding of the coverage.

 

Good pics Japeart, helps a lot. Thanks! :cheers2:
Seems to have much better coverage further aft, but less coverage up front. Not as high up to the radiator as i'd like.. but i really like the fact that it joins up with the next plate. Looks good! Now, if i could find a way to combine the 4XG and SA plates.. haha :rofl:

 

I agree. I do wish it came up and around the lower part of the radiator like the 4xG does. But at least now I don't have that big open spot. Also, TSA skid plate does not work with the 4+" Super Lift as it cannot accommodate for the lowered suspension crossmember where the stock plate and TSA plate mount to.