JLU Aluminum Belly Skids for the 4XE!

This page is specifically for 4XE Wrangler JLU Models. We also offer skids for 2.0 Turbo and 3.6 V6 JLU Models, 3.0 EcoDiesel JLU Models, and 392 Hemi JLU Models.

Want to be ready for any trail, any time? Skid plates provide advanced protection for your JL's most critical components -- your engine, transmission, transfer case, fuel tank, and now your 4xE specific high voltage components, coolant lines and electric motor -- while you're tackling tough terrain, technical obstacles, and of course for the ride home.

When you're looking to save weight, given the added protection these skids offer over factory pieces, full belly skids become the largest piece of real estate to consider on or under your Jeep.

If you want to watch a walk through video of our JLU skid systems, and what installation looks like, watch the video below! This video shows a V6 system being installed, however the JL 4xE video is in the works and the design and installation process are similar.

Product Details

We build these skids out of 1/4" thick 5052 Aluminum because of its superior formability and strength -- compared to many other alloys. The design and shape of the skids largely determine how rigid they will stay over time. We've designed these belly skids to tuck bolt heads up and out of the way, where possible (as can be seen on the rear crossmember and fuel tank skids).

Removal of the factory gas tank skid is required and nets you a noticeable gain in ground clearance. jIn addition, you also lose the weight of the factory steel gas tank skid and some of the other steel underbody protection that is replaced with this system. The weight of the 4xE system is 149 lbs however the total weight gain is offset by the removal of the factory steel gas tank skid etc as mentioned above.

UHMW - The Ultra High Molecular Weight Option

Want to make these skid plates slippery and even more impact-resistant? Select the UHMW Option! UHMW stands for Ultra High Molecular Weight. It's the 3/8" thick black cutting board like material that can be optioned onto these skids; it is more abrasion resistance than carbon steel, and it's fairly light weight. It helps to better distribute and absorb impacts, and keep you sliding along rather than getting stuck or hanging up on an obstacle since it's slippery and self lubricating. If you select this option, the UHMW will come pre-installed on the bottom of the aluminum skids. This option adds only 32 lbs of UHMW to the underside of your vehicle but is a game changer on the trail!

FAQ:

Will this system protect my 4xE Batteries?
The 4xE battery packs are actually located underneath the rear seat of the JLU 4xE. The additional component opposite of the fuel tank is often assumed to be an additional battery pack since the "e-torque" 2.0 turbo models have a battery in this location. There are high voltage components in this location that gain additional protection from this skid plate system however. Anatomy drawings of the Jeep 4xE (excerpt below) are available to the public in the Wrangler Hybrid Emergency Response Guide published by FCA US LLC on Mopar's website here: https://www.mopar.com/content/dam/mopar/images/first-responders/pdf/2021_JL_ERG.pdf

Will this system work with my long arm suspension kit?
These belly skids will work with Rock Krawler, EVO, and Teraflex* Long Arm kits with some minor modifications. Please speak with your suspension manufacturer directly to confirm fitment of their kit with your 4XE and any other modifications specific to their kit.

*Teraflex long arm kits do require slight modification to the fuel tank skid as this suspension kit relocates the rear lower control arms underneath the frame rail where the fuel tank skid would otherwise interfere -- 5 minutes with a cutoff wheel prior to installation resolves this issue.

Can I add the UHMW Kit later?
Yes; however you will have to remove your belly skids if they are already installed. There is labor and less steps involved if you order the system equipped with UHMW originally.

Additional Details

Products are designed and fabricated to fit vehicles that have varying tolerances from the factory, minor hand fitting may be required.

Products are shipped bare metal unless otherwise specified by the customer. Bare metal products may have scratches or surface imperfections as a result of raw material handling, manufacturing, and fabrication. However, these imperfections are easily covered up with a textured powder coat finish. Additional finishing, sanding, and prep work may be required if you wish to also have them finished with a smooth powder coat or paint.

Projected lead times are estimates only, and are subject to changes due to production realities, including material and labor availability and sudden variability in order volume. Lead times are not guaranteed, but we do guarantee that we are hard at work trying to get the best product we can produce and into our customers’ hands as quickly as possible.

All Next Venture Motorsports products are laser cut, CNC formed, and hand-weld with pride in the USA. We are a Colorado-based business, and welcome visitors by appointment at our Grand Junction, CO headquarters. We hope to see you out there on the trail soon!