Actually, the skid there is tight, but the area on the frame is darker because that was where the old skid attached too. So it's deceiving in the photo. That part of the skid is tight against the frame for sure.

 

I see it now, there is a little bit of reflection too.

BTW Great write-up

 

Good write-up. I've got the engine skid and trans and TC skid plates. They have taken a real beating and held up very well. I especially recommend the trans/TC skid; it is much better than the stock unit. My one regret is not ordering the gas tank skid, my stocker is beat up something fierce. After this summer I'm going to have to drop the factory skid and gas tank and beat the skid flat with a 3 pounder and rosebud. And after I've got my gas tank capacity back I'll install the RH gas tank skid.

H is great stuff although they are a bit light in the instruction department.

 

I see the jack stands in a couple of the photos.... Did you use them to hold up the jeep higher than normal to help your install? If so, how much did you need to raise it up? Looks like they are on the frame. I'm curious as I'll be installing my skids in a few days and my ramps are a bit too small, so i wont be using those. Wasn't sure if it would be too tight underneath during install without raising it up or not.

Thanks...

 

I installed my RH skids without jackstands. 4" of lift and 35's were more than sufficient. The OP said he has only 500 miles on his JK so he may be stock height still.

 

I think I had the jackstands there because the front wheels were off. It made access to install the engine side brackets easier.

 

Great post, I decided to grind off the ears, although I think using a cutoff wheel might have been faster. And eventhough I had directions, the pictures were to small to see what was going on and the same with the description. So I kept running into the house to check this post. it was invaluable.
I do have one question for those with this skid, if you have done an oil change yourself or from a dealer, has there been any issues. I am not able to get a socket wrench (even a small one) to fit in the hole to loosen the nut. I'll probably have to use an open face wrench.
One last note I did call up the RockHard tech line and they were able to answer my questions very quickly.

Thanks

DD

 

Thanks for the write up and photos. This helped me a lot. After the install last night, the problem I have is with the clearance between the right side catalytic converter and the flange on the right side of the skid plate. The clearance to the right converter is only about 1.5 mm, so I do have a nasty rattle when starting the engine and when accelerating and when going over bumps.

Somehow, I need to get more clearance in this area of the skid to the right catalytic converter.

Any ideas?

 

Any one have a suggestion?

 

i love my RH skid. it has seen quite a bit of use and it shows. i'll see if i can snap some pics tomorrow. i didn't believe it was possible when i finally saw it in person, but i actually bent it up in a few places. for what that thing has taken tho, i'm more than impressed.

the oil change can be fun due to the splashing and all, which can lead to used oil sitting on top of the skid sometimes. and yeah, you're not going to get a socket on the drain plug. i just use an open end wrench and all is good.

as for the little skid that covers the cat, it's on there nice and tight. there's no way you're ripping that thing off.

i'd definitely suggest using a friend to help with the install. and if you're still at stock height, i'd recommend throwing it up on some jack stands. i didn't do either and it was quite a PITA. i'll definitely be jacking it up when i pull the skids this fall for a cleaning and repainting (gouges=rust).

my RH engine skid has been ravaged but somehow my stock T-case skid is fairly unscathed. it's got a few scratches and gouges (apparently it doesn't see near as much action as the engine skid), but no noticeable deflection or dents or anything. if you're considering it, i'd save the money (and added weight) rather than replacing it with an aftermarket one. i would highly recommend getting some kind of extra protection for the stock gas tank skid tho. mine is beat to hell and in order to straighten it out i need to drop the whole gas tank. i wish i would have thought about this and just skidded it earlier on instead of waiting till my stocker resembles the fender of a post demolition derby cadillac.

only thing i wasn't a big fan of with this skid is the issue with the exhaust crossover. some jeeps are fine while others have issues. mine hung rather low to where it was slightly below the crossmember. that meant that when i put the skid in place and tightened it down the exhaust was snug against it. i HAD no rattles, but that was before i beat the hell out of things and now i get a few sounds at random times at different rpm's. some people bend the exhaust mounts to help raise the crossover, but i'm thinking about actually cutting the mounts and extending or shortening them to get the clearance i need. i'm not the most experienced welder by any means, but i see this as a good project that won't be too catastrophic if i don't lay perfect welds.

anyway, it's a great product from a great company and i'd highly recommend it to anybody. sorry for being so long winded but thanks for reading.