Skid plate install

E1vis81 · **Posted:** Sun Nov 24, 2013 12:51 am

I have a full set of Mopar skids that I am trying to get around to installing, including the radiator but minus the fuel tank. So not really full I guess. Anyway I was wondering if it is possible to do it without jacking it up or using a ramp to get underneath. I know it would be tight but is it even possible? If it isn't what's the easiest set up? Jack stands? Thanks in advance for any tips.

At The Helm · **Posted:** Sun Nov 24, 2013 1:24 am

If you're not lifted its gonna be tough installing the nutserts and skids. Ramps would be my first choice but if you don't have any you could just pull onto a curb. :wink:

Mikzor · **Joined:** Fri Feb 03, 2012 7:28 pm **Posts:** 64

I did the Front Suspension, Transmission and Transfer Case by myself without jacking the car up. My car is lifted though so made it a little easier but still very awkward due to laying on your back and lifting large heavy plates into place etc.

Certainly doable... but try to make your job eaier if possible. Easiest setup is two ramps on the front wheels. Just drive it up and start working underneath.

ajohns1288 · **Posted:** Sun Nov 24, 2013 7:03 pm

I did all of my skids (minus the tank) at stock height without a jack, although I did remove my front air dam. The nutserts in the unibody are easy to do if you have the install tool and a 1/2 drive ratchet. The trans crossmember ones can be a bit tricky to get in due to rust, I had to use a BFH to tap them in. The install order also is important. The Tcase skid can be done whenever and is the easiest to do. The front radiator skid and transmission skids have to go in before the main engine skid. If you do the engine skid first, you'll have to pull the bumper (or drop the skid) if you want to add the radiator one due to the tabs. A floor jack will be really useful to bear the weight of the plates while installing, otherwise, you'll need to start doing some bench-presses.

kingjeep · **Posted:** Sun Nov 24, 2013 9:52 pm

i put half on the ground with out jacks stands and half at a friends shop with the lift. its a lot easier the higher you can get your jeep i did front tow hooks on the ground before it was lifted took a long time ended up stopping by a friends shop putting it on a lift so i can get in and tighten every thing up made a big different only needed the lift for 5 minutes

E1vis81 · **Posted:** Mon Nov 25, 2013 11:35 am

Thanks for all of the replies. I am curious: I thought you had to install the engine skid before the radiator? It's the other way around? I definitely would like to do it without removing the front bumper if possible (although I'd love to not use the M bolts for the tow hooks I got, and I know you need to remove the bumper for that). Also, will a 3/8 drive torque wrench be Ok? I tried the fitment on the bolts that came with the plates, and my 3/8 did fit Ok it seemed. Thanks again.

Jindosjeep · **Posted:** Mon Nov 25, 2013 5:23 pm

Does it show the size of the bolts & nutzerts on the instructions? I have skids, no bolts,trying to find a source for the correct size of bolts and nutsertz with installation tool.
Thanks

LowRange · **Joined:** Thu Dec 05, 2013 11:46 pm **Posts:** 5

Sounds like a fun project!

Another solution is a basic jack that can be had for <100 for an OK one, just don't forget to use stands for safety.

Are you still able to change the oil without removing them?

Liberty for All · **Posted:** Sun Dec 08, 2013 3:31 am

Yes, I change the oil on my KJ w/o removing the front skid.

Jindosjeep · **Posted:** Sun Dec 08, 2013 4:26 pm

Anyone have an answer to my post from Nov.23? I looked at the installation instructions posted in the tech section?
Thanks

lfhoward · **Posted:** Sun Dec 08, 2013 6:42 pm

E1vis81 wrote:

I have a full set of Mopar skids that I am trying to get around to installing, including the radiator but minus the fuel tank. So not really full I guess. Anyway I was wondering if it is possible to do it without jacking it up or using a ramp to get underneath. I know it would be tight but is it even possible? If it isn't what's the easiest set up? Jack stands? Thanks in advance for any tips.

I used jack stands to install mine. I put them in the notches of the "frame" rails just behind the front tires. Having the extra room made it a lot easier to install the nutzerts as well as maneuver the skids into place. Ramps would be even easier, or just driving up onto a curb. Be sure to chock your rear tires though and set the parking brake before you climb under.

Skid plate install

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