Description
Dual-Plate Jeep JK Aluminum Front Bumper Skid Plate
For additional underbody protection we designed our dual-plate, Jeep JK aluminum front bumper skid plate. This design uses a 3/16” 6061-T6 aluminum primary skid plate that joins the Alpha A/T Jeep Wrangler to the Jeep JK factory impact beam. We then added a secondary 3/16” layer to the design, also 6061-T6 aluminum, to provide additional impact protection and durability.Our aluminum construction offers the advantages of lightweight and high-strength protection, but in this specific application it brings another strong advantage over steel: rust proof. Skid plates are going to take damage, especially to the powder coating, and if you are using a steel skid plate that means you are going to see rust unless you are quick with the touch up paint.
Our all aluminum design doesn’t need coating, we could ship them uncoated and they would never rust. The powder coating is there for appearance, so you can leave those battle scars as badges of honor.
And even though we could ship them uncoated we want them to look as good as they perform. Both the skid plate and bash plate components receive a 2-stage matte black powder coating. All fasteners are grade 8.8 and OE-grade triple coated for maximum corrosion protection (1000+ hr salt spray test).
Designed for use with the Alpha A/T Jeep Wrangler front bumper system, will not work with factory or other aftermarket bumpers.
Features- Dual-Plate High-Impact Resistant Design
- Lightweight / High-Strength
- Corrosion Resistant Aluminum Construction
- 12.5 lbs (Installed Weight)
- 2-Stage Powder Coating
- Triple Coated Grade 8.8 Fasteners
- US-Made
- No Cut / No Drill Installation
Why Aluminum for a Skid Plate?
Why would we use anything else? An important part of good engineering and design is using the right materials for application. And in the case of a skid plate aluminum is the logical material for the job. While we are all about innovative design we aren’t the first to use aluminum for skid plates, this material has been used for years for this application. The design goal for a skid plate is simple: Protect the components behind the skid plate and withstand the secondary abuses of the usage environment.We start with 3/16” thick 6061-T6 aluminum plate. 3/16” plate gives us comparable impact resistance of 1/8” steel plate with a considerable reduction in weight. Next we added a secondary reinforcing plate or “bash plate” in the area that would see the bulk of rock or debris strikes. This double plate area offers an impact resistance comparable to 1/4” steel.
Corrosion and Coatings
As the primary function of the skid plate is to take impact abuse while protecting the vehicle. With a steel skid plate that presents an obvious problem: Rust. As each heavy impact is most likely going to damage and remove the protective paint or powder coating this will leave the underlying structure exposed to the elements. If that structure is made from steel that means you are facing rust or time spent repairing the damaged/removed coating.With aluminum this is not an issue as the aluminum, on contact with oxygen in the atmosphere, develops a surface oxide layer that protects the aluminum. This oxide layer reforms immediately if damage occurs. Our all aluminum design doesn’t need coating at all to withstand corrosion and we could ship them uncoated without issue. The powder coating is there for appearance and you can leave those skid plate battle scars as badges of honor.
Fasteners
To ensure high-strength performance we use all grade 8.8 fasteners on the Dual-Plate Jeep JK Aluminum Front Bumper Skid Plate. These are treated with a 3-stage OE-grade coating for maximum corrosion protection (1,000+ hr salt spray test certification).Weight- 12.5 lbs (Installed)
Materials
- 6061-T6 Aluminum
- 3/16” Primary Skid Plate and Bash Plate
- Laser Cut and CNC Bent
Powder Coating and Protection
- Corrosion Resistant Aluminum Construction
- 2-Stage Powder Coating
- Triple Coated Grade 8.8 Fasteners
Design
- Dual-Plate High-Impact Resistant Design
- Lightweight / High-Strength
Vehicle
- 2007+ Jeep JK Wrangler (w/ Alpha A/T Jeep Wrangler)
Required Tools and Materials:
The Alpha A/T Jeep Wrangler aluminum front bumper is a No Cut / No Drill installation. To efficiently complete the installation of your Alpha A/T Jeep Wrangler aluminum front bumper skid plate you will need the following tools and materials, in addition to those parts supplied with your Alpha A/T Jeep Wrangler Skid Plate.Tools
- 17mm Socket (and suitable ratchet)
- 17mm Wrench (box/open)
Materials
- Touch-up Paint (for vehicle frame if required)
MFES-JK Skid Plate Install Guide:
