Ubolt skid plate

[FINOCJ]

Anyone built skid plates for their ubolts (that would mean you have leaf springs - and there are not many rigs left with them)? As I am pushing onto harder trails and testing the clearance of my 33s, I have been catching the ubolt ends - even bent one on Chinamans. I cut them off at the nut, but it bent above the nut at the spring plate. I was thinking this was pretty straight forward, and then of course as I thought about some ideas and check around, its never as simple as it initially seemed. Something like this is what I am thinking - hoping making them would be more cost effective as these generally cost around $120 a pair.
http://www.warriorproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/17401.jpg
I would re-use my existing spring plates (with shock mount) and just weld on the cover/skid (1/4" I think) and drill out the larger holes to access the nuts. This might actually require a couple different pieces as the end piece would need be welded in at a specific angle (I don't have a brake to bend them). I think I would also need something in the center between the plates and the bolt holes to held provide some support to keep the skid from collapsing inward/upward when used. Welding the center support (probably something like 1" square tubing) to both the top and bottom plates is probably not possible given the the tight space, but guessing i could get away with just welding it to one.

[Spieg]

I think I may the exact plates in your photo. Not home made but store bought (although if you have access to a brake and welder, it should be easy to DIY). I think if I was going to do it again, I would go with something like this instead;
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/TallPeter/Barnicle%20CJ%20tech/IMG_7785.jpg

[FINOCJ]

That definitely adds a bit more clearance and is pretty smooth

[Spieg]

This got me to thinking. How wide are your front springs? I had these on the shelf from when I switched to wider JY springs on my front suspension. If you have 2" wide springs up front, these should work for you.

[FINOCJ]

The early cj5s are 1.75" wide. I think 1976 and later had a bit wider spring - maybe 2.5 inches, then eventually 3 inches for the YJs (I think). Also, starting in 1972, the front axle tube got bigger for the D30 compared to my early D27, so the ubolt are a bit wider. Whether those would fit....? Guess would need some detail measurement of the spring plate side with the small holes. If they would work for my application, would be happy to try and find a reasonable price.

[Spieg]

Oh well, I figured as much... wasn't sure how modified your suspension is. These are for 2" springs so 1.75 would not fit (you could fudge the tube diameter by ovaling out the holes a little to fit the smaller u-bolt span, but the spring width has to match). FWIW, 76-86 CJs had 2" front and 2.5" rear and YJs used 2.5" for both front and rear (which is what I have now).

[Hypoid]

Ironic that the skid portion looks like the U-bolt plates on my XJ. I have a stack of those if you feel like experimenting.

http://www.warriorproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/17401.jpg

[FINOCJ]

Ironic that the skid portion looks like the U-bolt plates on my XJ. I have a stack of those if you feel like experimenting.



Yes I would love some stuff to experiment with! Let me know what works for you...thanks

[Hypoid]

Don't know if these are any bigger than what you have: 4-1/8 wide, 4-7/8 between the bends.

[Hypoid]

I finally got back to this!

When you took your measurements, were you under the Jeep, looking up?

[FINOCJ]

Good question...let me check my notes... I definitely thought about this but don't remember...get back to you soon....thanks!

[Hypoid]

The more I think about it, the more I think it's a non-issue. IOW, nevermind!

One of the NAXJA guys got a new hobby, I will visit him soon.

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