How to Assemble Your 3.6L V6 Engine Skid – Jeep JL & JT Skid Plate System

If you're getting ready to install our Engine & Transmission Skid System for your 2018+ Jeep JL Wrangler or 2020+ JT Gladiator, there's one critical step to do first — assemble the skid plate.

In this post (and the video above), we’ll walk you through the required pre-assembly of our 7075-T6 aluminum and UHMW skid system, so you’re ready to bolt it onto your rig with confidence.

🔧 Why Pre-Assembling the Skid Plate Matters

Before installation, your skid plate needs to be properly stacked, aligned, and fastened — combining the strength of aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminum with the impact resistance of 1/4” UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene). This hybrid structure protects your drivetrain while also helping your Jeep slide over obstacles.

Skipping this step will make installation slower, messier, and frankly a lot more frustrating. We recommend getting your hardware sorted and your bracketry in place on the bench before you ever crawl under the vehicle.

🛠 What's Covered in This Assembly Video

In this short guide, we’ll show you:

• How to align the UHMW wear plate over the 7075-T6 base

• The proper torque sequence and nylock "jamnut" usage

• Which hardware fastens each bracket to the aluminum plate

• How the system is designed to flex where needed and stay rigid where it counts

💡 This step is required before installing the skid plate to your Jeep.

🧪 What Makes This Skid Plate System Different?

This isn’t just another chunk of steel under your Jeep.

We’ve engineered this skid plate with:

• 3/16” 7075-T6 aluminum for exceptional strength-to-weight ratio

• 1/4” UHMW polymer to absorb hits and reduce hang-ups

• Zinc-plated steel brackets for reinforced mounting points

And yes — it's Made in the USA.

🚙 Compatible Models

This assembly process applies to:

• Jeep JL Wrangler (2018 – Current) with 3.6L V6

• Jeep JT Gladiator (2020 – Current) with 3.6L V6

Not sure if it fits your build? Contact us here!

📦 Ready to Buy or Already Have the Kit?

You can find the full skid plate system here:
👉 JL/JT 3.6 V6 Engine & Transmission Skid System

Once you’ve got it assembled, don’t forget to check out the installation video here.