JLU Aluminum Belly Skids

This page is specifically for 3.6 V6 JLU Models. We also offer skids for 2.0 Turbo JLU Models, Factory 392 Hemi JLU Models, and 3.0 EcoDiesel JLU Models.

Want to be ready for any trail, any time? Skid plates provide advanced protection for your JL's most critical components -- your engine, transmission, transfer case, DEF tank, and fuel tank -- while you're tackling tough terrain, technical obstacles, and of course for the ride home.

When you're looking to save weight, given the added protection these skids offer over factory pieces, full belly skids become the largest piece of real estate to consider on or under your Jeep. 

You can find out more about the features of our skid system, and how it installs in this video!

Product Details

We build these skids out of 1/4" thick 5052 Aluminum for its superior formability and strength -- compared to many other alloys. The design and shape of the skids largely determine how rigid they will stay over time. We've designed these belly skids to tuck bolt heads up and out of the way, where possible (as can be seen on the rear crossmember and fuel tank skids).

Removal of the factory gas tank skid is required and nets you a 3/4" gain in ground clearance; in addition, you also lose the weight of the factory steel gas tank skid and some of the other steel underbody protection that is replaced with this system. The weight of our system is 104 lbs (110 lbs with the optional e-torque skid) however the total weight gain is offset by the removal of the factory steel gas tank skid etc as mentioned above.

We also designed these pieces with compatibility in mind for popular aftermarket suspension kits (such as the Rock Krawler Long Arm Suspension with minimal modifications required), larger axles, and multiple engine choices (such as the Hemi 6.4 seen in some of these photos.)

UHMW - The Ultra High Molecular Weight Option

Want to make these skid plates slippery and even more impact-resistant? Select the UHMW Option! UHMW stands for Ultra High Molecular Weight. It's the 3/8" thick black cutting board like material that can be optioned onto these skids; it is more abrasion resistance than carbon steel, and it's fairly 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. If you select this option, the UHMW will come pre-installed on the bottom of the aluminum skids.

*If you completed an engine swap on your JLU, please contact us before ordering so we can get everything right! We are working on JL 2 Door models, however don't have them yet. Keep an eye out for an update on our website for those soon!*

FAQ:

Is a lift required for clearance to suspension components?
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 models. No lift or bump stop extension is required for the 2.0 I4 engine.

Will this system work with my long arm suspension kit?
These belly skids will work with Rock Krawler, EVO, and Teraflex* Long Arm kits with minor modifications.

*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.

Can I add the UHMW Kit later?
Yes; however you will have to remove your belly skids if they are already installed.

Additional Details

If are working on a Custom Hemi Swap, please give us a call so we can get familiar with your specific needs.

The skids shown in some images are pre-production units; production units shipping now have countersunk bolts that mount flush on the bottom-most surface of the skids. 

Products are designed and fabricated to fit vehicles that have varying tolerances from the factory, minor hand fitting may be required.

Products are shipped bare metal unless otherwise specified by the customer. Bare metal products may have scratches or surface imperfections as a result of raw material handling, manufacturing, and fabrication. However, these imperfections are easily covered up with a textured powder coat finish. Additional finishing, sanding, and prep work may be required if you wish to also have them finished with a smooth powder coat or paint.

Projected lead times are estimates only, and are subject to changes due to production realities, including material and labor availability and sudden variability in order volume. Lead times are not guaranteed, but we do guarantee that we are hard at work trying to produce the best product we can and get it into our customers’ hands as quickly as possible.

All Next Venture Motorsports products are laser cut, CNC formed, and hand-weld with pride in the USA. We are a Colorado-based business, and welcome visitors by appointment at our Grand Junction, CO headquarters. We hope to see you out there on the trail soon!