{"product_id":"jku-aluminum-belly-skids","title":"JKU Aluminum Belly Skid Plate System","description":"\u003cp\u003e\nThe \u003cstrong\u003eJKU Aluminum Belly Skids\u003c\/strong\u003e provide critical underbody protection for Jeep Wrangler Unlimited owners who tackle demanding terrain, technical obstacles, and long trail days. Engineered to safeguard the engine, transmission, transfer case, and fuel tank, these skids replace vulnerable factory components with a stronger, lighter, and more thoughtfully designed system built for real off‑road use.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nFull belly skids cover the largest footprint under your Jeep, making material choice essential when weight matters. These skids are crafted from \u003cstrong\u003e5052 aluminum\u003c\/strong\u003e, selected for its superior formability and strength compared to other alloys. Because the shape and geometry of a skid plate determine long‑term rigidity, 5052 allows these skids to maintain structural integrity even after repeated impacts.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nBolt heads are strategically located up and out of harm’s way—visible on the rear crossmember and fuel tank skids—reducing snag points and improving slide performance. The skids shown in photos are pre‑production; production units feature \u003cstrong\u003ecountersunk bolt holes\u003c\/strong\u003e on all bottom faces for a smoother, cleaner underside.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Drivers Choose These Belly Skids\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eProtects engine, transmission, transfer case, and fuel tank from trail damage\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e5052 aluminum construction for optimal strength, formability, and weight savings\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eImproved bolt placement to reduce snagging and increase slide performance\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCountersunk hardware on production units for a flush, obstacle‑free surface\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDesigned for hardcore trail use and long‑term durability\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWeight\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\nInstalling this system adds \u003cstrong\u003e35–65 lbs\u003c\/strong\u003e depending on configuration.  \nThe skid system weighs \u003cstrong\u003e110 lbs\u003c\/strong\u003e (or \u003cstrong\u003e140 lbs\u003c\/strong\u003e with UHMW), but you remove \u003cstrong\u003e75 lbs\u003c\/strong\u003e of factory equipment—including the factory fuel tank skid, transfer case skid, and several crossmembers—resulting in a net weight increase far lower than full steel systems.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\nThese skids are engineered with compatibility in mind for popular aftermarket suspension systems—such as \u003cstrong\u003eRock Krawler Long Arm kits\u003c\/strong\u003e—and upgraded driveshafts. They integrate cleanly without interfering with common long‑arm geometry or drivetrain modifications.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUHMW — Ultra High Molecular Weight Option\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\nFor maximum slide performance and impact absorption, select the \u003cstrong\u003eUHMW option\u003c\/strong\u003e. UHMW is a \u003cstrong\u003e3\/8\" thick\u003c\/strong\u003e black, cutting‑board‑like material that is \u003cstrong\u003emore abrasion‑resistant than carbon steel\u003c\/strong\u003e while remaining lightweight. It distributes impacts, absorbs energy, and helps your Jeep glide over obstacles rather than hang up on them thanks to its naturally slippery, self‑lubricating surface.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nIf selected, UHMW arrives \u003cstrong\u003epre‑installed\u003c\/strong\u003e on the bottom of the aluminum skids.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e5052 aluminum construction for strength and formability\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFull underbody protection for critical drivetrain components\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCountersunk hardware on production units\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eUHMW option for improved sliding and impact resistance\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCompatible with popular long‑arm suspension systems\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eStrategic bolt placement to reduce snag points\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAdditional Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\nProducts are designed to fit vehicles with varying factory tolerances; minor hand‑fitting may be required. Bare aluminum may show surface imperfections from handling and fabrication—these are easily concealed with textured powder coat. Smooth finishes may require additional prep work. Lead times are estimates and may vary due to production realities. All Next Venture Motorsports products are laser cut, CNC formed, and hand‑welded in Colorado, USA.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Next Venture Motorsports LLC","offers":[{"title":"2012-2018 3.6 V6 JKU (Automatic) \/ No UHMW (Bare Aluminum)","offer_id":52520027881783,"sku":"NV-JKU-00040-36-AT","price":2499.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2012-2018 3.6 V6 JKU (Automatic) \/ Include UHMW","offer_id":52520027914551,"sku":"NV-JKU-00040-36-AT-UHMW","price":2999.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2012-2018 3.6 V6 JKU (Manual Trans) \/ No UHMW (Bare Aluminum)","offer_id":52520027947319,"sku":"NV-JKU-00040-36-MT","price":2499.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2012-2018 3.6 V6 JKU (Manual Trans) \/ Include UHMW","offer_id":52520027980087,"sku":"NV-JKU-00040-36-MT-UHMW","price":2999.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2007-2011 3.8 V6 JKU (Fits Auto and Manual Trans) \/ No UHMW (Bare Aluminum)","offer_id":52520028012855,"sku":"NV-JKU-00041-38","price":2499.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2007-2011 3.8 V6 JKU (Fits Auto and Manual Trans) \/ Include UHMW","offer_id":52520028045623,"sku":"NV-JKU-00041-38-UHMW","price":2999.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0848\/0102\/8407\/files\/Photoroom_20260130_113415.webp?v=1782325110","url":"https:\/\/offroadoverlandunlimited.com\/products\/jku-aluminum-belly-skids","provider":"Offroad \u0026 Overland Unlimited","version":"1.0","type":"link"}