CRD owners will know that their oil filters are hanging down in the breeze, and even with a Transmission skid plate are still exposed to direct upward or diagonal damage. Yesterday I pulled the Tranny skid out of the garage to remount for Camp Coffs and I decided to do a quick mod to the skid to provide protection to the oil filter. I had a few old pieces of 4mm steel chequer plate which I welded together and hammered to fit the side of the plate - basically constructed a 'wing' that extends diagonally outward to protect the oil filter. The photos that follow show how it turned out, which I think is a massive improvement on the protection afforded to the oil filter. Yes, I know the 'wing' will probably not support the weight of the KJ if hung up on a pointy rock (especially with my welding), but it will stop sticks, branches, and kicked up rocks, etc.

That's a neat mod.

I have a few dings on the trans skid near the filter... not the type of thing you want to knock off in the bush.

Can you remove the filter with your 'wing' on the skid?

Yes the filter can be removed with the skid in place, however I usually leave it (the skid) off when I am in the city. I put a hole in the lower part of the wing to drain water, mud, or oil that might pool there. I would not want to change the oil with the skid in place (although it is possible).

Very, very cool. Nicely done.

Did you show this to the CRD section guys and gals?

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My Jeep Build ----> Big Black

Very cool indeed, but alas I don't think I will have to do such a mod cause back in 2003 when they made my model CRD they obviously still had their head screwed on the right way cause my filter is kind of in alot safer position and covered by the crossmember and tucked up higher. Strange huh!!!!!!!!!!!

What were they thinking

Even the oil pan/sump looks different- the USA 2.8's have a cast Al one and thats where that Fumoto valve mod comes in cause oil bolt stripping happens.
On hitting that oil filter- I alwas try to pick a line where sharp rocks and such are away from the area but here in AZ I have heard of CRD owners getting skid plate dents oh so close to that hanging filter.

The mod looks good however!

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2006 CRD LTD 2.8L VM Motori turbo,CAC, 100K-new timing belt
ORM-SEGR, Trans cooler, CLIII hitch front/rear, Journey HD controller
Mopar skids,"Stone Soup" rails, KK clevis fork 1" mild lift w/Daystar stops
215x85 LRD BFG Commercial A/T's, Rola Rack, V6 airbox, Fumoto valve
10K winch, B5 Biodiesel (ULSD CP3 lube)
Its a Diesel baby!