I've been looking at aftermarket skid plates and decided the prices were a bit higher than I really wanted to pay especially for something I could probably build myself. I took some preliminary measurements and ordered a 4x8' sheet of 3/8" UHMW. I had the supplier cut the sheet into 2 pieces, 30x96" and 16x96"
Here's the raw material with the stock skid plate
I used a cardboard sheet to trial fit the center belly piece
I ended up with a 14" wide skid plate section under both diffs
Cutting and flaring the front fender cut out for a little foot well protection
Trial fit again
Custom UHMW bending jig, I heated 1 side until it looked wet, then started bending and then heated the otherside until it was easy to bend. After cooling it takes shape.
Fitting the drivers side footwell plate. With the center piece being 1" wider than the frame the center plate protects the inboard edge of the outer wing. Nutserts will be added to the factory rock sliders to complete the install
Second attempt to find an easy way to bend this stuff. Note the added notch in the front section of the rock slider mount
Trial fit on the passenger side
Front edge
Rear Edge and rock slider guard. The 16" material width was perfect for getting past the rockslider to offer a bit of protection from the side.
Full flat belly shot
I need to grab an M6 nutsert install tool today to wrap it up but overall the fit is better than I expected and The belly is nice and flat. Note the oil drain holes added to the center belly in the last photo.
Here's the raw material with the stock skid plate
I used a cardboard sheet to trial fit the center belly piece
I ended up with a 14" wide skid plate section under both diffs
Cutting and flaring the front fender cut out for a little foot well protection
Trial fit again
Custom UHMW bending jig, I heated 1 side until it looked wet, then started bending and then heated the otherside until it was easy to bend. After cooling it takes shape.
Fitting the drivers side footwell plate. With the center piece being 1" wider than the frame the center plate protects the inboard edge of the outer wing. Nutserts will be added to the factory rock sliders to complete the install
Second attempt to find an easy way to bend this stuff. Note the added notch in the front section of the rock slider mount
Trial fit on the passenger side
Front edge
Rear Edge and rock slider guard. The 16" material width was perfect for getting past the rockslider to offer a bit of protection from the side.
Full flat belly shot
I need to grab an M6 nutsert install tool today to wrap it up but overall the fit is better than I expected and The belly is nice and flat. Note the oil drain holes added to the center belly in the last photo.