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How to Install SkyJacker High Clearance Skid Plate (97-06 Wrangler TJ, Excluding Unlimited) on your Jeep Wrangler
Tools Required
- Safety Glasses
- Metric / Standard Wrenches & Sockets
- Floor Jack
- Jack Stands
- Torque Wrench
Shop Parts in this Guide
Before beginning the installation, thoroughly & completely read these instructions & the enclosed driver’s WARNING NOTICE. Affix the WARNING decal in the passenger compartment in clear view of all occupants. Please refer to the Parts List to insure that all parts & hardware are received prior to the disassembly of the vehicle. If any parts are found to be missing, contact SKYJACKER® Customer Service at 318-388-0816 to obtain the needed items. If you have any questions or reservations about installing this product, contact SKYJACKER® Technical Assistance at 318-388- 0816.
Important Notes:
• If this product is to be installed on a 1997 - 2002 Jeep TJ with a manual transmission, Part # SPS28M must be ordered seperately.
• This high clearance skid plate will not work on 2003 - 2006 Jeep TJ / LJ models with a manual transmission.
• If a Skyjacker Rock Ready suspension system is not being used, a one inch body lift & one inch motor mounts must be installed for transmission clearance. The SP176 give 1 1/2" more ground clearance over the OEM skid plate.
Kit Box Breakdown:
Installation:
1. Secure & properly block the tires of the vehicle on a level concrete or asphalt surface.
2. Properly support the transmission using a floor jack & jack stands in preperation for removing the OEM skid plate.
3. Remove the OEM skid plate & exhaust bracket. Install the OEM rubber bushings into the new Skyjacker exhaust bracket. (See Photo # 1)
4. Install the new Skyjacker exhaust bracket to the new Skyjacker transmission mount using the supplied 5/16" x 1" hardware. Note: The exhaust bracket will mount to the bottom side of the transmission bracket.
5. Install the transmission bracket to the transmission using the OEM hardware.
6. Install the OEM rubber mount to the bottom of the transmission bracket using the supplied 7/16" x 1" hardware. (See Photo # 2)
7. Install the air compressor bracket (Rubicon models only) to the side of the new Skyjacker skid plate using the supplied 5/16" x 1" button head bolts. Place the spacer over the mounting location closest to the center of the skid plate. (See Photo # 3)
8. Install the air compressor bracket to the relocation bracket using the supplied 5/16" x1" hardware & install to the inner mount using the supplied 5/16" x 1" button head bolts. (See Photo # 4)
9. Install the new Skyjacker skid plate to the frame using the OEM hardware. Note: Be sure to attach the rubber mount using the OEM hardware. (See Photo # 5)
FINAL NOTES:
• After the installation is complete, double check that all nuts & bolts are tight. Refer to the following chart for the proper torque specifications. (Do not retighten the nuts & bolts where thread lock compound was used.)
• With the vehicle placed on the ground, cycle the steering lock to lock & inspect the steering, suspension, brake lines, front & rear drivelines, fuel lines, & wiring harnesses for proper operation, tightness, & adequate clearance.
• After the first 100 miles, check all hardware for the proper torque & periodically thereafter.
