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Jeep Wrangler JK Flat Bottom Skidplate - Flat Bottom Baby

Protecting Your JK Wrangler's Vitals
By John Cappa
Wrangler Jk Flat Bottom Skidplate Installed

Wrangler Jk Flat Bottom Skidplate Stock Protection
The underside of an '07-'09 Wrangler isn't really protected all that well, especially if you have a manual transmission. The exhaust on our manual two-door was taking a beating. We were lucky and hadn't hit the low-hanging engine oil pan yet, but we had slightly bent the thin transmission crossmember. The Poly Performance three skidplate package replaces all of this with 3/16-inch Grade 50 A-572 steel plate.
Wrangler Jk Flat Bottom Skidplate Removing Plates
First you need remove the triangular transfer case skidplate (and automatic transmission skidplate if equipped). Then several of the pre-existing threaded mounting holes in the framerails need to be drilled out to 29/64 inch and tapped with a 1/2-20 tap.
Wrangler Jk Flat Bottom Skidplate Cut Plate
Using a cutoff wheel, angle grinder, or reciprocating saw you need to cut off the forward-most 3 inches of the factory gas tank skid plate. Watch out for the fuel tank, it's made of plastic and it's close by.
Wrangler Jk Flat Bottom Skidplate Transmission Support
The transmission should be supported with a jackstand or tranny jack while you remove the factory transmission crossmember. All of the original crossmember mounting hardware is reused so don't toss it.
Wrangler Jk Flat Bottom Skidplate Countersunk Bolt
The Poly Performance tranny crossmember/skidplate is heavy and hard to maneuver and mount. It can be done by one person, but it's easier if you have a buddy hold it up while you install the included countersunk bolts. Use plenty of anti-seize on the threads because this area has a high potential for rust.
Wrangler Jk Flat Bottom Skidplate Tightening
There are access slots in the Poly Performance skidplate that are way-helpful when tightening the mounting hardware. However, a magnet on the end of a stick is pretty much mandatory for getting the nuts started on the passenger side crossmember bolts.
Wrangler Jk Flat Bottom Skidplate Locking Pliers
We needed a pair of locking pliers to clamp our factory gas tank skidplate in place while drilling the mounting holes and installing the self-tapping flush-mounted bolts. Be careful when drilling because the soft plastic fuel tank is just on the other side of where you are punching holes.
Wrangler Jk Flat Bottom Skidplate Oil Pan Plate
The oil pan skidplate mounting brackets attach to the factory motor mounts on both sides of the engine. The skidplate attaches to these and then to the new heavy-duty crossmember/skidplate. It's an intensive install, but the skidplates fit up well. Even the drain hole cut into the oil pan skidder worked perfect when we changed the oil. No mess, no fuss.

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