This Xmas I got a Hobart 185 welder, and decided to put it to good use. Here are the specs on my Jeep that matter for this:
35" tires
2.5" lift
Chevy 350 V8
Dana 300 clocked
TH350 trans
2 piece front driveshaft
After installing the engine and at the same time clocking the Tcase, I fabricated a tubular crossmember which attaches solid at the adaptor, and poly bushings at the frame (same as at the engine).
For the skidplate, I first made a template out of 10 pieces of cardboard, and had those pieces cut out of 1/8" steel. After lots of tacking, trial fitting, and so on, I finally had it fit properly to the underside of my Jeep MINUS reinforcements. The welded on stiffeners are 1/8" x 1" angle iron fully welded. I surrounded the trans pan and Tcase as close as I could. I am 1/4" to 1/2" from the tranny pan. I had seen all kinds of different skids made of round or square tubing, thick single wall plate, etc. In the end I decided the best compromise of protection, strength, low deflection, and weight was this solution. It weighs about 70lbs. I now have 17" to the bottom of the lowest part of the skid. All exhaust and muffler is tucked above frame rails.
35" tires
2.5" lift
Chevy 350 V8
Dana 300 clocked
TH350 trans
2 piece front driveshaft
After installing the engine and at the same time clocking the Tcase, I fabricated a tubular crossmember which attaches solid at the adaptor, and poly bushings at the frame (same as at the engine).
For the skidplate, I first made a template out of 10 pieces of cardboard, and had those pieces cut out of 1/8" steel. After lots of tacking, trial fitting, and so on, I finally had it fit properly to the underside of my Jeep MINUS reinforcements. The welded on stiffeners are 1/8" x 1" angle iron fully welded. I surrounded the trans pan and Tcase as close as I could. I am 1/4" to 1/2" from the tranny pan. I had seen all kinds of different skids made of round or square tubing, thick single wall plate, etc. In the end I decided the best compromise of protection, strength, low deflection, and weight was this solution. It weighs about 70lbs. I now have 17" to the bottom of the lowest part of the skid. All exhaust and muffler is tucked above frame rails.