Hey everyone,

I just finished installing the Steer Smarts YETI XD tie rod and drag link (standard orientation, non-Griffin version) on my 2013 Jeep Wrangler JK Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition. This model comes with the factory Mopar steel front bumper and skid plate.

My setup:

• 2013 JK Rubicon 10A (10th Anniversary)
• Mopar steel bumper + skid plate (factory)
• AEV 2.5” DualSport XT Suspension System
• 35” tires
• Steer Smarts tie rod + drag link (standard, not flipped)

The issue:

I noticed that the drag link sits very close to the back edge of the steel bumper’s skid plate, only about 5 mm of clearance. I have noticed a tiny bit of rubbing on the drag link during a hard turn pulling out of my driveway over the street drain. I’m concerned about what might happen under full articulation, suspension compression, or off-road flex. From what I’ve read, Steer Smarts warns about possible interference when using the Griffin XD attenuator with the 10A/Hard Rock bumper skid, but I’m not running the Griffin, just the standard YETI drag link. The gap looks uncomfortably tight.

Questions for the community:

1. Has anyone else with a 10th Anniversary / Hard Rock bumper and skid plate run into this issue without the Griffin XD attenuator?
2. If so, did you have to trim or modify your skid plate for clearance?
3. Under articulation, does the drag link actually contact the skid plate?
4. Any tips for confirming clearance (besides jacking up one wheel and cycling lock-to-lock, which I plan to do)?

Pics attached showing the clearance.

I couldn’t find much online about this exact combo, so I figured I’d post here in case others with a 10A bumper + Steer Smarts steering have run into the same tight fit.

Thanks in advance, any input or photos of your setup would be super helpful!



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I'd just take a grinder and cut off disc and cut the back edge of that skid (where it bends back up) to give yourself more clearance. Nobody would ever even see it.

 

That's what I was guessing. I actually pulled the skid plate off. I just wanted to make sure I didn't install anything wrong, or if others have had the same issue before I start cutting things off.

 

I have clearance issues with that skid plate and almost every non OEM draglink that I've run. Even worse with the Big Bore box. There are a lot of pieces of that skid that have been cut off over the years.

This is darn near an exact match for the bumper/skid platte powder coat.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Rust-Oleum-...BoC8mEQAvD_BwE

 

Thank you!!! Just finished cutting, sanding, and washing it. Was about to go buy spray paint. This is helpful!