[Morcs]

Hi guys, need some opinions with guards.
Obviously more guards is great, but I'm more interested in what's recommended for my purpose.

I'm a novice on 2'' lift on ATs. More touring / light trails, nothing hardout. Its just about brand new so I don't take risks.

Got the jimnybits radial arm guards currently.
Did have a transfer case and front diff guard on my list, and now looking at how frail the rear shock mounts look.

Necessary for me or would I be spending a lot of cash when I probably don't need to?

[4x4xzook]

Depends what sort of driving do you mainly do?

[Morcs]

Haven't done much, hoping to do some weekend trips to out of the way places, grade 1 and 2 type tracks only, no hard wheeling

[sideways]

Fit whatever gives you the confidence to drive whatever you want to drive.

Front diff guard I'd leave unless you're doing really hardcore stuff. The others have their merits. It sound like you want to do similar stuff to what I drive. I don't think I've ever hit my transfer or shocks on anything solid but those goddamn rear radius arm mounts hit on bloody everything. Obviously having a VVT model you will probably want to protect the electronics on the transfer.

[Morcs]

sideways wrote:

Fit whatever gives you the confidence to drive whatever you want to drive.

Front diff guard I'd leave unless you're doing really hardcore stuff. The others have their merits. It sound like you want to do similar stuff to what I drive. I don't think I've ever hit my transfer or shocks on anything solid but those goddamn rear radius arm mounts hit on bloody everything. Obviously having a VVT model you will probably want to protect the electronics on the transfer.

Thanks thats just the sort of info i need.

[Mike57]

I agree with above. Order of priority is radius arm guards, followed by transfer case and then shock mounts last. Don't bother with the diff guard just be careful where you point it. Transfer can have the wires ripped off pretty easily by branches in wooded areas and it can be damaged with a hit from a rock.

Mike

[Gwagensteve]

I don't get (most) guards/skidplates. Personally I think they are tough guy stickers - it's a plate to put over something that was strong enough to take impact anyway and you can ooh and aah at the scratches on it after a drive and convince yourself you've saved damage from your hardcore exploits*.

*This is not the same as building a car with a flat belly that's cool and all, but requires the whole car to be built around the idea of a flat belly. It's not about hanging loads of steel under the car.

HOWEVER

Those radius arm skids are awesome because they actually add capability by removing the anchor the arm mount provides.

I'd also consider a fuel tank guard. A punctured fuel tank makes for an average day out.

As for the transfer, it is plenty strong enough to fend for itself, but the actuator wiring needs to be protected from sticks etc dragging on it. I'd argue this doesn't require or justify a mud catching plate under the car, just a cover or shield over the wiring/ actuator,

[shep]

My advise would be to ignore any jimny advise from gwagon. I have bent my 5mm transfer case guard and I am pretty sure the impact would have trashed the alloy case.

[Gwagensteve]

Did you do that whilst on open diffs, with a 2" lift, 215's and whilst driving on light trails/touring?

My advice is was tailored to the user. I'm sure you've been able to bend/break all sorts of things with your use, but that doesn't mean your solution is relevant for everyone.

I've wheeled with jimny's for years and haven't seen the need, on far more challenging terrain than light trails/touring.

I guess it's up to the OP whether they ignore my advice though, but you're certainly put forward a compelling case for me to be ignored.

[shep]

Open diffs and 225/75/15. There is no downside to underbody guards, even if it is just to stop roadkill removing wiring

[jdk81]

What works for some, may not work for others, there is no right or wrong answer.
Every kg you add brings your car closer GVM, and makes it less capable. But if it gives you peace of mind, go for it.

Guard weight, reduced ground clearance are the only negatives, which is minimal with a good design.

Some of the DIY jobs are stoopid big and heavy, but it works for them.

[cairns27]

Another negative is having to clean the shit they trap every time you drive offroad.


bye

[Gwagensteve]

^ This. It's the reason after setting up Gregc's car with a flat belly, which was loads of work, the hdpe pan has never been fitted. Skid plates also increase heat and noise in the cabin, and can create their own problems, like the owner who had their sump holed in the outback when a stone worked its way between the skid plate and sump on a GV. (has anyone in the history of ever holed a sump on a GV without a skid plate?

Steve.