dont know if this is the right spot for this but...

[JasonG]

does anyone know of a good place to get some skid plates/diff covers and such?

or better yet, do you know anyone local that can makes these (which might make them cheaper)?

thanks in advance

[albsvx]

from the research that I've done over time, here are my top picks.

SOLID diff covers (same as what was previously ROCKCRUSHER)

33engineering belly up transfer case skid

skid-row engine/transmission skid (confirmed to work along with the 33engineering tcase skid)

[Doball]

http://www.badapplefab.com/ $100 for the pair powdercoated in common colors.

Skids, I would go with your budget. Something is better than nothing.

Check out the locals. You can go pick up what you bought and save on shipping, you also have a lot more say in what you get.

http://www.detoursusa.com/

http://www.bandittoffroad.com/

[JasonG]

thanks for the info. i will check these people out!

after the run saturday, i realized my jeep in now more capable than the protection i have:)

i musta slammed my steering box at least twice (it has a decent gouge now, but still steers fine) and my gas tank 3 times:)

time to armor up!!!!!

[albsvx]

imo, a complete diff cover replacement is a lot better than just a ring

as for local places, I've contacted a few in the past about doing skid plates, and none of them have anything pre-made that you can order and bolt on, they all seem to want to do on-vehicle fab, and let you know how much it costs after it's done.  (I haven't even been able to get a rough ballpark estimate from any of the places I've contacted)  That's why I suggest using somebody that already has it all fabbed out, that you can just buy and bolt on.

[JasonG]

and let you know how much it costs after it's done. 

that is something i dont like, i want a price up front(at least a good ballpark figure) before i do anything like this.

so since you've covered those bases(and im sure your covered them well) i guess i'll go for pre-fab'd bolt ons.

(however i'll still call around and check for myself:)im hard headed like that)

[reg]

http://jt4x4.com/smf/index.php?topic=339.0

http://jt4x4.com/smf/index.php?topic=338.0

[Doball]

That's a really good point Al. I've never bought from a local guy, but they do have good reps. I understand making something to fit, but a TJ gas tank skid is the same on every TJ unless they're trying some weird mounting to go with a custom bumper.

[Erik]

Jason,

Contact Gregg Lamb at Bandittoffroad.com or on his BB  http://www.bandittoffroad.com/forums/index.php He's also pretty active on Cave76, he just posted pics of a Rubicon he did a Clayton Long Arm lift with Banditt Offroad sliders.  I've asked for prices before and got quotes.  PLUS, you're in a TJ, and I know he's done plenty of them, shouldn't be a problem.  His fabricating is top notch and his prices are good.  When ANYONE is ready for steering upgrades, his is SOLID and inexpensive at $300.  I know a couple of guys who've had it installed and are absolutely giddy about it.

[reg]

I've seen a few things from Banditt and it some high quality stuff!  He makes some awesome xj sliders!  oh, and good tj stuff too

[CnoteTJ]

He just priced a rear bumper with tire carrier, the same one featured for a TJ on his page for $650.