Overview
Full underbody protection with RCI Offroad 1/4" steel skids. Engine, transmission, transfer case, and gas tank skids. Rock sliders from Poison Spyder. Because rocks are mean.
Tools Needed
- • 1/2" drive socket set & ratchet
- • Torque wrench
- • Jack & stands
- • Drill + bits (for slider mounts)
- • Pry bars & breaker bar
- • Welder (if adding extra tabs)
Materials Used
- • RCI Offroad 1/4" Steel Skid Plate Kit (TJ)
- • Poison Spyder Rock Sliders (TJ)
- • Hardware kit (grade 8 bolts, nuts, washers)
- • Thread locker & seam sealer
Estimated Time
Approximately 6-10 hours (full skid set + sliders, including drilling and test fit).
Installation Steps
Remove Stock Skid Plates & Clean
Jack up the rig, support on stands. Remove factory thin skids and any existing protection. Wire brush and clean all mounting points on the frame and belly pan area.
Install Engine & Transmission Skids
Position the heavy RCI 1/4" engine skid first. Hand thread bolts, then torque in stages. Repeat for the transmission skid. Check for exhaust clearance.
Transfer Case & Gas Tank Skids
Fit the t-case skid and the large gas tank skid. These are the most critical for rock protection. Use thread locker on all frame bolts.
Mount Poison Spyder Rock Sliders
Align sliders on the rocker panels. Drill new holes if needed for the Poison Spyder mounts. Bolt through the frame with backing plates where possible. Weld additional tabs if running a custom setup.
Final Torque, Seal & Test
Double-check every bolt to spec. Apply seam sealer around edges. Lower the rig and do a slow crawl test on a known rock to confirm no interference and solid contact points.
Results
The undercarriage is now bombproof. RCI skids shrug off big hits and the Poison Spyder sliders let you slide over rocks without destroying the body. Confidence level: much higher.
Look for the Skids & Armor card in the Repairs & Mods grid or the CLICK TO INSPECT buttons.