Skid Plate recommendation

[vulturenest]

So I have a 2004 with no skid plates, looking to do some mild off-roading here in Colorado: things like Mosquito Pass or Wheeler Lake at the extreme. I see many options, from factory stock to "bullet proof," ranging from about $650-700 installed for the 3 factory stock plates from the dealer to about $1100 for higher end from aftermarket, not installed. Wondering if the 3 factory plates are any good (I would supplement with the 4th plate from aftermarket), or if I need to go whole hog with all aftermarket and 50% increase in cost.

Opinions, experiences?

 

[eyehatetofu]

Buy stock skids
Put them on yourself (it's easy)
Save yourself a ton of money
Wheel away
Profit!

 

[WickedBruce]

4xguard

 

[CzarKJ]

x2 on 4xguard. Skid row as well. Both really beefy brands!

 

[LibertyTC]

Welcome to the forums vulturenest. My Kj came with the factory skids, they are just ok.
Once you have chosen skids, have a look over at the lift section:
Lift Kit Discussion - Jeep Liberty Forum - JeepKJ Country
Extra Ground Clearance and stronger suspension is always a great benefit off road. :gr_grin:

 

[4x4kayak2112]

Skid Row or 4xguard. I have wheeled real hard. I have a nice dent in my Skid Row, mopar skids would of gave under the pressure

 

[TwoBobsKJ]

The factory engine skid is pretty good - but the trans, transfer case and gas tank skids aren't really built for hard hits from rocks, stumps, etc.

I have the 4X Guard trans skid and would like to add the 4X Guard engine and gas tank skids. Wish JBA made a transfer case skid :shrug:

Here's a link: JBA/4X Guard armor

Bob

 

[Pippobug]

Factory skids are fine and cheap enough if you find them. The front one is pretty solid to go but the Gearbox/Transfer ones are at best okay for mild off road. The Tank one is good for the purpose and quite solid all in all. I had them fitted to mine, then as time passed up graded to better one. I have ASFIR ones in aluminium, light & very strong. I have replaced the front and the gearbox/transfer ones ( I have also fitted them to my wife's Toyota Hi Lux 2009). They should still be available in the US and a reasonable price ( at one point they were cheaper to re import them back to Europe from the US). I know of member on here that run them on Petrol & CRD will fit all years from 2001-6 for the KJ. Just another option.