By Christian Sturtz, [email protected]
Photos by Christian Sturtz
The engine oil pan is one of the most vulnerable spots on any off-road vehicle. Unlike engine oil pans, transmission pans can often take a hit or get punctured. If no internals are smashed, the pan can be replaced and refilled with no problems- even if the transmission continues to operate until the vehicle will not move. This is not true for engine oil pans. If the vehicle is not shut down almost immediately, extreme engine damage/failure can occur when an oil pan is punctured. This is why it’s so important to protect this vulnerable spot. (Figure 1)
MetalCloak has skid plate and body protection options for several Jeep models and has even been working on new Ford Bronco applications. On our LJ, we wanted something to protect our oil pan but not hang down or get caught on trail obstacles. MetalCloak’s oil pan skid plate (Part # 2701) provided just that.
This skid plate’s robust construction with a low-profile form-fitting design provides everything we need. The signature gold zinc finish that MetalCloak is known for gives the skid plates 3/16” steel years of protection and is aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The product, like most of MetalCloak’s, is proudly made in the U.S.A. The skid plate fits all 4.0 L 97-06 TJ/LJ Wranglers. (Figure 2) With a 100% bolt-on design, installation of the skid plate is a breeze. Our experience with MetalCloak shows that they think of everything; this product is no different. It comes with much more hardware than is needed due to automatic/standard transmission configurations, as well as early/late TJ/LJ variations.
The skid plate uses two bolt holes on the side of the block, near the motor mounts, and two holes in the lower portion of the bell housing. We started by sliding the plate up into position and locating these holes. Then the original bolts were removed. *Tip: it may be necessary to loosen the exhaust downpipe at the manifold to position the skid plate. After completing the installation, adjust the exhaust, so you have clearance between it and the skid plate, then retighten. The skid plate was positioned with new, longer (included) bolts installed and tightened. Be sure to install the correct standard/metric bolts- use the same type of bolt as removed. The Jeep was equipped with a 1” Brown Dog motor mount lift and heavy-duty block brackets, so we had to bend the vertical supports out just slightly to allow the skid plate to fit correctly. With OEM brackets, this would not be required. (Figure 3) This skid plate will give you years of added assurance. (Figure 4)
Parts:
MetalCloak
4.0 L Skid Plate: Part # 2701
Sources:
MetalCloak
2484 Mercantile Dr.
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
1-916-631-8071
GEARWRENCH
APEX Tool Group
910 Ridgebrook Rd. (Suite 200)
Sparks, MD 21152
1-800-688-8949
Brown Dog Offroad
19349 E. German Rd. (Ste 3)
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
1-866-401-3877
