So, it is time for me to get serious and ditch the stock skidplate. my most recent outing saw me land squarely on the left front corner of it, and its much worse for wear because of it. after 2 years of pretty hard wheeling, its trashed...
here are the carnage pictures:
actually bent the front cross member:
not to mention the complete lack of coverage for any components past the steering rack:
so, time for some serious hardware to go under there. since my front cross member is bent, buying a budbuilt is not really an option, not to mention i cant really afford to splash 450 dollars on something i could build for under 100 with a little blood, sweat, and engineering. i plan on making this in 3 main pieces. the forward angle, which will end up taking the lion's share of impacts and scratches, a under-engine skid to protect the oil pan (but is removable to facilitate easy oil changes) and the belly pan to protect the trans and tcase.
here is a very rough drawing, just concept, bottom view:
it will bolt to the bottom side of the bumper, the original front cross member and the other stock mounting locations. i am using 11 gauge steel, just a tick under 1/8th inch thick. i plan on reinforcing key points of the skid with perpendicular ribs, etc. all bolts will be recessed to protect the bolt heads.
plan on getting started on this on saturday and hopefully be finished by monday or tuesday(at least the front part of the skid, the belly can wait)