UCF Deep-Cover Skid Plate System

Full under-belly coverage, configured your way.

The UCF Deep-Cover Skid Plate System is the only custom-configurable skid plate system on the market. On a modest budget, you can protect the most vulnerable spots on your rig. If you're a hard-core rock crawler, you can order the strongest, thickest undercarriage protection available.

Option A: Vehicle era

Deep-Cover protection is offered for Jeep Wranglers from 1987–2006, split into 3 eras:

• YJ skids: 1987–1995 Wranglers
• EARLY TJ skids: 1997–2002 Wrangler TJ
• LATE TJ skids: 2003–2006 Wrangler TJ and LJ

Option B: Transfer case skid material and thickness

Our transfer case skids have been very popular in the Jeeping community for a while now and are widely regarded as the best value on the market.

• Carbon steel in 3/16" or 1/4" thick, or 6061-T6 aluminum hard plate in 1/4" or 3/8" thick
• 3/16" steel is equivalent in strength to 1/4" aluminum; 1/4" steel is equivalent to 3/8" aluminum
• Base system: 3/16" steel transfer case skid (60 lbs)
• Upgrades: 1/4" steel (77 lbs), 1/4" aluminum (27 lbs) or 3/8" aluminum (40 lbs)

Option C: Transfer case skid depth

• No Body-Lift Required: YJ and Late TJ are 3" deep; Early TJ is 2" deep
• Original Extra-Clearance: YJ and Late TJ are 2" deep
• Ultra High-Clearance: all models are 1" deep

Certain depths need other components, such as body lifts, motor mount lifts, LOPRO transmission mounts, an SYE, aftermarket driveshafts and rear upper control arms. More details on the features and requirements of each depth are in our Transfer Case Skid Plates category.

Transfer case skid body-lift chart

Clearance gained over the factory skid, and the body lift each transfer case skid depth needs:

LOPRO mount fit: '97–'02 TJ with the 4.0L, and '03–'06 TJ & LJ. We don't recommend the LOPRO mount on '03–'06 automatics. Please call us if you're considering it.

Option D: Engine skid plate

The engine skid is the only line of defense for your oil pan and transmission pan, which sit right where sharp rocks and limbs hit. Choose:

• 1/4" carbon steel (38 lbs with hardware), or
• 1/4" 6061-T6 aluminum (16 lbs with hardware)

We make engine skids for the 2.5L 4-cylinder YJ and early TJ ('97–'02), and for the 6-cylinder YJ ('87–'95), TJ ('97–'06) and LJ. The 6-cylinder YJ uses the same engine skid as the '03–'06 TJ and LJ. See all UCF engine skids.

Option E: LOPRO transmission mount

The LOPRO mount replaces the factory transmission mount and is about 1" shorter, so the transmission and transfer case sit about 1" lower in the skid plate. That goes a long way toward reducing driveline vibration.

• Pair it with the 1" deep Ultra High-Clearance transfer case skid and a 1.25" body lift for one of the flattest bellies on the market. (The '97–'02 TJ doesn't need the LOPRO mount with the 1" deep Ultra High-Clearance skid.)
• On the '03–'06 TJ and LJ, it removes the need for a body lift with the 2" deep Extra-Clearance skid.
• Fits the '97–'02 TJ 4.0L and the '03–'06 TJ and LJ 4.0L. We don't recommend the LOPRO mount on '03–'06 automatics. Please call us if you're considering it. Not yet test-fit on the 2.4L.

See the '03–'06 LOPRO mount listing for full details.

Option F: Rubicon locker pump bracket

Add a bracket that mounts the stock Rubicon locker pump assembly to the top of the skid plate. It's formed from 1/8" steel into a hat shape: the flat middle bolts to the top of the skid (you drill the holes and supply the hardware), and the factory pump bolts to the remaining holes in the factory bracket, up and out of the way.

Our recommendation: relocate the locker pumps under the hood, on the tray near the brake booster. That keeps them clear of any future transmission or transfer case service.

Related parts we carry

• Novak cable shifters: non-Rubicon (NP231) and Rubicon (NV241OR)
• JKS 1.25" TJ & LJ body lift
• JKS 1" budget motor mount lift

What's included: The transfer case skid and engine skid, both required. The engine skid includes struts, a hardware kit and, on some vehicles, front upper frame brackets. A LOPRO mount and locker pump bracket are included only if you choose them.

Fitment: confirmed vehicles

• Jeep: Wrangler TJ 1997–2006 · Wrangler Unlimited LJ 2004–2006 · Wrangler YJ 1987–1995

Not sure what fits your project? Choose your vehicle in the parts finder at the top of the page, or give us a call.

Install instructions: see the Attachments tab above, or download the Late Model TJ LOPRO Directions (PDF), UCF Engine Skid Install Guide (6-Cylinder) (PDF), Early Model TJ LOPRO Directions (PDF), UCF Engine Skid Install Guide (YJ 2.5L) (PDF), UCF Engine Skid Install Guide (TJ 2.5L) (PDF) or UCF Transfer Case Skid Install Guide (PDF).