Skid plate design and construction

I'd have to say we're pretty lucky with the Samurai. The frame rails under the belly are flat with the exception of the passenger side where the cross-member comes into play. In addition, the t-case only hangs down below them about an inch. This is the perfect situation for constructing a cheap, strong skid plate. Below are two basic designs. More to come on this as I attempt to build my own for a little project Samurai I'm working with. For now take a look at the attached pics and decide for yourself which one you will want to build.

Additional Info

The main purpose of the skid plate is to protect the t-case and tranny. The cross-plate and the belly pan designs included here are two types that will protect well. The second reason for a skid plate is to allow you to slide over rocks your vehicle isn't big enough for. The belly pan is what will work best as a skid plate, the cross-plate can get hung up. The design of these two plates can be made to hold the weight of the vehicle. Using 1.5" square tube in the 1/8" thick variety will help. Also the ¼" steel plate is basically "tank armor" for a Samurai!

These two designs rely on one basic principle: the square tubing is to rest on the frame rails, or more exactly, under and against them, using "J" bolts to hold them on. The ¼" plate will be either bolted or welded, based on what you choose to do, to the square tubing. This allows a 1" gap between the t-case and skid plate, JIC (just in case) something were to push the ¼" plate inward.

Well that's it for now. More on this in the future. Please review the pics and try it yourself. Expected cost is about half the going price for a manufactured one. Actual size and length will vary as you see fit.

--Todd Anderbery
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