Protecting My Jeep: New Skids

A Lesson in Rear Lower Control Arm Skids

Oil Change

Banged Up Rear Control Arm Bracket

While I had my Jeep in the shop for an oil change, it was pointed out to me that I could use some protection on my rear lower control arms. Here's how I discovered the need an took steps to fortify my Jeep.

The rear control arm brackets are a low point in the back of my Jeep. Over the years, I've scraped them on a few rocks. Although they weren't severely damaged, they were on the way to becoming a problem. The bolts holding the shocks in place were getting deformed from all the scraping over rocks.

Updated 2024: These control arm skids have taken a beating over the years. They have definitely protected that low spot on my Jeep.

Banged Up Rear Control Arm Bracket

Scraped up Bolt from the Rocks.

Adrenaline Off Road Garage

The new skid plates I got are weld-ons. This is the first Jeep part I had welded onto my vehicle. When I first bought my Jeep, I would have cringed at the thought, but now I understand what it takes to fortify my Jeep for the trails.

Mike Welding on Skid Plates

 

Mike from Adrenaline Off Road 

Rear Shock Protection

These weld-on brackets offer protection for your control arm joints and rear shocks, preventing your factory control arm brackets from bending.

These skids are constructed of 3/16″ steel, laser cut and CNC bent. They conform directly to the rear JK lower control arm brackets, providing robust protection.

Rear Shock

Mike working on my mounts. 

Shout Out!

A big SHOUT OUT to Adrenaline Off Road for the great suggestion. I would have never known you could add this to your Jeep. Also, a SHOUT OUT to Mike for being patient with me, answering my many questions, and explaining the step-by-step process for getting these skids welded on.

67 Designs Jeep Wrangler Phone Mount

Jeep Phone Mount: Money Well Spent

67 Designs Phone Mount

67 Designs Jeep Wrangler Phone Mount 👉 Buy Here

Install Video 👉 Watch Here

Super easy install in existing factory screw on your Jeep's Dash.  I love that I can rotate my phone 360 degrees on the 20 mm ball for a portrait or landscape orientation.

It's a simple one handed operation - no buttons to open or release the device. Just push one side away and slide in the phone.  After trying other phone mounts in my Jeep this one is my favorite. 

Simple & Easy Install 

Step 1

Remove the plastic change tray on your dash. 

Dash plastic change tray

Step 2

There is a OEM hex head screw in place that you use to attach the phone mount. Unscrew this screw.

OEM hex head screw removal

Step 3

Attach the 20 mm ball mount in the dash with the OEM hex head screw.  

67 Designs Ball Mount

Step 4

Attach the carbon fiber arm to the 20mm ball mount.

67 Designs Arm & Mount

Step 5

Attach the Universal Aluminum Squeeze mount with 20 mm ball to the carbon fiber arm. 

^& Designs Phone Mount

My New Soft Shackle - Gator Jaw

A Must Have in Your Recovery Gear Bag

Jon with NORA 4x4 Recovery Training Class

During a Women's Wheeling Day event, NORA 4x4 ~ NorthEast OffRoad Adventures ~ held a hi-lift / winching class.

Jon with NORA 4x4

Jon, a i4wdta certified trainer, shared some really great recovery tips. He also showed us the many different types of recovery gear. One piece I had very little knowledge of was the soft shackle. 

Jon demonstrating a recovery situation

Jon sold me on the importance of this cool Jeep item.  I decided to go with the GatorJaw 7/16" Synthetic shackle 

Gator Jaw Soft Shackle 👉 Buy Here

Gator Jaw Shackle

These things are beast. They have a 32,000 lb breaking strength. They are stronger than the steel shackles, and 10 times lighter. These flexible synthetic shackles float. Plus, you don't need to unscrew your shackle to use them. They just slip right thru the D-ring.

I used this shackle dozens of times on the trail over the years. It holds up amazingly. 

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