How to Install Rugged Ridge Engine and Transmission Skid Plate, Black Powder Coat on your Wrangler

Contents:
Skid Plate (1)
Left Support Bracket (1)
Right Support Bracket (1)
M10 x 30 Hex Bolts (4)
M10 Nylock Nuts (4)
M10 Flat Washers (8)

Caution: Wear eye protection when working under the vehicle.

Note: If your vehicle is equipped with a factory transfer case skid plate the bolts that attach it to the cross member will need to be removed. The other bolts will need to be loosened so that the skid plate can be lowered if already installed. If using with the Rugged Ridge Transfer Case Skid Plate you will remove the two outer bolts on the skid plate and leave the center bolt tight. The engine skid plate installs on top of the transfer case skid plate.

Step 1. Remove the factory engine skid plate (if equipped). Do not
discard hardware it will be re-used later.

Step 2. Insert (1) M10 x 30mm hex bolt and washer thru the engine frame bracket. The bolt and washer goes in the hole closest to the rear of the vehicle. Repeat for other side.

Step 3. Loosen the main engine mount bolt nut to the end of the threads on the bolt. Do not take the nut off. You may need to use a rubber mallet to move the bolt towards the rear of the vehicle.

Step 4. Place the driver side skid plate mount onto the engine frame mount. The large slotted opening goes on the main engine bolt. When installing the bracket feed the M10 bolt thru the bottom hole in the skid plate bracket. Place a washer and nylock nut onto the bolt. Do not tighten at this time. Repeat for other side.

Step 5. Place the skid plate onto the mid vehicle cross member. Using the factory hardware attach the skid plate to the cross member. Using with a factory transfer case skid plate bolt the transfer case skid plate over the engine skid plate. Using a Rugged Ridge transfer skid plate bolt the engine skid plate over the transfer case skid plate. Do not tighten bolts at this time.

Step 6. Using (1) M10 x 30mm hex bolt, (2) flat washers, and a nylock nut attach the support bracket to the drivers side of the skid plate. The bracket mounts to the inside of the skid plate. With a marker or scribe mark the mounting hole on the passenger side of the skid plate. Drill passenger side mounting hole using a 7/16" drill bit. Using (1) M10 x 30mm hex bolt, (2) flat washers, and a nylock nut attach the support bracket to the passenger side of the skid plate.

Tighten all bolts. Torque engine mount and cross member bolts to manufacturers specifications.

To access the engine oil drain plug remove one of the allen head bolts and loosen the other bolt on the oval shaped cover on the skid plate. Rotate the cover 180 degrees out of the way. The cover may be completely removed if desired.