I just bought my first Jeep which is an 09 JKU. The previous owner had bought a skid plate to replace the stock skid plate which has rust on it. From what I can tell it also holds the fuel tank in place. I figured there were straps under the tank but I can’t see any. My question is about the replacement skid that he gave me. It doesn’t appear to be the correct one. Everything looks correct except for a round tube type brace across the front on the skid plate as seen in the photos. Does anyone know if this will fit or what this fits? From my research they are all the same skid on the JKU’s.

 

I removed that factory skid to bang it back to flat before installing my Rock Hard skid system. Man, it was a real pain in the ass. If you do it, you really need to commit to dropping the entire gas tank and all that entails with the connections. I spent a lot of time and effort trying to keep the tank in place with ratchet straps and such. I probably spent more time than it was worth.

Is the current one rusted through that bad? Unless it's completely unsalvageable, I'd clean it up and protect with your method of choice. Underbelly rust is just an issue on these JKs. If you live in rust areas, you just need to be diligent about protecting. I can't tell from the picture.....is that piece your questioning bolted on?

 

 

 

I never had any problem removing mine (I have done 2 both 4 doors) to pound the dents out before putting on aftermarket skids, just run your tank nearly empty and use straps to hold the actual tank in place. I have also used both rough country and rubicon express gas tank skid plates and both were good values.

 

https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/s...ank-skid-plate

The factory skid is merely holding the tank in place. $131 for the RE gas skid (shipped) using "JKFORUM" discount code. Trust me, it's worth the time savings to not drop the factory IMO and/or risk any of the connectors on the fuel lines. If you went that route and the factory skid bottom completely disintegrated, you wouldn't even notice it. Then you could just sell that spare you have.....and whatever is on it, and let it be someone else's problemo.

jadmt - maybe I tried to support mine wrong. It was a real hassle for me, and upon re-installing it I couldn't get my straps out from between the tank and the skid, so basically just had to cut them. I still have little orange pieces of strap peaking out

Welcome to the forum btw OP. Glad you finally made it! Lots of support here for any issues you may run across.

 

 

 

Nope, that just goes right over the factory gas skid as well. If you look at some pics, you can see the factory skid hiding under it.

The one thing I'd say about either of those skids, they leave the bolts to the cross member fully exposed. On the 4dr wheelbase that is an area that sees a lot of contact if you play in the rocks. If you don't, nbd at all. If that is a concern at all, you could look at the Rock Hard bolt domes which I believe can be purchased individually.