Yes, they are! Since half of mine was missing due to rust, there wasn't much sense in keeping it in place. Also, the OEM replacement was more than double the cost! I had read that others had success in just using this skid plate as is, so I gave it a shot.
Just went thru this my JKU. The correct fix is to install a replacement skid. Dorman makes an aftermarket replacement tank skid plate for under $400. Then you can add whatever additional armor over that. Everything bolted up nice and the Dorman skid is better designed than the OG one from Jeep. Time will tell if it is more resistant to rust.
My question would be where do you attach the bolt from the transfer case skid plate. The original gas tank skid plate has a place to bolt it to. The new rough country after market skid plate (Rough Country Gas Tank Skid Plate for 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK 2-Door - 794, Black) has no place to bolt it to. Is it safe with no bolt.
Ooh - I've never heard of that before - thanks for the tip! Instead of paint, a friend had recommended Fluid Film to protect the metal from future rust. The Jeep hasn't been driven much since this replacement, so it's not too late for me to apply something.
I thought that these aftermarket skid plates were designed to go over the factory tank holder?
Yes, they are! Since half of mine was missing due to rust, there wasn't much sense in keeping it in place. Also, the OEM replacement was more than double the cost! I had read that others had success in just using this skid plate as is, so I gave it a shot.
Just went thru this my JKU. The correct fix is to install a replacement skid. Dorman makes an aftermarket replacement tank skid plate for under $400. Then you can add whatever additional armor over that. Everything bolted up nice and the Dorman skid is better designed than the OG one from Jeep. Time will tell if it is more resistant to rust.
My 2019 is already rusting pretty bad. Wish the gas was held without the skid plate, would make removal easier.
My question would be where do you attach the bolt from the transfer case skid plate. The original gas tank skid plate has a place to bolt it to. The new rough country after market skid plate (Rough Country Gas Tank Skid Plate for 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK 2-Door - 794, Black) has no place to bolt it to. Is it safe with no bolt.
I didn't add the skid plate back on... It's been on my list to figure out how to weld/attach a mounting point, but haven't got around to it yet :(
Any issues with just using the RC skid plate by itself without the factory skid?
None so far! Seems to be holding up well
while you had that off you should have applied Eastwood Matte Black Rust Encapsulator Plus | Long Lasting Maximum Rust Protection
Ooh - I've never heard of that before - thanks for the tip! Instead of paint, a friend had recommended Fluid Film to protect the metal from future rust. The Jeep hasn't been driven much since this replacement, so it's not too late for me to apply something.
Already rusted!! Wtf