Engine Skid or Rockers - What next?

[Kevin]

I have a 95 and have replaced the crossmember with Rusty's crossmember and installed Rusty's transfer case skid plate. I have a factory fuel tank skid plate. I'm debating between the engine/tranny skid from Rusty's or similar product from somewhere else or a set of rockers. Any recommendations on which to do next.

I have 3" lift and this is my DD.

And finally, has anyone used the front end skid from Rusty's?

[BillR]

I would say go with rockers. Those were one of the first mods I did. We have lots of rocks here, and the rocker panels are really vunerable on XJs.

[Hunter-Lynchburg,Va]

rockers deffinately. rarely do you hear of people touching an engine skid, muchless damaging something an engine skid would cover if they dont have on. more b*thcing is heard about doing oil changes with an engine skid than anything.

Hunter

[JnJ]

Rocker protection hands down. I've never have used an engine skid and I've never damaged the engine yet (not by trail contact at least). But, I am currently just a web wheeler.

[woody]

If they are worth saving, definately armor the rockers. The front bracket of Rusty's skid goes between the LCA bolts, so that's prime-time to swap out arms if that was ever a plan.

In 4 seasons of MJ/XJing, I've had one occasion where an engine skid would have paid itself off...A "lucky rock" squirted out from under the LF tire, got levered & stood up underneath. It broke a bellhousing 'ear' tab off the block @7000 miles on a rebuild :eek: :bawl: Sux was the Jeep had already been through a LOT of worse places... I had the skid at home, uninstalled. Still do LOL.

Three other factors that added to this:
#1- The BH ear was broken/repaired before I bought the rebuilt engine.
#2- The two torx bolts atop the BH are there for a reason.
#3- I made a bad choice by just peeking under & then hammering down, rather than stopping to use a jack.

If/when I get around to hanging the eng/trans skid on something, I'd plumb for remote drains.

[2offroad]

i have a tomken engine skid, it is not in the way of anything but oil changes, but i would go with the rock rails first.

[FELIX]

i have a tomken engine skid, it is not in the way of anything but oil changes, but i would go with the rock rails first.

Rockers first, then the engine trans skid. I have Rusty's, & it;s pretty good,protects the exhaust to the cat, when combined w/ the transfer case skid. $.02

[Kevin]

Thanks, looks like I'm in the market for some rockers.

[Lunatic728]

Here is another company that makes protection for our XJ's

http://www.skidplates.com/

[Eagle]

Despite the fact that I bashed an oil pan at Paragon, I also think the rocker protection comes first. The oil pan was due to my being foolish enough to do what a spotter told me to do ... if I had turtsed my own instincts, it would not have happened.

[xxxj-va]

Hey Kevin....rockers first. Might be a suitable project if you got a design....I had fitment problems with Rusty's engine skid and its currently with the rest of my spare parts (axles, etc..) and I have a front skid for ya too if you want it. Let me know. Makng it over today? Work starts in an hour!

P

[wcbuyer]

Would those of you who have an engine/tranny sitting around be interested in selling it?