I spent a few hours working on measuring for a YJ skid this morning. Here are some renderings of what I came up with. The attached renderings show a 3″ deep version of the skid plate. The factory skid is 3 3/4″ deep total, so this version saves about 3/4″ over the factory piece. I will be installing the prototype skid on a ‘95 model next weekend. There will be 2″ deep version for use with a 1″ body lift. I may even offer a 1″ deep option of the demand is there, but it will be for use with 2″ or greater body lift or a custom transmission mount. It will be offered in 3/16″ steel (60lbs), 1/4″ steel (75lbs) and 1/4″ 6061-T6 aluminum (30 lbs). Pricing is TBD. If everything goes as planned I will add them to the website in the next few weeks. The first picture shows an optional cross-member in the rear of the skid for mounting a traction link.

We are now prototyping the ‘97-’02 TJ Engine Skid Plate. Initial model is now complete and the first article has been ordered from the laser shop. We will be installing this product to test for fit before the item is added to the online store. Here are a couple renderings of the initial model.

UCF ‘03-’06 TJ/LJ Aluminum Engine Skid Plate

This is a 3D model of the new LATE TJ Engine Skid. Take a minute to download the viewer and check out the new product.

UCF is now offering FREE SHIPPING with the purchase of any (2) UCF Differential Covers. This offer can’t be used in combination with any other offers. Enter the discount code “DIFFCOVERS” in the shopping cart to receive free shipping.

This UCF Engine Skid Plate was designed to fit the ‘03-’06 Jeep Wrangler TJ and Wrangler Unlimited LJ.  The skid plate itself is laser cut from 1/4″ thick 6061-T6 aluminum plate.  It is then formed on a press brake with radius tooling to retain the strength of the material in the bend region.  This shape produces an incredibly strong part that is capable of supporting the entire weight of the front half of the Jeep if necessary.  The skid plate itself is only 11lbs.  The complete kit weighs in at 16lbs.

There are 2 sets of mounting holes on the front side of the engine skid to provide different mounting locations so that you can take advantage of the clearance afforded by a motor mount lift.

The skid plate will be shipped with all needed mounting hardware and steel brackets and struts to attach the front of the skid to the frame.  All parts will ship bare of coatings.

Note:

A)  You may be responsible for drilling your transfer case skid plate for the rear mounting hardware.  All new UCF transfer case skid plates will include mounting holes for this part.

B) This product may fit other manufacturers transfer case skid plates.  No guarantee is made that it will be compatible with stock or other aftermarket transfer case skids.

We made some progress on the new LATE model TJ engine skid. I will be installing this system on my LJ to work out the kinks that sometimes appear in prototypes. The main body of the engine skid is 1/4″ 6061-T6 aluminum. The struts and motor mount brackets are carbon steel. The skid plate itself weighs in at 11lbs. It’s 16lbs with the steel struts, brackets and hardware. Combined with the UCF transfer case skid the whole system weighs in at 42lbs. That’s not much weight for so much protection. I will try to have the prototype installed by this weekend and post pictures of the completed install.

Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.

I am having a small quantity of  UCF T-Shirts made.  They will be black XL shirts with a logo on the front pocket-area and a different design on the back.  I will post up some pictures when they arrive from the screen-printer.  Please let me know if there is any interest in buying them.  I may add them to the online store.

UCF would like to introduce the new 6061-T6 alulminum winch plate.  It is laser cut from 1/4″ aluminum plate and formed with radius tooling to 90 degrees on the front and back side. Weighing in at just under 8lbs, they save 15lbs over their carbon steel cousins while only sacrificing 4% of their strength. That amount of weight savings is just about the same as what you would get from switching to synthetic winch line. The price is just $129.99.

Designed for use with the standard 4 1/2″ x 10″ mounting pattern (fits Warn and most others). This winch plate sits far enough forward that you can still run the factory sway bar. The design of the front flange complements Hawse or roller fairleads.

6061-T6 Aluminum Winch Plate for Jeep TJ

I added product listings for the new UCF Ultra High-Clearance Transfer Case Skids.  These skid plates are only 1″ deep.  They require the use of a 2″ body-lift if you want to install them without any tub interference.  They can be installed with a 1″ body lift if you clearance the tube at a couple areas on top of the transfer case.  Installing one of these skids on an ‘03-06 TJ yields as much belly-clearance gain as installing tires that are 7″ larger in diameter.

http://www.undercoverfab.com/28-ultra-high-clearance-skid-plate-alum – Aluminum Skids

http://www.undercoverfab.com/29-ultra-high-clearance-skid-plate-carbon – Carbon Steel Skids

We have been asked on several occasions about the strength of our 1/4″ 6061-T6 aluminum skid plates compared to their carbon steel counterparts.  Here is a brief explanation of the material properties of the two skid plates that may clear-up some confusion.

It’s difficult to compare the 1/4″ carbon steel skid to the 1/4″ 6061-T6 skid by simply stating which is stronger. The 6061-T6 has a sligntly higher yield strength (40,000 psi) than the 1/4″ carbon steel skid (36,000 psi). That simply means that it will take more load before it takes a permanent bend. The carbon steel plate we use has a higher ultimate tensile strength (58,000 psi minimum) than the 6061-T6 (45,000 psi). That simply means that it can take more load before failure. The steel plate has an advantage in that it has a larger margin between the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength. This makes it more forgiving and “ultimately” stronger.

We are pleased to announce the UCF has teamed up with JeepForum.com to be a Sponsoring Vendor. You can find us hanging out on JF, reading tech and posting about our own products into the wee hours of the night. Feel free to PM us from there anytime. Our user-name is “undercoverfab”.  Click HERE to visit jeepforum.com.

Here are some pictures of our Ford 8.8 Diff Cover. It comes with mounting hardware.

I snapped a few pictures of a Dana 60 cover today. I ships with a fill plug and mounting bolts.