Transfer case skid

[Casey]

I have a 98 Tj with a 4 inch lift, and i took the stock steps off of it the other day because i eventually want to get some rocker panels. But the transfer case skid has around one inch spacers on them that dont look too great down there when the steps are on they cover these up alright but with them off or if i get some sliders of some sort they are in clear veiw. I was looking for a new skid that would look better down there that wouldnt need the ugly spacers, but all the ones i could find were quite spendy. Does anyone know of a cheapish, good looking fix for this? The cheapest way would to be to just deal with it but if theres a somewhat cheap fix then that would be best. any ideas would be appreciated

[mattawajeep]

I assume someone else installed the lift?

It sounds like your have a transfer case drop installed. The spacers can be removed, but with a 4" lift there's a chance it may cause driveline vibrations.

My TJ has a 4" lift as well, and I was able to replace the spacers with some washers, I played around with washers until I got the right height without vibrations. To get a higher/aftermarket skid plate, you'll probably have to buy a SYE kit and a CV drive shaft, or suffer bad driveline problems.

[Casey]

No i didnt install it. And yah, it has a transfer case drop. The spacers it came are really noticeable, i might try the washer thing if i have some time to mess around with it. i just dont want to spend the money on sliders when the only thing that will be noticable is these spacers.

Id like to do the SYE kit but probably wont have the money right now

[TJDave]

I have a set of heavy tube steps (nerf bars) that are coming off my TJ. Not sure who makes them, they came on the Jeep when I bought it. They are much heavier than the cheapo thin metal bars. These would cover up your TC drop.
Aside from a couple scratches on the underside of them, they have held up well to the abuse I have put them thru. (speed bumps and shopping carts. And Sally bypass routes in the woods)

I will make you a great deal on them.

[Casey]

Thanks for the offer, ill keep it in mind if i cant figure out this t case drop, but if i can figure it out i want to go more like this

[TJDave]

Yep, good call. That is what is going on mine, replacing the bars.

[Lud]

I would definitely go for the body mounted sliders like the ones pictured especially if they go under the body and can support the weight of the Jeep if you come down on something hard. They will save your rocker panels.

[CopenhagenCowboy]

Had the same issue with my jeep. Picked up some square steel and welded it to the frame with new studs for the mounting bolts for the skid. Looks real purdy.

[Casey]

I was thinking of the steel too, a solid peice would look better, but first i might try painting the spacers black, they are silver right now and im hoping thats why they stand out so much, hopefully painting them will solve that problem cause that would be cheap and easy.