Well I finally pulled the trigger and purchased a set of Artec Industries, JL Full Bellypan - 4 door 2.0L Aluminum skid plates for @RetroRubicon! The team over at NorthRidge 4x4 gave me an awesome deal and I wanted to get this taken care of before we head to Windrock TN in May for the Jeep Jamboree.
Detailed instructions and a video can be found on the Artec site so I will just share with you, here, my perspective and tips...
First, the skids comes nicely packaged and in 4 boxes. They are aluminum so much easier to move around than their steel counterparts. This comes in handy when you laying under the vehicle balancing them while trying to insert the bolts and whatnot.
Installation is pretty straight forward as long as you follow along with the Artec video. I think it took a friend and I about 3.5 hours to complete the install and we really did not have any issues. Swapping out the gas tank skid plate is really the only challenge and that has more to do with access in a tight space. Definitely do this install on an almost empty tank of gas if you can.
I would also recommend a Fumoto Valve (I still need to order one) to make oil changes much nicer. I would also suggest using a piece of cardboard under your oil filter when you are removing it to ensure an easier and cleaner oil change.
I have only been out on any real trails with the skid plates installed so far but had a great experience with them. I will share more on the ride in an upcoming post but I definitely had a less nerve racking experience when I came down hard on an obstacle verse my previous trips before I had the skids in place.
The Journey is what counts, Adventure Awaits!
#jeeplife #rubicon #jl #wrangler #gladiator #jeep #jeepporn #retrorubicon
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