Hi All

Posted originally in 4x4 discussion - thought it should probably live here instead.

The trannie skid plate wasn't a normal import in NZ/Aus (go figure!?), and from research I see it's reported as a bit flimsy.

I whipped up one myself out of 4mm (0.15 inch) plate and 25x25x5mm (1x1x0.19 inch) angle steel, that is very strong and also protects the oil filter on the CRD. Very simple fabrication.

I've posted shots below with details if others want to copy it. No comments on the welding please! I photographed it after zinc coating and prior to finishing and painting so it's easier to see.

One suggested improvement on first run is soundproofing material on top as engine noise was slightly more in cockpit from reflection I guess.

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Rob
Wellington, New Zealand
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2006 KJ CRD Ltd

Looks like you've given it some use Rob, is it still holding up or loose.

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Member No: 152595
Susky Bro V The Highlander Terminator, got it Wuggs

Lifted by CRDSTU
265/70/16 STT's on 16x8 Chrome Soft 8's
CDKJ

It's had some use alright, and I'm stoked with it. Very strong skid - could probably sit most of the CRDs weight on it with no probs. Might cut another square hole in the plate with the angle grinder near the back end cause I notice after a trip around the coast there is a lot of gravel on top being held in by the tranny cross member. A hole would let it fall back out with driving.

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Rob
Wellington, New Zealand
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2006 KJ CRD Ltd

has anybody else done this yet?

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05 CRD
3" Rough Country Lift
SAMCO SPORT Hoses
Magnaflow Muffler (12226)
CAT 2 Fuel Filter
Fumoto Drain Valve
EGR replaced at 50K
in service 8/31/04
Sold 7/21/10 125k miles
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Paved Roads, another form of unnecessary government spending...

I havn't made my own but I did modify the mopar one...


I cut a chunk out of it so it would sit flush...




and welded some angle iron to give more support...




hasn't failed me yet and i've come down pretty hard on it...

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2008 Xterra 4x4

1986 CJ7
Lots of custom stuff...

Gone, But not Forgotten...
2003 Sport - 'Fire Engine' Red
Detours KJ Backbone
Skids
Boulder Bars
JBA 4.5 A Arms
245/75/16 Wrangler Duratracs's on Cragar Soft 8’s
Spidertrax 1.25" Spacers
Superwinch LP 8500
Frankenlifted

Nice FAB job, they look as good if not better then what the PRO's are peddleing. The only additional reccomendation I would make is put one of the HD Rust primers Seen on Spike TV on the weekends and then top coat with a bed liner coating. With that done I think you would have a salable product. Not to mention truly bullet proof, bottoming out isn't the enemy of skid plates RUST is your enemy.

Good Work

I don't know if it is just the pic but that rear tire looks cambered in a bunch...could be the panoramic shot tho...nice skid

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Founder of L.O.S.T.
2006 CRD Sport
Mods: GDE Hot Tune w/ 364#@2000rpm/Air Box /3" Str8 Exhaust/ASFIR Alum Skids/245-75R-16 Cooper STT PRO/OME LIFT w/Clevis & 4 Spring Isos/AirTabs/Rigid 10" S2 LED/4xGuard Ctr Matrix Bumper
Drag Strip:Reac=.1078_60ft=2.224_1/8=10.39@64.8mph_1/4+16.46@80.8mph