To clarify, since some posters seemed confused:
from front to rear:
Engine/Suspension Skid: stock is pretty tuff. Skid Row makes a beefier one. I bent my stock one and replaced it with another stock one for $25. If I bend it again, I'll upgrade.
Tranny skid: Only started from MOPAR for 2005. The All J and now, the second generation Skid Row, are both excellent. Very beefy. My first one was a skid row 1st generation and I bent it all the time, a lot. It gets a big workout because it's low and towards the center of the vehicle (which means it touches down when going over things like hills and rocks).
Transfer Case skid: stock is ok. Kinda thin. Mine is currently bent up but still not touching the t-case. It works.
Diff Guard: You think you don't need it? Ever put it in Reverse on the trail? Ever? If yes, then you need it. Period. That cover is thin. Rocks are thick. Gears are exensive. Even a cheap guard is worth it. I have the Four-X for $69. Good piece of mind.
Gas Tank skid: stock is ok. Exposed on the corners. It's thin and very tight against the tank. It will touch down a lot. Plastic tanks don't like rocks and stumps. And a hole in your tank can end your day fast. I've also heard that replacing those tanks is big $$. Mine is currently bent up against the tank. I'm debating relacing it with a Kilby or just hammering it out. I was backing up through muddy rocky area to go back and pull a Rubicon Unlimited out (hehehe). I just made it through this mud pit forward, but kept getting stuck in reverse on big rocks. I really wanted to be gthe one to pull out the Rubi, so I kept trying. Eventually, I gave up. Later, I saw the damage to the skid. It could have been bad!
lastly, I think the trailer hitch may help on steep climbs to keep the plastic bumper from getting ripped off. Maybe. Dunno.
And of course, BoulderBars. I destroyed a set of RRO Step Rails. They lasted about 2 years, but as I started wheeling harder, they let go. The boulderbars are beefier and mount to the frame in stronger , thicker places.
There, my full write up for ya. Enjoy. Consider it my holiday gift to you.
