Rockcrawling and off-road driving in general can be an
invitation for damage to your vehicle. Even the best drivers with the best
vehicles catch rocks underneath their rig sometimes. Tomken Machine has designed
a great product that offers protection for the underside of your TJ all the way
back to the transfer case skidplate. This unit comes in two parts: a mounting
bracket and the skidplate itself.
The bracket bolts up to existing frame holes around the
radiator. The plate attaches to the bracket and extends back over the steering
linkage. After passing the steering components, the plate angles downward in
front of the transmission, then flattens out all the way back to the crossmember.
Two round metal supports run the length of the flat rear area, adding strength
for confrontations with rocks. Both pieces are black powdercoated for durability
and low profile. Th front end of the plate is formed so there is room for the
front differential and driveshaft to clear it under compression. All hardware is
included.
The undercarriage skid plate effectively protects the bottom of the radiator and
engine, the transmission and the oil pan. Speaking of oil, a hole is cut in the
plate to make oil changes easier. It is small enough to not take away from the
rigidity of the unit. It looks as if oil changes will be more difficult with the
plate on, but a custom funnel could be made to facilitate the procedure.
Installation
Install two long bolts through the existing holes in the frame that are
immediately to the right and left of the radiator.
Place the mounting bracket over these bolts and tighten it down with
provided nuts and lock washers.
Maneuver the skidplate from behind the front axle up and over the axle and
steering.
Using supplied bolts, attach the front of the skidplate to the mounting
bracket under the radiator. Leave the bolts loose.
Attach the rear of the skidplate to the crossmember using supplied
hardware. Use the two exisiting holes at the front of the crossmember (the
skidplate should line up with them easily if the front bolts are loose).
Torque all bolts according to the instructions, remove the jackstands, and
you are finished. Retighten bolts after a few hundred miles and check again
after your first off-road trip.
Installation took about 15 minutes with no assistance. It
was very straightforward. Once again, I am extremely impressed with the Tomken
quality and design. I may consider removing the plate for oil changes?it's
easy enough!.
While in Buena Vista this summer, I had a chance to use Tomkens service. They did an excellent job and find that the quality of their material is the best there is.
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Posted Sep 20 2008 08:51PM
