Skid plates are an essential upgrade for just about any 4x4 that likes to travel on more than just paved roads, and for good reason. Your Jeep or 4x4 may be a rugged off-road machine, but its underbelly houses some expensive, low-hanging components that could really ruin your day if damaged.

Skid plates aren't just for hardcore rock crawlers; overlanders and weekend warriors will find value in installing skid plates to protect their rigs. Northridge4x4 is home to a vast selection of heavy-duty skid plates for Jeep JKs, JLs, JTs, Ford Broncos, and more!

Skid Plates Q&A

Q: What Do Skid Plates Do?

A: Skid plates are protective barriers for your Jeep or 4x4's vital underbody components. When off-road they act as shields against trail obstacles, preventing damage to components such as the oil pan, transfer case and transmission.

Q: Are Skid Plates Easy to Install?

A: Yes! Most Skid Plates found at Northridge4x4 are 100% bolt on, ensuring you can easily get them bolted on in an afternoon. Some skid plates do require minor drilling or welding.

Q: Do Skid Plates Reduce Ground Clearance?

A: Most our of Skid Plate offerings are designed to actually increase ground clearance thanks to their sleek designs.

Q: Do I Need Skid Plates To Go Off-Road?

A: Yes. If you take your Jeep or 4x4 off-road, Skid Plates help to prevent damage to expensive underbody components. 

Q: Are Factory Skid Plates Enough?

A: Factory plates are better than nothing, however they are made of thin metal and don't provide enough protection to your underbody components. Upgrading to heavy-duty aftermarket options are a great choice for peace of mind while off-roading.

Areas That Need Skid Plate Protection

There are many components underneath your Jeep or 4x4 that are in desperate need of protection if you plan on off-roading. Adding skid plates to these components ensures you have a durable barrier of protection (and peace of mind), no matter how tough the trail gets.

Lets face it, modern day Jeeps and 4x4's can be incredibly pricey, so it only makes sense to protect them with underbody skid plates. Help keep your investment safe and gain the confidence to get after it on the trail by adding heavy-duty skid plates to key areas on your rig!

Oil Pan & Transmission

• On stock Jeep Wranglers & Gladiators, the oil pan and transmission are completely exposed.
• Skid Plates prevent punctures and dents to the oil pan, preventing leaks and internal damage. Also provides protection to the transmission & low hanging transmission lines.

Transfer Case

• Damaging your transfer case off-road could result in a loss of 4 wheel drive, which could leave you stranded on the trail.
• The thin OEM skid plate found on Jeeps doesn't provide complete protection to the transfer case.
• Heavy-duty aftermarket skid plates provide stronger, more complete coverage for your transfer case.

Fuel Tank

• The fuel tank is one of the largest underbody components and most common components to get scraped and dinged off-road.
• Thick steel skid plates provide much needed protection to your fuel tank. Aluminum skid plate options allow for weight savings.

Front Bumper Skid Plate

• Protects the engine, radiator and the sway bar disconnect motor from damage off-road. 

Control Arms

• Factory control arm mounts are thin and prone to failure from off-road abuse.
• Skid Plates reinforce the mounts and deflect damage, preventing cracked, damaged mounts and control arm damage.

Shock Mounts

• Shock mounts hang very low, below the axles, leading to frequent impacts with trail obstacles.
• Skid Plates prevent cracked, bent mounts and shock absorber damage.

Differentials

• Lowest hanging underbody component, frequently scraped and banged by obstacles on the trail.
• Skid Plates & Diff Covers prevent ring & pinion damage, preventing fluid loss and failure on the trail.

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