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I decided to install my MOPAR skid plates on my 2011 Overland this weekend. Here are some notes from the experience.
1) The job was easier than I anticipated. If your skeptical, I'd say go for it. It takes only basic hand tools (13mm, 15mm, 16mm sockets), a floor jack, and ramps.
2) Pulling the rear wheels of the truck on ramps in ORI (QuadraLift) gave ample room to get the fuel tank skid plates in place
3) A floor jack and second set of hands is a recommendation for the fuel tank skids. After removing the 3 bolts holding each tank, place the skid plate on a floor jack. Have one person jack it up while the other guides it into place and re-installs the 3 bolts.
4) The skid plates provide decent protection, but there are some weaknesses:
- I don't understand why MOPAR would design a 5-piece skid plate system and not have a steep plate for the transmission. The plastic one isn't going to do crap if it takes a direct hit
-Of the 5 piece set, I think the transfer case skid plate is a weak link. In the rear of the passenger side, it's not mounted to anything solid (just kind of hangs over in open space). If you took a hit in that corner, it would fold right into the transfer case. Again the engineering here does't make enough sense. If it was extended just a ` little bit, it could be fastened to an open bolt hole on the passenger side along the body.
1) The job was easier than I anticipated. If your skeptical, I'd say go for it. It takes only basic hand tools (13mm, 15mm, 16mm sockets), a floor jack, and ramps.
2) Pulling the rear wheels of the truck on ramps in ORI (QuadraLift) gave ample room to get the fuel tank skid plates in place
3) A floor jack and second set of hands is a recommendation for the fuel tank skids. After removing the 3 bolts holding each tank, place the skid plate on a floor jack. Have one person jack it up while the other guides it into place and re-installs the 3 bolts.
4) The skid plates provide decent protection, but there are some weaknesses:
- I don't understand why MOPAR would design a 5-piece skid plate system and not have a steep plate for the transmission. The plastic one isn't going to do crap if it takes a direct hit
-Of the 5 piece set, I think the transfer case skid plate is a weak link. In the rear of the passenger side, it's not mounted to anything solid (just kind of hangs over in open space). If you took a hit in that corner, it would fold right into the transfer case. Again the engineering here does't make enough sense. If it was extended just a ` little bit, it could be fastened to an open bolt hole on the passenger side along the body.
