I took my TJ to Rattlesnake bar at the lake to play around a little bit this weekend and dinked my oil pan on a hard dirt berm. That was relatively soft and it bent my oil pan at the drain plug. Now I am looking more seriously at engine, fuel tank and steering box skid plates. Is 4 wheel parts the best deal in town for this kind of stuff?
Thanks, Mischa
Uh-oh!
Rule #1, spend your first money on protection!
You can shop around, but 4-wheel parts, with the club discount is a pretty competitive choice. 4wd hardware is online, offers the same discount program and can ship for free to 4-Wheel parts.
Shop around and see what you can find, and price. Then call 4-Wheel parts to see if they can beat it.
If you want to shop locally, 4 Wheel Parts and Central 4WD are pretty much your two choices for bigger retailers. There are many online businesses that sell skid plates too. One brand I've used and recommended in the past is from Skidplates.com.
Another company that has some nice looking aluminum skidplates is http://www.savvyoffroad.com/
I haven't used any of their skidplates but have used some other products made or designed by one of the guys associated with Savvy and have been satisfied.
"BKGM Jeepers" wrote:
Rule #1, spend your first money on protection!
That's smart and money well spent.
OK...you have me convinced. I went out this morning and ordered fuel tank, engine, and steering box skids. My wife told me "What??? Are we building a tank?" I guess upgraded diff covers are next on the menu.
Thanks
One more to add to the list...rocker gaurds.
"themayfields" wrote: I went out this morning and ordered fuel tank, engine, and steering box skids.
Nice! Which ones did you end up ordering?
Watch out! This guy has got the bug bad! Better get that money tree planted. 😀
Spend your money on a welder and build your own!!! You cab build better quality for a lot less money, and a welder will pay for its self in a short time!!!!
I bought the Skid Row engine and steering box skids, and a Pure Jeep fuel tank skid. I took care of the rock sliders and a winch the night of the last meeting at 4 wheel parts. As for making my own, I have the tools, but am not too sure on my fabrication skills. A tire and gas can carrier are in the works.
For those that don't know, I have enclosed a picture of my "Office"
2000 Ford F-450 4X4 Dually
6.8 V-10
4 speed auto
4.88 gears with a rear limited slip
Air compressor
Miller 250 amp welder
3500 pound capacity crane
Attached files 
"themayfields" wrote: I bought the Skid Row engine and steering box skids, and a Pure Jeep fuel tank skid. I took care of the rock sliders and a winch the night of the last meeting at 4 wheel parts.
Sounds like you need a Posse work party!!! We all work cheap, just have to feed us. 😏
I have already done the rock sliders and winch but the engine skid has not come in yet. I very well could use a hand with the gas tank skid. Pizza and beer sound like a small price to pay.
If tank is close to empty it is not too bad. 2 fuel lines and 1 plug located behind the left rear spring and the fuel filler and she drops right out.
No reason to disconnect anything on the fuel tank. If the tank is close to empty, another guy can hold it in place while you swap skid plates.
"JohnDF" wrote: No reason to disconnect anything on the fuel tank. If the tank is close to empty, another guy can hold it in place while you swap skid plates.
Yes!
I have a little bit less than 1/4 tank. I will probably try to pull some more out. The skid plate is heavy enough without the extra fuel in there.
I totally disagree with not dropping the tank all the way to the ground.
It takes 20 seconds to disconnect the two lines and drop the tank to the ground. Why would you take the chance of accidentally dropping the tank and breaking two expensive fittings to save yourself 20 seconds :?:
Plus it is a lot easier to remove and re-secure the tank straps with it sitting on the ground.
Just my opinion 😁
If you can get some help you can drop the tank onto a pump jack or block it up instead of dropping it to the floor so that you dont have to mess the the electrical connections on the top of the tank. try and run almost all the gas out befor attempting to install the skid plate.
if you need some help ill be around this weekend, feel free to give me a call.
also dont forget to get the oil pan skid plate.... and i found great deals on the diff skid plates looking on craigslist.
Scott
925-575-1632
Dropping my factory (plastic) tank and skid was super easy when it had very little fuel. Dropping my curren tank (which is aluminum with an integrated steel skid) is much heavier. I use a floor jack and can do it my myself. The frustrating part is making sure everything is sealed to avoid check engine codes about "evap leak".
After doing all my skids and rocker guards, I now have a TJ Downgrade kit availeable. it consists of a factory fuel tank skid, Black Sahara rocker trim and Sahara steps. Anyone need some Sahara restoration parts????
Sign in to post here.
