While most of our newest skid components are made of aerospace grade 7075-T6 alloy, this crossmember is made ENTIRELY from HRPO steel!
This is constructed from a blend of 1/4" thick and 3/16" thick steel. This crossmember features unique construction that places an additional, but hidden, vertical gusset inside the crossmember to improve cross section and strength in the center where it needs it the most - where the large rectangular openings to access your 3 transmission mounting bolts are.
No. Transmission Crossmembers from the JL and JT are NOT the same. This is a common misconception.
They are nearly identical on the driver side frame rail mount as well as where they mount to the transmission. The passenger side frame rail has an entirely different mounting method between the JL and JT however.
JT Specific Version Coming Soon!
That entirely depends on what you're planning to do.
If you are set on the RK Suspension Long Arm kit, and know that you are eventually going to need this, YES, it can be installed even without the long arm kit.
If you don't intend to install the RK Long Arm Kit however, there is no benefit to ordering the Long Arm Tie In variant of this product.
We offer the "No Long Arm Tie Ins" variant for Jeeps that don't have long arms or intend to run other systems.
JL Heavy Duty Steel Transmission Crossmember
Built to last, this transmission crossmember is the perfect solution for upgrading your factory aluminum crossmember if and when the factory M12 hardware inserts pop out!
- Made from a combination of 1/4" and 3/16" thick, high-strength HRPO steel
- Unique vertical gusset design in the center of the crossmember, for a strong cross section to resist bending when hitting those hard trails!
- Laser cut, CNC formed, and hand welded in the USA
- Ties into 5 factory frame mounting points
- Uses M12 weld nuts that match factory thread sizes in place of inserts
- Retains OEM skid mounting holes
- Retains OEM transmission mounting locations
- Retains OEM exhaust and fuel mounting locations
- Install requires no drilling or welding
- Re-uses factory hardware
- Compatible with JL 2 Door, 4 Door, Diesel, 2.0 Turbo, 3.6 V6, and Factory 392 Hemi'*
It's also designed to take advantage of our new 7000-Series Belly Skids! The steel brace in the 7000-Series Skid System that connects the front fuel tank skid, transfer case skid, and rear crossmember, also slots into this crossmember to tie everything in together!
Rock Krawler Suspension Specific Option:
Do you want to gain back a 1/4" of clearance under the belly of your Jeep or install the RK front long arms without modifying your skid system? This one is just for you! This ties into your RK Suspension front long arm kit's lower control arm brackets on the frame in place of the brace that RK Suspension includes. This is compatible with their JL front 4 link, 3 link and even Rockzilla kit!
*AMW 4x4 Engine/Transmission swaps may require modifications
While it's not technically a skid, this is a modular item that is compatible with both our new Next Gen 7000-Series Skid Systems, as well as our previous Legacy 5000-Series Skids.
This isn't available as part of any full skid system or other MOD skid, but it's highly recommended if you're looking for an upgrade, or looking to save fabrication labor on bolting up your favorite long arm kit!
If you're not ready for a full belly skid system yet, you can purchase these Modular Skid Kits and start with just the individual areas of protection that you want right now!
These are modular, affordable base systems that include the same pieces as our traditional Full Belly Skid Systems -- but broken down into multiple pieces so you can protect exactly what you want, and expand your protection later if desired.
It's not needed!
This crossmember mounts under the transmission between the frame rails of your Jeep JL, and is covered up by your skid system if equipped.
If you use our skid systems, this will already have UHMW underneath it!
Keep reading below to learn more about the Full System and other skid options in the 7000-Series ecosystem of skids.
modular design for maximum coverage
Engine & Transmission Skid
We have watched a few folks discover this first hand: any damage to the oil pans of your engine or transmission can leave you stranded on the trail, waiting for help. This combined engine and transmission skid features a gap-free design including an access panel for oil changes and maintenance to prevent hang-ups, with steel reinforcements along all edges, and a 1/4" UHMW surface to ensure durability and frictionless performance to get you home at the end of the day.
oil changes
Access panel
Need to do a quick oil change? Drop a few bolts to remove the aluminum and UHMW access panel instead of removing the skid.
Transfer Case Skid
Built to absorb impacts, the Transfer Case skid offers superior strength with no gaps where it meets the engine & transmission skid in addition to the fuel tank skid, so rocks won’t find a place to lodge themselves. While the transfer case itself has no oil pan, its cast aluminum casing is something we have seen fail if left exposed to rocks, and even fail when steel skids beneath have collapsed and rubbed through the casing over time. A working transfer case is required for 4 low, 4 high, and even proper 2wd power transmission to your axles.
2 Piece Design
Fuel Tank Skid
You won’t get very far without fuel, and it’s never a fun mess to clean up if you do manage to spring a leak in your fuel tank. Our two-piece Fuel Tank skid provides smooth, continuous protection for your fuel system, making installation easier without compromising on full, gap-free coverage. This skid meshes seamlessly with the transfer case and engine & transmission skids, and features the same steel reinforcements you’ll find across the rest of the skid system.
heavy duty steel
cross members
Backing up the belly of the beast, is a heavy duty steel crossmember. This connects your front fuel tank skid, rear feel tank skid, transfer case, and if you opt to add it in - your mid-exhaust skid plate. It even has a brace to the factory transmission crossmember in front of it.
We weren't messing around: this is 1/4" thick steel, as it's integral to nearly everything else in this system.
frame
mounting rails
Along the outside edge of the fuel tank, you'll find 3/16" thick steel mounting rails. These provide a strong cross section underneath your frame rails, and feature internal gussets for additional strength.
These ultimately are covered up by UHMW, and feature a 40 degree "boatside" slope on them to keep you moving along on the trail.
optional
mid-exhaust
Modular Exhaust Skids can be purchased separately and added on to this system to offer your Jeep the same gapless, 7075 Aluminum skid construction under your exhaust.
These are available as rear exhaust or mid-exhaust (belly) skids for 3.6/2.0 and 392.
392s come standard with the mid-exhaust skid, that works with both factory and Magnaflow exhaust out of the box!
optional
rear exhaust skid
Modular Exhaust Skids can be purchased separately and added on to this system to offer your Jeep the same gapless, 7075 Aluminum skid construction under your exhaust.
These are available as rear exhaust or mid-exhaust (behind the transfer case) skids for 3.6/2.0 and 392.
Rear 392 Exhaust Skids include exhaust tip protection for the expensive factory tips, and keep your "fun button" functionality safe!
looking for skids? keep reading! introducing the 7000-series
born in the rocks
the 7000-series skids
the 7000-series skids
Introducing a 7075 Aluminum Skid System designed by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts. Our love letter to getting out, and getting to the top of that next obstacle and mountain. Purpose built for rock crawling: where every inch of clearance, every bit of strength, durability, recessed bolt heads, & smooth seamless skid surface matters.
The Ultimate Jeep Skid Plate System: 7075 Aluminum, Enhanced by UHMW Skid Surfaces
Off-roading can be rough on your Jeep, but with the 7000-Series Skid Plate System, you’ll be prepared for anything the trail throws your way. Not only is this built for serious off-roaders, it's been designed and engineered by real rock crawling enthusiasts. This modular skid plate system combines 3/16" 7075 aluminum, zinc-plated steel reinforcements, and a 1/4" UHMW wear surface to provide unparalleled protection and performance for your Jeep. With skids for the Engine & Transmission, Transfer Case, and a two-piece Fuel Tank Skid, your drive train and undercarriage is shielded from the toughest terrain, minimizing added weight while maximizing seamless, smooth protection.
lessons from building JL/JT skids the past 5 years, and other platforms for over a decade.
This design comes from decades of wheeling. The muddy hill climbs of Tennessee, and deserts of Arizona, Utah and California, have brought us here. Not only is this inspired by our product development teams time on the trail, and the Ultra4 Racing Jeeps that rely on our parts, but also from feedback and experiences we get from you,our customers.
King of The Hammers 2024: The #4655 Rock Krawler/Jeep Racing JL with a freshly installed Next Venture Engine/Trans Skid that would evolve into the 7000-Series Skids.
Whether you’re planning your first trip to the Rubicon, or your 10th trip to The Hammers, this one is built for you.
The 7000-Series Advantage: A Seamless, Rock-Slip Design
No Gaps, No Hang-Ups. One of the most overlooked aspects in off-road skid systems is the presence of gaps between skids, which can create vulnerable points where rocks and debris can catch. Our skids are meticulously designed to form a completely smooth, gap-free surface, preventing any point of contact that could get you stuck. This ensures your Jeep slides effortlessly over obstacles without the risk of hang-ups—letting you conquer the trail without hesitation. Looking for the oil drain hole? It's a removable, gapless, flush mounted access panel!
Steel | 6061-T6 | 7075-T6
the material throw down
Done watching "test videos" where a MFG calls the product "bulletproof" because a small caliber bounces off their skid?
We got creative and had some fun with a more analogous test. Spoiler alert: 7075-T6 really stands out.
Why Our Skid Plate System Stands Above the Rest
1. Lighter, Stronger, and Tougher than A36 Steel: Other systems rely entirely on A36 mild steel, but it’s heavy. Our 7075 aluminum delivers up to 73,000 psi of yield strength; stronger than the 36,300 psi yield strength of A36 steel. This means superior protection without added weight, improving performance on rugged trails and fuel efficiency on the road.
2. Superior to 6061-T6 Aluminum: While 6061-T6 aluminum is often used for off-road protection, 7075 aluminum is nearly twice as strong. Many of the skid systems claiming to be 6061-T6 on the market have also been welded without any post-welding heat treatment, meaning they have lost up to 40% of their strength in the heat affected zone, and are closer to 6061-T4 in temper - or 24,000 psi in tensile strength. (That's less than 5052-H32 Aluminum's post welding tensile strength of 25,500 psi)
Our 7075-T6 is processed flat, and remains unwelded to retain its original strength. 7075 combined with the structural benefits of the zinc-plated steel bracketry, heavy duty crossmembers, and UHMW skid surfaces, give your Jeep a skid plate system that’s tougher, longer-lasting, and designed for serious rock crawlers who push their vehicles to the limit.
3. Zinc-Plated Steel Reinforcements with Enhanced Corrosion Resistance: The zinc plating on our steel bracketry adds an extra layer of corrosion resistance, ensuring that every component of your skid plate system withstands the elements. Whether you're crawling through mud, driving in wet conditions, or riding your skids through a rocky canyon trail, this system is designed to last. The zinc plating matches the durability and longevity of the 7075 aluminum, giving you a skid plate that stays strong and rust-free for years.
4. Enhanced Performance with UHMW Wear Surfaces: This one comes from the world of competition rock buggies and rock racing. Our skid plate system includes a UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) wear surface beneath the aluminum, offering low-friction properties that help your Jeep slide over obstacles. The UHMW layer not only distributes impacts to protect your undercarriage but also prevents the vehicle from getting stuck as easily by reducing friction—making your off-road experience smoother, reducing the number of attempts required per obstacle, and reducing wear and tear on your vehicle.
Key Benefits
- Seamless, Smooth Protection: The gap-free design prevents rocks or debris from catching on the skids, giving you uninterrupted, frictionless movement over rough terrain.
- Total Protection with Minimal Weight: The 7075 aluminum provides a high-strength, lightweight shield, preserving your Jeep’s agility on rocky trails and steep climbs.
- Zinc-Plated Steel Reinforcements: In critical impact areas, zinc-plated steel brackets provide extra strength, while ensuring corrosion resistance.
- Frictionless Performance with UHMW: The 1/4" UHMW wear surface helps distribute impacts and allows your Jeep to glide over obstacles, further reducing the risk of getting stuck.
- Reduced Wear On Drivetrain and Axles: By reducing friction and hang-ups, you also reduce the number of full-throttle attempts you might have needed with your previous skids to make the ‘breakover’ on obstacles. This means less wear and tear on your u-joints, CVs, axle shafts and drivetrain over time. Next time your spotter says “bump it”, this helps really make it count!
- Easily Make It Like-New: Ever need to clean up the bottom of your Jeep after years of tough trails? Just replace the UHMW and your skids will look like new!
why choose next venture?
At Next Venture Motorsports, we understand the demands of true off-road enthusiasts. From our early days of conception in the rocks of Southern Arizona, to product testing across the country and even Ultra 4 test vehicles, our product development team lives and breathes motorsports on the rocks.
Our 7000-Series Skid Plate System combines the latest materials and technologies—7075 aluminum, zinc-plated steel bracketry, and UHMW skid surfaces—to create a product that’s as durable as it is lightweight. Engineered to provide maximum protection in the most critical areas, this system is built to keep your Jeep’s undercarriage and drivetrain safe while you conquer any terrain.
Ready to Upgrade?
With our 7000-Series Skid Plate System, you’re not just getting a piece of armor; you’re investing in reliable, American Made, long-lasting protection for your vehicle. The combination of lightweight materials and corrosion resistance ensures your Jeep performs better and lasts longer, even in the harshest conditions.
Order Now and Get Ready For Your Next Adventure!
The 7000-Series Skid Plate System is available now! Equip your Jeep with the ultimate in strength, corrosion resistance, and off-road performance. Place your order today and hit the trails with confidence!
done in house
made in usa
We make these in house. That means Developed, laser cut, cnc formed, welded, packaged & shipped from our facility in grand junction, colorado.
jl/jt belly skid FAQs
- There's some assembly required, as these are "flat pack" items on delivery. Plan 60-90 minutes to assemble the pieces before you begin installation.
- Make sure you have basic hand tools including allen keys/sockets!
- Drive until your fuel tank is nearly empty! Removal of the factory fuel tank skid is required for installation.
These skids essentially ship as "flat packed" items, and require about 60-90 minutes of assembly before they're ready to bolt up. Installation is typically quoted as 5-7 hours of labor on a lift. If you're doing this in your garage, we would give yourself the weekend, and a 2nd set of hands may be helpful.
Basic hand tools are a must. Sockets, wrenches and allen keys will do it, however allen sockets will speed up the process. A pair of ratchet straps is useful in order to properly drop the factory fuel tank skid without removing the fuel tank from the vehicle.
Nearly every bolt is countersunk/recessed, and the threaded inserts are twist-resistant "hex" rivet nuts into hex cutouts.
A 1.5" lift (or just 1.5" bump stop extensions on the front) is recommended for clearance to the motor mounting brackets on 3.6 V6 JL models from 2018-2020. JT 3.6 V6 and JL 3.6 V6 model year 2021 and newer can typically be run without any lift or bumpstop extensions.
No lift or bump stop extension is required for the 2.0 I4 engine, 392, however we do suggest cycling your suspension and testing your bump stops each time you make a change to the configuration of your vehicle.
These belly skids will work with Rock Krawler Suspension Long Arm Kits out of the box* We run their Service Free Adventure Series on our Shop JL.
EVO, and Teraflex** Long Arm kits also work with minor modifications.
* These skids will 100% bolt on with RK kits with the use of our HD Transmission crossmember. Minor modification will be required if you wish to use the factory crossmember. Please note that the Rock Krawler "Rockzilla" kit is an entirely different animal from the conventional long arm kits. Call us if you have one of these!
**Teraflex long arm kits do require slight modification to the fuel tank skid as this suspension kit relocates the rear lower control arms underneath the frame rail where the fuel tank skid would otherwise interfere -- 5 minutes with a cutoff wheel prior to installation resolves this issue.
Yes. This is not optional. Many systems might keep the factory fuel tank skid, but we are after weight savings and increased belly clearance. The fuel tank stays in the vehicle during this process. Just remember to prep for installation by driving until you see the "E" light come on!
Yes. The earlier 2018 models do have an additional bulge in the fuel tank near the driveshaft/rear axles pinion, and if you specify a 2018 model year, we include a bracket that you can swap out on the fuel tank skid to accommodate the additional contour of the tank.
You won't need to know as we include everything you need for both fuel tanks. However, if you're curious here are all the details:
Early 2018 Models Have a Different Shaped Fuel Tank through September 4th 2018 Build Dates. The MOPAR part number for this early tank is 52030066AA if you want to identify it without knowing your build date.
The newer style tank was introduced September of 2018, (MOPAR PN 68414680AA) and carries into 2019 through present (2024+)
If you are having rear driveshaft clearance issues due to aftermarket suspension, a larger aftermarket axle housing, or a combination of those factors on your early 2018 year model JL, a later year fuel tank may be helpful in providing additional clearance.
If you purchased a MOD Skid Kit prior to November 2024 for your JL or JT, than most of these components will mesh. You can run our original Engine skid with the new 7000-Series Fuel Tank/Transfer case or vice versa. You must run the same generation fuel tank and transfer case skids however due to crossmember differences. When mixing and matching parts, keep in mind that the 7000-Series sits slightly higher - by about 3/16 of an inch.
Every time you modify your vehicle, you are going to effect it's weight and performance. In the nearly 5 years we have been producing skids for the JL platform we have not seen skids cause an overheating issue. There's a reason aluminum is commonly used to make heat sinks - as it's a good thermal conductor and will actually help to dissipate heat in addition to keeping things lighter vs full steel skids.
Sliders that are body mounted (like factory) work. If you're looking for frame mounted sliders that are compatible, check out our Rimrocker Series!
UHMW stands for Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethelene. It's the 1/4" thick black cutting board like material that is included on these skids; it is more abrasion resistance than carbon steel, and it's light weight. It helps to better distribute and absorb impacts, and keep you sliding along rather than getting stuck or hanging up on an obstacle since it's slippery and self lubricating.
The weight of the UHMW on the 3.6 V6 JLU is under 24 lbs total! It's pretty light weight!
In the 4 years we have offered replacement UHMW kits, we have had under 5 pieces of replacement UHMW for belly skids requested. This stuff lasts a long time!
Early Production 392 JLU's were equipped with a cast aluminum oil pan, with a bare aluminum finish. Later 392 JLU's came with a smooth stamped steel oil pan, with a black painted finish. This was a mid year transition during the 2021 Model Year, so if you have a 2021 Model Year 392 you'll want to visually confirm.
2022 and newer all use the stamped steel oil pan, which offers better ground clearance as the pan does not hang down quite as low. Our engine skid for the steel version of the pan also sits up higher to take advantage of this additional clearance.
That depends on which system you order!
If you order the "Crawler" series Magnaflow exhaust, YES your mid-exhaust skid in this kit is fully compatible and the rear exhaust skid becomes unnecessary.
If you order the "Street" series, the mid-exhaust will again remain compatible, however the rear exhaust skid is not compatible. The Magnaflow street series relocates the tips. It can be modified to work, however it's not 100% bolt up compatible.
In terms of strength, 3/16" thick 7075-T6 aluminum is stronger than 1/4" thick 6061-T6 aluminum. Here's a breakdown:
Yield Strength:
- 7075-T6: Around 73,000 psi
- 6061-T6: Around 40,000 psi
This means 7075-T6 has nearly twice the yield strength of 6061-T6, which is crucial for resisting permanent deformation under load.
Ultimate Tensile Strength: - 7075-T6: Around 83,000 psi
- 6061-T6: Around 45,000 psi
Again, 7075-T6 is significantly higher in ultimate tensile strength, indicating it can handle higher loads before failure.
Thickness Difference:
While 1/4" thick 6061-T6 is 33% thicker than 3/16" thick 7075-T6, the strength difference between the two alloys more than compensates for the slight thickness increase of 6061-T6.
In summary, even at a thinner thickness, 3/16" 7075-T6 aluminum outperforms 1/4" 6061-T6 in terms of both yield and tensile strength, making it better suited for applications requiring high strength and durability.
uhmw faq
will the uhmw hardware damage the fuel tank?
No: The UHMW panels are secured to the aluminum skid using small nylock jamnuts. Countersunk bolts of very specific lengths are used to avoid excessive threads on the backside (top) of the skid. We also provide rubber snap on covers to provide additional protection to prevent wear on the fuel tanks!
what our customers are saying
★★★★★After this go around with Moab and Holy cross, the diff skids did their job and protected my Jeep. My rear aluminum bumper performed phenomenally on the trail!
Rennato Lopez
Colorado Springs, CO
★★★★★Can’t say enough about Dan and his ultra skilled team! Dan was able to get us in for a skidplate with UHMW & sliders for our JKUR. The fit, finish and quality are just out of this world! Can you say “stacked dimes”? Absolutely gorgeous welds…
Lance Wende
Montrose, CO
★★★★★2 years later I'm writing this review. I've beaten the crap out of this thing hitting rocks, winching, draging it down obstacles, and now exposed to the Florida elements. The bumper looks like it did the day they sent it. You will not find a better company to work with that cares about their clients and their products!
Kelly Colwell
Panama City, FL
★★★★★My rear Next Venture diff skid takes a beating! Best rear diff skid available. Well done!
Lee Bower
★★★★★Without a doubt, Next Venture Motorsports is my first stop for epic Jeep parts. Their JL aluminum front and rear featherweight bumpers are solidly built, easy enough to install, and crafted to perfection. I can't wait for more products for my 2 door JL!
Michael Collette
Kimberly, WI
★★★★★They invited me and my whole crew in for a tour of the facility on our way to Moab. These guys not only produce amazing armor for your Jeep, they are really good people. So, I’ve been running their rear diff skid for 9 months and it has easily held up to everything I’ve thrown at it.
Gary Swogger
Felton, DE
