Transfer case skid plate ?????

[DanXJ97]

Hi everyone, I have a 1997 Cherokee 4.0 auto trans and it did not have a skid plate on it when I got it. Any certain brand that is recommended or just get one made of 3/16 metal and don't lose any sleep over it?? I plan on keeping close to stock form.Thanks, Dan
:confused:

[nickyg]

In my opinion, I think it depends on how you plan on using the vehicle. mostly street, light off road, or rock crawling?

[XJ Wheeler]

Well, there's a few different ways of going about it. You could track down a stock skid plate, and that's adequate for light to moderate wheeling. There are many more heavy duty options from several companies in the aftermarket. Jcr, Dpg, and Dirtbound offer rail to rail coverage. Rustys, Warn, Skidrow, and other have ones that mount to the drivers side frame rail and trans crossmember. These are not quite as strong but adequate for heavier wheeling. And yes, you could make your own. Depending on your skill level and tools available you can pick your design. The mounting will be the tricky part as most of the metal in the area isn't thick enough to simply bolt to, and its a tube shape so you cant get to the inside to pace a washer and nut.

[DanXJ97]

Thanks for the input so far, I try to avoid heavy rock crawling if possible with a stock setup. The one aspect of wheeling is you never know what's around the next turn so I would like to be ready for anything in that regards. A good heavy duty skid plate is always good to have. I was wondering which brand is the cheapest and easiest to install. I'll do some looking around and see what I come up with. Thanks, Dan