Does anyone know what aftermarket skid plates provide more ground clearance than the stock ones? I've read that the River Raider system gives about 1.5" over stock. I would like to know how some of the others stack up before pulling the trigger.

 

all the aftermarket skids pretty much bolt up the same way and will all offer a tad more ground clearance by virtue of design BUT, they are super heavy and their weight will actually bring your jeep back down a bit too. IMHO, with the exception of an oil pan skid as it is the only thing left unprotected, aftermarket skids are nice but totally unnecessary and for the amount of weight they add, not really an advantage to have. since getting our white JK about 2.5 years ago, we have put on over 60,000 miles on the odometer and have racked up about 90 runs with 24 being added just this year alone. again, with the exception of a rancho oil pan skid that i just added a few months ago, i am running all factory skids and they work great.

 

thanks WOL-very reassuring to know that for once, factory issue is good enough-I think you've also established to what extremes these skids will perform. If there's a soul out there that doesnt know what I mean, take a look at any of WOL's excursions. I'm pretty sure the skids are "trail rated"

 

unless the skids in question also replace the factory transmission crossmember, the 1.5" of ground clearance is wishful thinking at best and a gross exaggeration at worst. fact of the matter is, ALL the aftermarket skids that i know of all attach to this cross member and that is ultimately the lowest point along the center of the JK. likewise, the two lowest factory skids (auto tranny skid and t-case skid) only sit 1/2" lower than the transmission cross member - THIS IS A FACT and if you don't believe me, all you need to do is go out and measure this for yourself.

now, having said all that, the question needs to be asked, how much do all these extra skidplates weigh? maybe the weight of a grown man? ever see how much a grown man can cause a jeep to loose its height? also, what is the thickness of the skids? if you're lucky, a 1/4"? if so, that would only give you about 1/4" of addition ground clearance IF the weight of them didn't cause you to loose that and more. in the end, i the 1.5" of ground clearance is a nice marketing scheme but one that isn't routed in truth.

 

I also ran the Rancho skid plate on my 07 JK, and it was all I needed. I was worried that it wouldn't be strong enough, but it held up fine through Disney, OK, SMORR, all kinds of terrain. Plus it's pretty cheap. I couldn't even get it off when I tried to pry it off when I traded in the 07 for the 08.

 

WOL has helped me with my answer. The 1.5" was on some guy's write up, but he took the measurement before mounting to the jeep. I just checked out the River Raider website, and it looks like the skids do mount to the stock crossmember. So I think I will opt out of purchasing new skids. Thanks for the help.

 

I feel much better about my transmission pan being protected by my RockHard plate. But will note nothing has touched it yet.

 

I would say one of the least expensive mods that doesn't add any weight and can be done for better ground clearance is make sure to relocate your evap canister. I am going to relocate mine within the week. I have seen way too many posts about them being hurt off-road and costing ~$300 to replace.

 

I absolutly bashed the shit out of my stock skid plates whle crawling up a river and they held up excellent, no dents or bends just scratches and rub marks and I hit a few really hard and drug the weight of the jeeop over them. I will not be looking for anything aftermarket other than an oil pan plate from Rancho

 

Eddie brings up a great point here. I'm always amazed at how guys want to add stuff to their Jeep. I'm always looking for ways to get rid of stuff.


Ummm, an evap can can be had for a little more than $50. I do think it needs to be relocated though. The steering stabilizer is in a lousy location also. I sell a bundle that relocates both for $95 shipped.