[Cilles]

I'm wondering just how much underbody protection I need as I don't do hardcore off-road like JonD type driving.

I have the J-Sport skid plate and I like it, peace of mind because I've had problems there before.

But what about Differential cover or gas tank cover? No-Lo designs has both (as well as their own skid plate) for Passports.

What do you all think?

 

[CaveGator]

I bought both the skid plate and rear diff plate from NoLo Designs. I’ll be installing them this week, so will definitely post about that. Just looking them over out of the box, they look excellent.

 

[nefilim]

I bought both the skid plate and rear diff plate from NoLo Designs. I’ll be installing them this week, so will definitely post about that. Just looking them over out of the box, they look excellent.

Have you had a chance to install them? I'm leaning to the NoLo skid plate over the JSports (given all the talk of not fitting quite perfectly and sending out wrong mounting hardware etc)

 

[CaveGator]

I took a backpacking trip up to Alabama this last week, so didn’t have time to do it. Now I’m waiting on the bottle jack and jack stands. They were supposed to be here already. The local Harbor Freight was cleaned out unless I wanted a 20T bottle or any number of rolling floor jacks. It’s getting so hard to shop locally nowadays to get just what you want, not the cheap junk stores foist on us.

 

[CaveGator]

The bottle jack and wheel chocks arrived, but no jack stands.

 

[nefilim]

The bottle jack and wheel chocks arrived, but no jack stands.

Noooooo! Btw, was there a reason you picked the NoLo specifically?

 

[CaveGator]

Noooooo! Btw, was there a reason you picked the NoLo specifically?

Reading up on the problems with other manufacturers (JSport) and the fact that JonDZ worked with them to get the design right. They are also the only ones with the Rear differential plate (that I know of).

 

[Moab Junky]

The bottle jack and wheel chocks arrived, but no jack stands.

Please be careful. These independent suspension vehicles are difficult to lift, brace and work under safely.

I prefer car ramps if I'm going to crawl under it.

 

[umadchallenger]

Defiantly interested in the Nolo Designs Skid plate. I wish there were other youtubers like JonDZ to see how their passport works.

 

[CaveGator]

I finally got around to installing the skid plate and rear differential plate from No-Lo Designs. It took about an hour for each, though I wasn’t rushing and I took a bunch of pictures throughout the install.

Important first step: Turn off the power tailgate kick sensor while you’re working underneath it.

I used these Powerbuilt combo bottle jack/ jack stands with the rubber blocks to lift the Passport. With the rubber blocks (for the side lift points) they fit perfectly under the Passport.

I put blue locktite on all of the bolts and torqued them to the proper specs (except the front four bolts on the skid plate which are snugged up good enough). I didn’t put the U-Bolts on the front plate now, but likely will in the future.

 

[DudeCS]

I finally got around to installing the skid plate and rear differential plate from No-Lo Designs. It took about an hour for each, though I wasn’t rushing and I took a bunch of pictures throughout the install.

On the front skid plate, did you install spacers at the rear bolts between the plate and frame? Otherwise, there may be some creaking when the car flexes. Here is my solutions for adding spacers.

 

[CaveGator]

On the front skid plate, did you install spacers at the rear bolts between the plate and frame? Otherwise, there may be some creaking when the car flexes. Here is my solutions for adding spacers.

Yes, the spacers were included and installed easily. I haven’t tested it on the road yet, but will tonight driving over for Christmas Eve dinner.

 

[stevenD]

Yes, the spacers were included and installed easily. I haven’t tested it on the road yet, but will tonight driving over for Christmas Eve dinner.

That looks awesome, you're built-proof underneath now...!

 

[CaveGator]

After chatting with JonDZ on YouTube, I’ve ordered the U-Bolts to install on the front skid plate. The front four bolts don’t instill a lot of confidence.

 

[PPpilot]

Is there a concern with the threaded ends of the u-bolts & nuts sticking out from the plate? Seems like something to snag on a rock and (best-case?) bend or damage the threads so you'll never get the nut off...

 

[CaveGator]

Is there a concern with the threaded ends of the u-bolts & nuts sticking out from the plate? Seems like something to snag on a rock and (best-case?) bend or damage the threads so you'll never get the nut off...

From the looks of it, the U-Bolt sits at an angle somewhat protected. I’m more worried about hidden tree stumps vs rocks for where I go (for now).

 

[CaveGator]

See my post below for the SAE size equivalent from McMaster-Carr.

 

[DudeCS]

If anyone is interested, here are links to the U-Bolts (metric threads) and mount plates:

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

Thanks. The JSport skid plate does not include and does not have holes mounting a U-bolt.

 

[CaveGator]

I made a mistake on the U-Bolt. Trying to get the right U-Bolts in metric here in the US is difficult at best. Shipping them from the UK or China is going to take forever. Here is the SAE equivalent with the mounting plate:


U-Bolts, with Mounting Plate, 3/8"-16 Thread Size, 2-1/2" ID

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

 

[Chuck]

I’m also considering nolo front, rear and gas tank skid plates. Will this be a good choice if I don’t get a lift kit, new wheels or front bumper guard (jsport). Wanting to push my vehicle further on mild to moderate dirt/gravel roads while camping. But I would like to save on cost and keep as much stock on my vehicle as possible. Also, what are the u bolts for? Thanks for your help!