WK2 Sump Protection Plate

33353 Views 100 Replies 23 Participants Last post by BobT, Jul 27, 2018

bmackin

Discussion Starter · Jul 10, 2013

I've created this thread to provide updates and gather feedback on the development of Chief Products 'Sump Protection Plate'.

As many of you probably know, WK2s only have a plastic (2011-2012) or plastic/felt (2013+) unit protecting the front underside of the vehicle. Sadly, Jeep & Mopar currently offer no skid plate protection for this area.

For many, this is one of the first parts you break off-road. It protects a critical area (see photos below) as well as holding the inner wheel well liners in place. Considering the dealer in Brisbane charged me $388.04 for a new unit, plus $4.56 for fasteners, plus GST, plus installation to replace the plastic unit when it broke off-road. I thought it might be a good idea to create a more sturdy version.

Here are a few photos:

STOCK VERSION (INSTALLED)

STOCK VERSION (BROKEN)

WHAT IT PROTECTS

WHAT IT PROTECTS 2

CHIEF PRODUCTS - PROTOTYPE V1 (INSTALLED - FRONT AIR DAM REMOVED)

CHIEF PRODUCTS - PROTOTYPE V1 (INSTALLED)

CHIEF PRODUCTS - PROTOTYPE V1 (OFF-ROAD TESTING)

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61 - 80 of 101 Posts

BobT

· #61 · Jan 19, 2014

bmackin said:
Hi BobT,

I've contacted a few suppliers and it sounds like the price will be too high ($100+ per hook) for us to offer this as a regular option. Apparently there is a good deal of labor in prepping and polishing the hook so it has a nice smooth blemish free finish. If somebody really wanted them chromed, I might be persuaded to do a one off, but I think the price is too high to offer this as a regular option unfortunately.

Cheers,
Bill

Understood! You would need pretty high volumes to get the price down.

bmackin

Discussion Starter · #62 · Feb 1, 2014

Hey!

We did a test fitting for Chief Products Recovery Hooks, Recovery Points & Sump Protection Plate yesterday on various model WK2s. Everything bolted up exactly as it should on all models tested. Installation was extremely easy. I'm sure everyone following this thread will be happy to know, we start production next week.

If you'd like to know more or see a few photos, check out this thread (http://www.jeepgarage.org/f190/need-wk2s-for-product-test-fitting-gold-coast-and-brisbane-70549.html).

Cheers,
Bill

bmackin

Discussion Starter · #63 · Feb 20, 2014

It has taken a bit of time to get everything ready, but the moment is finally here. On March 1st, Chief Products is doing a pre-launch of our new website. It will include full info and pricing for our WK2 Sump Protection Plate, as well as several other products. The website will be fully functional and ready to go, but I wanted to give the passionate WK2 owners that have been following us since the beginning a chance to get in there first.

Reactions: 1

pinetar

· #64 · Feb 20, 2014

Excited about the launch and to see some pricing options.

Great work on all the production and thorough write-ups. It makes me happy to see people putting such effort and care into these WK2s to make them even better. And this sump plate is exactly what it has been needing. No more sad plastic underbelly to "protect" the front underbits.

Reactions: 1

bmackin

Discussion Starter · #65 · Mar 16, 2014

After months of work, I'm happy to announce we are now shipping the following products.

WK2 Sump Protection Plate
WK2 Recovery Hook
WK2 Recovery Point

If you get a chance, check them out on our website (Off-Road Accessories, Camping Gear & Clothing | Chief Products).

I'd also like to say thank you to everyone that has already ordered. Seeing the overwhelming response to our products has been very gratifying, and the reason we've been working so hard to get every detail as perfect as we can.

For all of our international customers, please bear with us. We should have international shipping available on the website in the next few weeks.

Cheers,
Bill

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bmackin

Discussion Starter · #66 · Mar 30, 2014

I updated the Chief Products website today to confirm fitment with ARB Bull Bars (2011 - 2013). I also posted an article in the support section of the website with photos and notes from the installation, (link). Feel free to check it out if you're curious.

Cheers,
Bill

Reactions: 1

bmackin

Discussion Starter · #67 · May 6, 2014

We've been very busy behind the scenes preparing for our full launch. You may have already noticed a few changes. Our biggest new change is the ability to ship our products to 43 countries around the world (something we've had numerous requests for).

The world of international shipping is fairly complex, (customs, import tariffs & country by country regulations) but we've taken the time to simplify the whole process so it's as simple as it can be for our customers. It's even lead to improvements and lower shipping costs for our domestic customers.

We've got a lot more changes coming for everyone in May & June! A new round of products, new product photos, lots of new website content as well as one BIG announcement.

Chief Products

Enjoy!

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Reactions: 1

RocketRod

· #68 · May 6, 2014 (Edited)

Fitted my "Chief Products" sump protection plate over Easter couldn't be happier with the end result and ease of installation.
Love the idea of the bolt head protection washers.
Fantastic product well done...

Reactions: 1

bmackin

Discussion Starter · #69 · May 9, 2014

RocketRod said:
Fitted my "Chief Products" sump protection plate over Easter couldn't be happier with the end result and ease of installation.
Love the idea of the bolt head protection washers.
Fantastic product well done...

Hi RocketRod,

Thanks for the great review. It's always great to hear from happy customers.

If you get a chance, please hop onto our website and leave us a product review, (bottom of the product page). Every review we get helps!

Cheers,
Bill

BobT

· #70 · Jul 7, 2014

Just lost my first M6 bolt and bolt protector out of my 3mm bash plate. I've ordered another couple of bolt protectors. I'll definitely use nutserts on all three M6 bolts. It would be a bit a disaster if the front edge of the plate came off and dug into the dirt.

Barboots

· #71 · Jul 7, 2014

True that Bob... you could punch it straight through the sump. Ouch.

Would Locktite have stopped it backing out?

bmackin

Discussion Starter · #72 · Jul 7, 2014

BobT said:
Just lost my first M6 bolt and bolt protector out of my 3mm bash plate. I've ordered another couple of bolt protectors. I'll definitely use nutserts on all three M6 bolts. It would be a bit a disaster if the front edge of the plate came off and dug into the dirt.

Hi Bob,

I just sent you an email. If you get a chance, I'd love to hear more about what happened.

Which one did you lose? Was it the one you suspected was over-tightened?
Did this happen on-road or off-road?
Did you hit the plate on something to cause this?

We haven't had any problems on our WK2 yet, (even while testing in fairly difficult off-road conditions) and we haven't had any reported problems yet, but I want to pay maximum attention to any potential product failings.

Obviously this is something that should never happen, so I am very interested to hear your thoughts.

Cheers,
Bill

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Red PeeKay

· #73 · Jul 7, 2014

My 3mm Chief bash plate has arrived at Prestige Offroad..... sadly my car has not..yet!! Now waiting arrival of said car and they will fit the ECB bar and then the bash plate. Will let you know how they get on!!:sleepy:

BobT

· #74 · Jul 8, 2014

bmackin said:
Hi Bob,

I just sent you an email. If you get a chance, I'd love to hear more about what happened.

Which one did you lose? Was it the one you suspected was over-tightened?
Did this happen on-road or off-road?
Did you hit the plate on something to cause this?

We haven't had any problems on our WK2 yet, (even while testing in fairly difficult off-road conditions) and we haven't had any reported problems yet, but I want to pay maximum attention to any potential product failings.

Obviously this is something that should never happen, so I am very interested to hear your thoughts.

Cheers,
Bill

I haven't been off road yet and I didn't hit anything but as you know I had issues with two of the screws. It was a case of possibly over tightening and a batch of screws where the thread was not fully formed adjacent to the unthreaded portion. This should not be an issue with the 5mm plate. I think you might be using full length threaded screws now anyway. In desperation I put helicoils in all three holes but it appears one worked loose with vibration. I'm not surprised. I'll put in the nutserts which kindly provided. There are a few good ideas for home made nutsert/rivnut tools on the web.

Reactions: 1

BobT

· #75 · Jul 8, 2014

Barboots said:
True that Bob... you could punch it straight through the sump. Ouch.

Would Locktite have stopped it backing out?

It would also make a nice bulldozer.

Yes I did use locktite but with the nord-lock washers, I don't think the screw backed out. I suspect I made things worse by drilling out the holes for the helicoils. Any meat that was there was reduced to the thickness of the plate. I expect it just pulled out with vibration and body flex. Helicoils are are a godsend but pretty useless on plate.

bmackin

Discussion Starter · #76 · Jul 8, 2014

BobT said:
I haven't been off road yet and I didn't hit anything but as you know I had issues with two of the screws. It was a case of possibly over tightening and a batch of screws where the thread was not fully formed adjacent to the unthreaded portion. This should not be an issue with the 5mm plate. I think you might be using full length threaded screws now anyway. In desperation I put helicoils in all three holes but it appears one worked loose with vibration. I'm not surprised. I'll put in the nutserts which kindly provided. There are a few good ideas for home made nutsert/rivnut tools on the web.

BobT,

Ahh... I see. Bummer the helicoils didn't work. You're right, once you drill out the holes there's not much there to work with. The nutserts should provide a very durable long term solution.

If you don't mind me delaying your M6 Bolt Head Protector order a few days, I'd be happy to include a nutsert tool for you to use free of charge, if you're willing to ship it back when you're done?

Cheers,
Bill

bmackin

Discussion Starter · #77 · Jul 8, 2014

BobT said:
It would also make a nice bulldozer.

Yes I did use locktite but with the nord-lock washers, I don't think the screw backed out. I suspect I made things worse by drilling out the holes for the helicoils. Any meat that was there was reduced to the thickness of the plate. I expect it just pulled out with vibration and body flex. Helicoils are are a godsend but pretty useless on plate.

I would advise against using Locktite, otherwise removing the sump plate to change your oil will become a bit more difficult. Once the nutserts are installed, the NordLock washers should be sufficient to guard against loosening from vibration and flex.

Cheers,
Bill

Barboots

· #78 · Jul 8, 2014

Customer-centric offer.

Respect.

bmackin

Discussion Starter · #79 · Jul 8, 2014

Red PeeKay said:
My 3mm Chief bash plate has arrived at Prestige Offroad..... sadly my car has not..yet!! Now waiting arrival of said car and they will fit the ECB bar and then the bash plate. Will let you know how they get on!!:sleepy:

Red PeeKay,

I'm glad your WK2 Sump Protection Plate arrived safely. I'm pretty sure everything will fit together fine with your ECB Bar, but I look forward to hearing about your progress.

Cheers,
Bill

Benn0

· #80 · Jul 8, 2014

bmackin said:
I would advise against using Locktite, otherwise removing the sump plate to change your oil will become a bit more difficult.

Oh yeah, didn't think about oil changes. Not sure I trust the wrench monkeys at jeep to be gentle with the threads on these bolts... might have to remove it before taking it in.....

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