Jcr or asfir skids?

[TerryB]

Just an FYI for anyone considering ASFIR skid plates.
There is a lip on the bottom of the steel bumper. The front edge of the OEM skid plate and (at least some) after-market ones (Talon for example) fit behind this lip for a seamless look. The ASFIR fits in front of the lip leaving a 1/4 to 1/2 inch gap.
I’m not ripping on ASFIR and this gap may not matter to some.

Corrected major typo—first line should read ASFIR, not Talon.

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[KABQ]

Figure I'll drop this here in case anyone else is doing a weird Frankenstein skid setup: the ARB engine skid does not play nice with other front skids. I have a Turn Offroad front bumper that has its own front skid, and the ARB engine skid only mates to the ARB front skid.

 

[murphtron]

+1 for OEM skids. They work well for the vast majority of applications and hold up well. I did add the Asfir transmission pan skid and it’s taken some hits. Holds up well so far. To qualify for free shipping I also got their transfer skid brace which supports one corner of the OEM transfer case skid. Not necessary as popo_patty already stated. But it was free shipping so why not. Easy-ish to install with Jack stands. Much easier if you can convince a garage to use their lift (with payment) and supervise/micromanage their work. I couldn’t find a garage that would let me use their lift and do it myself. Liability.

 

[Bronco_MI]

JCR aluminum front/engine plate with an aftermarket front bumper. Fits like a glove. I like that it's one piece and replaces two stock plastic skids on my Big Bend.

 

[Callelk]

My HE 4-Door did not come with any skids (except engine) and I went with ASFIR. I wanted alum because 1) the crap they throw on our roads in the winter, 2) lighter weight, 3) not a serious rock crawler but we do have rocks, 4) I was installing them by myself so they were easy (see#2 above), 5)quality.

 

[SierraBronco]

Not to derail but this is a decent spot to ask: after obliterating the stock plastic front skid and nearly ripping my gas tank off I've been looking for takeoff skids for a while but not having much luck. If I have to buy new - what brands should I be looking at? Not sure I will buy for this season or not, but want to keep my eyes open.

Talon was on my short list, but my list quickly petered out after that.

Next Venture Motorsports has a bunch of takeoffs they’re looking to get rid of.

 

[userdude]

Not to derail but this is a decent spot to ask: after obliterating the stock plastic front skid and nearly ripping my gas tank off I've been looking for takeoff skids for a while but not having much luck. If I have to buy new - what brands should I be looking at? Not sure I will buy for this season or not, but want to keep my eyes open.

Talon was on my short list, but my list quickly petered out after that.

I have the StinkyFab plates and so far they've been great. They are heavier than stock, but they're a lot beefier.

 

[Glenjafett]

I just wanted something lite and simple to cover the trans on a badlands. I went ASFIR. Simple straight forward design and fitment.

The only concern are the pocket washers they use. Easy to over torque and damage. They offered new replacement ones for free... plus $42 for shipping. It was my fault, I'll deal with the damaged ones.

But if anyone orders anything from them, ask them to throw in 2 M10 pocket washers and I'll pay for US shipping

 

[GroovyGeek]

After much over analysis I went with ASFIR aluminum tranny and cross member skids, as well as a transfer case reinforcement for my BD 4dr. Did not want to add too much weight hence the aluminum. I don't do more than mid level trails and in over a year the skids have only very slight scuff marks.

For the rear shocks I went with Grimm skids. Avoid the ones that require touching the strut bolt unless you will really rely on them with heavy use. Mine are there mostly to protect me from myself. Did not have them on the JK and in 12 years never needed them.

 

[Neps]

ASFIR was and still is my choice, lightweight and strong.

 

[mikec426]

@Glenjafett - What are those blue things you got bolted on?

 

[V1Rotate]

If you’re actually using your skids they won’t last forever… so no need to pay $2500 for them. If you’re not actually using your skids (most people) - no need to pay $2500 for them. I’ve been happy with several ASFIR skids that filled in the gaps with my OEM skids.. we’ve definitely put them to the test and they’ve held up really well.. and they’re light weight. I can replace them 5x if needed for the same cost as one round of some boutique skids that have a “cool” name on them.

 

[Glenjafett]

@Glenjafett - What are those blue things you got bolted on?

UMHW skid. Trying to keep those trans braces straight. I stole the idea from here.

 

[Talon2006]

@Brian_B and @MNBigfoot factory fuel tank skid is the only proven fuel tank skid. The factory skids are worth every penny and shouldn't be off loaded. Really your left only buying a transmission skid... Talon is the only option with ribs which is a key part separating them from the competition. I really wish I could team up and make a few more skid plate options.

Someone should bug Talon garage about the license plate frame skid for the factory bumper. I know he made a few a while ago.

I found that thing in the back of my truck yesterday! I need to make sure it fits and make changes if it doesn’t.

for something so small and simple it has been the longest R&D project.

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