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How to Install a Rugged Ridge Engine and Transmission Skid Plate on your 2012 Wrangler JK
Shop Parts in this Guide
Contents:
Skid Plate (1)
Left Support Bracket (1)
Right Support Bracket (1)
M10 x 30 Hex Bolts (4)
M10Nylon Nuts (4)
M10 Flat Washers (8)
PLEASE READ INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE INSTALLING SKID PLATE.
Caution: Wear eye protection when working under 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 remaining 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 new engine skid plate will installs on top of the transfer case skid plate (see instructions for details).
Step 1. Remove the factory engine skid plate (If equipped). Do not discard hardware it will be re-used later (pic.1).
Step 2. Loosen the main engine mount bolt nut to the end of the threads on the bolt. Do not take the nut o . You may need to use a rubber mallet to move the bolt towards the rear of the vehicle (pic.2).
Step 3. Insert (1) M10 x 30 hex bolt and washer through the engine frame bracket. The bolt and washer goes in the hole closest to the rear of the vehicle. Repeat for other side (pic.3).
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 through the bottom hole in the skid plate bracket. Place a washer and nylon nut onto the bolt. Do not tighten at this time. Repeat for other side (pic.4).
Step 5. (Automatic Vehicles ONLY). If transmission cooling lines make contact with mounting bracket minor adjustment to the lines will be needed. Slide large channel locks, or an adjustable wrench over expansion block as shown in (pic.5). Carefully rotate block until lines clear the mounting bracket.
Step 6. Place the skid plate onto the mid vehicle cross member using hardware saved in step #1. If factory transfer case skid plate is to be reused place it over the top of the new Rugged Ridge engine skid plate. If installed with H/D Rugged Ridge transfer case skid plate (18003.32) place engine skid plate on top of transfer case skid plate. Do not tighten bolts at this time (pic.6).
Step 7. Using (1) M10 x 30mm hex bolt, (2) at 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 (pic.7).
Step 8. Using (1) M10 x 30mm hex bolt, (2) at washers, and a nylock nut attach the support bracket to the passenger side of the skid plate. The rear most mounting hole is to be used for 2012 and newer vehicles (pic.8).
Tighten all bolts. Torque engine mount and cross member bolts to manufacturers speci cations.
To access the engine oil drain plug remove one of the allen head bolt 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.
