Site Founder
Joined: 09 Apr 2006
Posts: 1769
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Introduction
We all know a radiator is a critical component that when damaged, it can quickly ruin a nice weekend outing. Most of us do not carry a spare radiator on a trail ride. After seeing how vulnerable TJ's radiator is, I decided to protect it. There are a couple of brands available for radiator skid: Skidrow and Rusty's Offroad. I opted to go with Rusty's for their simple design using 3 existing points on the frame rail unlike Skidrow's version which required drilling and seemed to provide less coverage.
 
Packaging & Product Information
Here is how the skid showed up. It is made of 1/8" steel. You might not think it is not enough but when bare steel sheet is bent strategically, it can provide more than you expect. I said it was better than nothing and since the only other alternative was the Skidrow's 1/8" skidplate which is priced about the same and does the exact same thing but required drilling.
   
Tools and Parts Needed
Basic Sockets and Ratchets
LocTite
TJ Wrangler Radiator Skid (JS-TJ88 from Rusty's Offroad. Click here to buy from Rusty's.
Job Hours and Difficulty
<30 Minutes, Easy - Don't let the length of the write up fool you. I just wrote in detail.
Procedure
1. Locate the 3 positions shown below; they are going to be used to hold the skid plate in place.
2. Undo the body mount as shown.
You can place the special bolts provided into the holes shown previously as depicted below.
 
4. Install the skidplate by sandwiching it between the body mount insulation and the frame as shown but do not tighten up the bolt all the way, use LocTite.
 
5. Place the special bolt into the driver side hole in the frame, put some blue LocTite and loosely tightened the nut with the washer installed.
 
6. Place the special bolt into the passenger side hole in the frame, put some blue LocTite and loosely tightened the nut with the washer installed.
 
7. Torque the body mount bolt at 40ft.lbs.
8. Torque the other two mounting bolts at 35ft.lbs. I forgot what their installation said. Use theirs if provided. 
 
9. Notice this nice little touch. I mean notch for the radiator drain.
10. You are done!
Disclaimer
I tried my best to document as much as possible along with pictures. I hope you find them useful. However, do use the information provided here "as-is". DailyDrivenTJ.com or the author does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, or process disclosed. Use the information at your own risk.
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