[Mirko]

Hi,
I'm new member and new jimny owner from Croatia.
Previous to jimny I had hyundai galloper and even with long off-roading experience, jimny is something quite different and new to me. Previous to my purchase there were 4 jimnys in my hometown. Two of them had T-case issue due to unprotected wires that were easily stripped by some fern and watles. Therefore I have mounted a t-case skid/guard plate.
But, as I live in an area with strong winter conditions I noticed that this skid was a nice snow collecting pit and even with holes drilled, snow would not melt.
This spring I was off-road and found out that there was a huge bunch of ferns and grass stuck under the plate and in it's holes. Fortunately grass was wet. Otherwise jimny could flare up easily. And this happened few times by now. Unwilling to take a risk of flame, two days ago I took the plate off. (I have to say, this t-case skid was made by local tinsmith who copied ideas from the internet).
So, now I am seeking for help and an advice. Can someone, please, tell me some other solution how to protect a t-case? Do you have a t-case skid that is well constructed and doesn't serve as a waste tank? Any ideas?
If there is nothing else but a skid, I'have to put it back again. Considering geting a new one online, but not sure which one. I know you have no snow problems overthere, but there is fern or grass, I guess. Maybe you can recommend something that you're satisfied with.
Thank you, Mirko.

[AckerDackerly]

Check this product out:

http://www.zuksoffroad.com/1714-bolt-SUPER-Snatch-t-case-cradle-kit--Bare-Naked_p_182.html

Zuks Offroad is one of the best manufacturers of aftermarket Samurai products in the US, The owner, Myron (or "MY" on the InterWebs) provides unequaled product support!

I hope that this helps!

[Mirko]

Thanks! I'll have a look right now.
Best regards.
Mirko.

[Mirko]

Had a look. Strange design.
250$ + delivery costs (to Croatia) + croatian taxes&fees isn't that cheap. Maybe some other-some cheaper ideas?
Even if I decide to order this one, I have to be more or less sure this one is ok and I can drive in snow and grass with no problems. Can someone share some experience, please!
By the way, I have a brand new car and a warranty that I can't spoil. I am not allowed to drill and I should mount it on existing holes.

[bumstein]

Is there a fabricator nearby that could make one from thicker plate steel? Should be a lot cheaper and they might be able to make it to fit the existing mounting points

[Mirko]

Yes, I thought of that, too. But this one that I have mounted wasn't a good solution. As I've described above, served as a snow container in the winter and grass/bush collector in the spring time. What I need is a good idea, something that someone has and that seams to be a good solution for a reasonable price. Asking too much, I guess.

[Gwagensteve]

I think the answer is to work out how to protect the wires alone.

Transfer case skids are really intended to prevent damage to the alloy case from contact with rocks. Using a skid plate in the conditions you describe is always going to result in debris collecting on top of the plate. I built a skid for a Sierra many years ago but we have never fitted it because mostly, we drive in muddy conditions so it will suffer from the same problem you are describing.

I don't have much experience with the electric shift Jimny case, but I assume it looks like this (without the breather)



If so, I can see how those wires will be a problem. Firstly, they are only wires - they can be lengthened or moved to make them less vulnerable to damage. Also, a small cover from 3mm steel or equivalent could be made to cover the areas the wiring connects to the case. Even if these areas became packed with grass, it couldn't cause a fire.

I will say though that I doubt there is enough heat in the exhaust piping to start a fire. Catalytic converters can definitely get hot enough to ignite grass (this has been a problem in Australia) but not the pipe where it runs past the transfer.

Steve.

[Mike57]

I use the compact transfer case guard which does not cover the exhaust. Here is a link to the APIO version. We have the same problem with Spinifex grass collecting near exhausts in Australia and this is the reason I do not like the full sized cover plate.

http://item.rakuten.co.jp/apio/3300_42/

[Mirko]

Thank you, Mike. It wasn't easy to read Japanese kanji, but I managed somehow, ha, ha. Just kiding.
This one I like the best. It is very small and I think it is very convenient protection for my off-road conditions. The one I've had was hudge and I had to take it off. Thanks! I belive this is a good recommendation and I should order one.
Mirko.

[Mike57]

I don't know how much this will cost when buying from Japan. I purchased from a Chinese company that was making copies for a while and it was reasonably priced but they seem to have gone now. Try Google for "Compact transfer case guard" and see what comes up.

[Mirko]

Yes, I'll do that. I am willing to order from Japan (if no other way) and pay if this is a right one. I just don't want to waste money once again. But, I'll try with google first.