Which skid plate is most important?

rangerr47 · **Joined:** Thu Jan 10, 2013 3:03 pm **Posts:** 71

I just ordered a tow hitch and the wiring kit for my 2012 KK. So Im a little low on funds, but wanted to start getting skid plates. So If you were going to buy 1 at a time or at least one for now, which would you start with? I will be getting them all but again want to get the ball rolling and want to get the one that is most likely to need it most.

tommudd · **Posted:** Fri Jan 25, 2013 3:29 pm

May as well just start with the front one.
What is more likely to get hit first is sort of like buying a lottery ticket
They are all needed just depends on what jumps up, when and where

dgeist · **Posted:** Fri Jan 25, 2013 3:44 pm

In simple terms, the engine, then transmission, then xfer case, then fuel tank, in order of "most expensive to replace/repair if hit" and also (conveniently) in front-to-back order.

Granted, if you're wheeling, certain ones are more likely to be hit than others, but if you're making that kind of decision for survivability (and not based on protecting things for general use), then you ought to play it safe and stay on tame roads and trails till you have a full set.

dan

TurboGoKart · **Posted:** Fri Jan 25, 2013 3:48 pm

Are the rear diff cases pretty strong? I've gotten my rear diff hung up twice now just on the dirt, while going in some bigger ruts. Just wondering if I should fab up a small skid plate/guard for that.

rangerr47 · **Joined:** Thu Jan 10, 2013 3:03 pm **Posts:** 71

Oh I wont be doing anything major, just a few muddy patches on my brothers ranch for the most part, no rock crawling or anything. That is why I want to buy what I can now and add more later instead of waiting till I have enough for all of them at once, Im more likely to get them quicker that way..

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Sat Jan 26, 2013 9:36 pm

always goes back to what part of the drivetrain you can live without......

dgeist · **Posted:** Mon Jan 28, 2013 10:33 am

TurboGoKart wrote:

Are the rear diff cases pretty strong? I've gotten my rear diff hung up twice now just on the dirt, while going in some bigger ruts. Just wondering if I should fab up a small skid plate/guard for that.

The pumpkin and axle tubes themselves are pretty durable, but the diff cover is stamped from pretty thin steel and has a plastic plug that isn't really very durable. An aftermarket cover with screw-in plugs and extending the diff breather up to the filler door is recommended if you're going to be doing much in water past axle-depth. Water in the diff won't keep you from driving off the trail, but I sure wouldn't want to drive home with it in there...

Dan

Cherrie 274 · **Posted:** Mon Jan 28, 2013 7:16 pm

There is actually a 5th "skid" got the KK.
It protects and reinforces the radiator. It is a part,not an accessory

_benjammin · **Posted:** Tue Jan 29, 2013 12:12 pm

Cherrie 274 wrote:

There is actually a 5th "skid" got the KK.
It protects and reinforces the radiator. It is a part,not an accessory

Any chance you know the part number? That is the one I want first.

bgcarl01 · **Posted:** Tue Jan 29, 2013 1:16 pm

The KK's run their gas tank in front of the rear axle don't they? Instead of behind like the KJ's? If this is the case, start with the front one for sure, as that's probably the lowest place, but I would do the gas tank one next. Just a thought, but I had a GMC Jimmy for awhile and smashed all hell out of two tanks that were placed in front of the axle due to breakover angles that seemed to always have rocks hidden in the grass. But like some have said, pretty much a lottery ticket, as you know you'll smash what isn't protected.

lfhoward · **Posted:** Tue Jan 29, 2013 1:39 pm

@ _benjammin:

I went through the whole process of buying skids last August, and chronicled it in this thread. There are part number in there for all 5 skids, plus tips on installation.

http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=88&t=69504

_benjammin · **Posted:** Tue Jan 29, 2013 2:59 pm

Thanks lfhoward.

Which skid plate is most important?

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