Yah I know, terrible pun...

I have had my 2012 Rubicon a bit over a month, with 3 trips to the ORV park, and last trip I got a bit braver. I have a basket ball size dent in my gas tank skid and no paint on my transfer case skid to show for my "bravery". I have been high centered on the trans case skid 3 times now. Add to this that I am very concerned about the totally exposed transmission, that tube running under it and the engine oil pan.

All that to say, I am shopping for some new skids.

I am STONGLY leaning toward RROR. I have seen decent reviews on here about them. I like that they give a bit more clearance. AND I REALLY LIKE that I can get aluminum to save some weight!
Second place is the new EVO oil pan skid and soon to be designed transmission skid. This is a much cheaper alternative BUT doesnt change my xfer case skid.
I am still thinking I am not going to change the gas tank skid. All three options above are 12 compatable.
The main reason I am looking at new xfer case skids is the smooth pans look like they would hang up on less than the bar/pan combo Jeep puts on there.

I am thinking of going steel for the xfer case skid as it gets a workout on a stock height Jeep, and alum for the trans/oil pan skid and evap can to save some weight and I am thinking those wont get the abuse the xfer case does. The price of the aluminum isnt too bad when you consider that you dont have to pay for the powder coating.

Or should I be looking at bare steel and bedline them?

These things arent cheap but as this is my DD I am very concerned about having fun off road and still being able to drive home.

Hit me with some opinions. Anyone see any problems running steel and aluminum mix? I have seen the "you dont need them" threads, but the underside of my Jeep disagrees. And spare me the you need a better line/spotter comments. The times I got hung up, there was no other line. Only options were keep going with the Jeep in front of me (on 38's) or back out and go play elsewhere.

Thanks for your input.

 

Good thread!

I have a one-month old 2012 Rubicon and was disappointed by the coverage provided by the factory skid plates. So, I am also thinking of getting some better protection.

 

River Raiders makes some nice skids.