Snacktime's Metalcloak Undercloak armor skidplates - install/dents/wear and tear

[F-Spot]

Like I said, no matter which angle I put that bracket and how loose everything else was I just couldn’t get it to line up and close the gap. It’s the right rear bracket. So I’m not overly concerned is gonna cause damage or not provide support tbh

Is this "Step V" in the instructions? If so, that bracket looks different than the one in the instructions.

edit: nvmd, the instruction sheet shows a different part of the gas tank skid

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[SubmarineNuke]

Is this "Step V" in the instructions? If so, that bracket looks different than the one in the instructions.

edit: nvmd, the instruction sheet shows a different part of the gas tank skid

there's 2 rear gas tank skid brackets. One is long and goes on the inside of the vehicle, the other is short and bent at a 90 degree angle and goes to the outside of the vehicle. If you use the wrong brackets you'll really know it fast.

 

[Bradley Thornton]

Definitely lowered the front another 3/8" to 1/2" with the skid plates.

So you feel 3/8-1/2in is what you lose to the skids?

 

[Snacktime]

So you feel 3/8-1/2in is what you lose to the skids?

Tape measure showed 3/8" on the driver side and 1/2" passenger drop. This is on a Big Bend so soft factory springs and Hitachi shocks.

 

[Snacktime]

Update from Moonlight Madness Run, after a night of fun I managed to tweak one section of skid plates. I actually forcefully slid up a few obstacles so the skids get a passing score and are definitely worth the money.

 

[Murfman]

Beat the hell out of them on a trail here in Colorado. Actually dented one of them at the frame rail.

I have also discovered that LOD Signature rock sliders won't work with the MetalCloak skids without having to cut the skids so they sliders can bolt or be welded to the frame.

 

[Snacktime]

Beat the hell out of them on a trail here in Colorado. Actually dented one of them at the frame rail.

I have also discovered that LOD Signature rock sliders won't work with the MetalCloak skids without having to cut the skids so they sliders can bolt or be welded to the frame.

Got a picture of the dent?

 

[Murfman]

Got a picture of the dent?

I have a video on my home laptop. I will upload it when I get home, for you.

 

[SubmarineNuke]

Heading to Ouray next week to see how well mine hold up...

 

[Murfman]

Got a picture of the dent?

Got a picture of the dent?

Video was too big;

 

[Murfman]

Passenger Side. Engine Skid.

 

[Snacktime]

Not bad, my issues is keeping the gaps closed. I want to slide and not catch.

 

[Snacktime]

Oil change day! More like fix my front skid plate and said maybe I should change the oil.

This is a 2.3L and it is damn easy to drain the oil pan. The filter is just a disaster. The skids definitely make things worse. I would say pull the skid but it is the first one in the series and at least 30 minutes get it off.

 

[Snacktime]

Ohh and the skid plates are starting to fish scale and starting to curve at the gas tank. I am not happy with the fish scaling, I will be modifying them at some point.

 

[Razorbak86]

Like I said, no matter which angle I put that bracket and how loose everything else was I just couldn’t get it to line up and close the gap. It’s the right rear bracket. So I’m not overly concerned is gonna cause damage or not provide support tbh

Richard, I admire what you have done here.

I installed JcrOffroad skid plates on my rig a few weeks ago, inside my covered garage and with the help of a QuickJack lift and a good friend. It took an entire day for us to install all 6 skids (206 lbs of steel!), and we were both exhausted by the end. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for you to do this by yourself, on your driveway, and in the summertime in Houston! I lived in the Houston area for four years early in my career, so I know how high the heat index gets.

Question: Have you considered using a floor jack to press that skid plate up against the opposing force of the vehicle’s weight to try to close the gap and get that last bolt through?

In that middle photo, it looks like the bolt hole in the skid and the slot in the bracket are pretty closely aligned horizontally, so all it needs to do is move upwards to close the gap. This might work, if all the other bolts are loosened to allow for a little more slack in the system. I realize these are heavy steel plates, but as you no doubt know already, given your background, they will flex and bend with a little persuasion, and sometimes a floor jack, pry bar, ratchet strap, or BFH can suffice in a pinch.

Alternatively, if that isn’t possible, you may be able to get a local fabricator to make a longer bracket to replace the MC bracket. It’s a fairly simple bracket with one hole, one slot, and a 90-degree angle. Any fabricator or machine shop with a large press brake should be able to make one that fits fairly easily.

Good luck on getting past this final obstacle, and thanks for sharing your journey.

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