I'm still relatively new at taking my Jeep out. One of the things i don't like is the metal screeching underneath without some protection. I've had spotters so no damage done but I don't like it and I'm trying to build up confidence.
Is the ~$650 difference worth the 135lb weight difference? (I still have 3.45 gears with Falken Wildpeak AT4W 315/70r17 tires so weight is a consideration).
Any opinions on both systems?
I'm in no rush although I see Artec Industries currently has a 20% off sale which has me considering it again. I would still need to figure out how to install any skids I order or wait for wrenching party. Any difficulty installing either system?
Eric
Weight is the enemy of all modification. The 3.6 motor is a nice engine but as you rig begins to add weight the motor becomes the weak link in performance. So yes weight is worth the delta in price. Next Venture skids are a great product with UHMMW plastic attached to them. The UHMMW is a slick material that will help you slid over those pesky rocks. Down side is Aluminum is more $$$ than steel. The trade off is worth the bucks. On the My Red Jeep build I went the approach that steel is the way to go. After a few years the 4500# JKURR tipped the scale at 6500# with the D60 axles it grew to 7200# The little V6 was not happy anymore. .... Steel skids, heavy steel custom front bumper guard, heavy steel rear bumper with tire rack, heavy steel lift kit from EVO manufacturing.... plus all the crap we carry.... yes it adds up quickly. On the Flip side
@Fearless built her JT to a monster and kept a strict eye on weight. In the end her JT weighed very close to stock but she took some extreme measure to limit weight. My JT build is focused on weight. Aluminum Bumpers, skids and eventually control arms. all to keep weight down.
Installation on most skid plate systems usually only requires some tools a floor jack and a friend. Directions are fairly simple and you can cloak the jeep front to back with just hand tools and a simple working knowledge of how to use them.
As to the metal screeching,
this will sound harsh, Pick better lines. the goal is to keep the metal off the hard rocks. Sometimes it is unavoidable that is where skids come into play. My spotting philosophy is to limit the interaction between Skids, axles body and immovable objects. On some obstacles that is not an option, most times there is a line to keep the underbelly off the rocks. If the driver chooses the hard line then the idea is to keep them moving and still limit friction points. Street stock on the trails above blue you will begin to interface with natures obstacles.
Building confidence comes from running trails and challenging yourself and you rig within reason and capabilities. Pick a good spotter that you have a repour with. Discuss a plan of attack, execute the plan and prepare to deviate as required. Along the way you will drag hard parts, you will get scratches, and if it all goes south some body damage might happen. this is a risk vs reward sport. Weigh you risks and reap the reward.
