Spring shackle skid plate [Archive] - Hummer Forums by Elcova

H3slate

09-23-2006, 04:47 AM

I am not seeing your pics. But the only shock skid plates are made by AMStar.

www.amstarfun.com (http://www.amstarfun.com)

The only way to get it is from your dealer, but not all dealers have these accessories yet. I went to my dealer today and they still don't have anything. A dealer in Pasadena has started to carry them, but they are about 200 bucks.

Hunner

09-23-2006, 04:58 AM

Well maybe for now, its time to break out the plasma cutter and make sparks! I trashed some shackles on an old FJ55 and had to use the blue wrench to get them off, once.....

HummerNewbie

09-23-2006, 05:02 AM

Those are the Amstar plates which unfortunately means over priced. Hopefully someone will come out with an option soon.

Desert Dan

09-26-2006, 12:01 AM

Hunner

Check out this thread. It has the part numbers for the skids etc.

http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20559

Hunner

09-26-2006, 06:19 AM

So how much does everyone think they are worth? $100?Maybe powder coated in blue or yellow or my personal favorite "black" with a slightly different shape to avoid any patent. I mean skids are skids and have to fit the application. Im not sure the bottom holes are necessary. Re-Torque the bolts while installing. How often has anyone done that on a vehicle. Yea some mud will get on them but can be powerwashed off. Its not going to run off down those holes after they get plugged up. Just asking. If people are polishing there drive shafts and painting mufflers who knows whats possible?

Ipedog

09-26-2006, 12:44 PM

Most skids I have seen on the market (all for other vehicles :rant:) are in the $45-75 range. Considering the low volume for this skid I think $75 is fair but I could stomach $100 and would purchase at that price.

You need the bottom holes to re-apply and torque the u-bolt nuts. This is what similar models look like not installed:

http://www.tpi4x4.com/images/skid_plates.jpg

http://rigidsteel.com/images/Accessories/Warrior/war1740.gif

http://www.rockymountainsusp.com/PA_skids.jpg

Oh, by the way... None of the above are over $60 for the pair. :rolleyes:

Hunner

10-01-2006, 08:39 PM

Good info. Does anyone know a dealer that carries the Amstar ones. My dealer parts guy was totally out of touch. Monday I plan to talk to the owner and see if he can get up to speed on this. I would buy a set just to fab up something but not reinvent the wheel so to speak.

garnerbiker

10-01-2006, 10:58 PM

Those are great, but....

I would love it if the H3 had a spring over set-up in the rear. Then, we could do away with them all together. If you put the springs over the axle, we would probably get a 6" lift. Way too much! I wish there was an option to go spring over and replace the springs to lift it 2-4". Oh well, I guess that I will have to deal with the allready kick ass capabilities of the stock truck.

http://web.mac.com/garnerbiker/iWeb/Site%202/H3.html

jp's-h3

10-04-2006, 01:40 AM

garnerbiker

10-04-2006, 02:20 PM

Someone agrees with me?

Thanks man.

Crash ?

10-04-2006, 07:43 PM

Sewie

10-04-2006, 08:28 PM

If these fit the H3 you cats better be puckerin' up to kiss my ass real good..

http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/plates-medium-p-33.html
$40

Those are not skids. They are just the U-bolt plates. And no they won't work.

Desert Dan

10-04-2006, 09:19 PM

I got my AmStar skids and will put them on this weekend.
They look like skis and no they aren't red. The are black.

HummBebe

10-04-2006, 09:20 PM

Those are not skids. They are just the U-bolt plates. And no they won't work.

:giggling:

Sewies a little cranky today.....

HummBebe

10-04-2006, 09:22 PM

If these fit the H3 you cats better be puckerin' up to kiss my ass real good..

http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/plates-medium-p-33.html
$40
http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/images/images_big/ubolt-plate.jpg

--
Rob

Sorry crash, I just spoke with Dan this morning, he has no skids.

Not interested in making them either...:(

But he does have oodles of shackles...need to go measure them.

H3slate

10-05-2006, 12:01 AM

I got my AmStar skids and will put them on this weekend.
They look like skis and no they aren't red. The are black.

Please post some pics of your skids. :)

Sewie

10-05-2006, 01:54 AM

Please post some pics of your skids. :)

That's an odd request. Perhaps you should rephrase. :shhh:

31339

DDWH

10-05-2006, 02:40 AM

That's an odd request. Perhaps you should rephrase. :shhh:

31339

:giggling:

H3slate

10-05-2006, 04:07 AM

That's an odd request. Perhaps you should rephrase. :shhh:

31339

Now that is just wrong!!! Funny, but wrong!

REPHRASED QUESTION: Please post pictures of your new shock skid PLATES when you get them.

Happy now?;)

Gravel Maker

10-05-2006, 08:08 AM

Sorry crash, I just spoke with Dan this morning, he has no skids.

Not interested in making them either...:(

But he does have oodles of shackles...need to go measure them.

I think when we spoke this morning I thought you were talking whole vehicle skid plates. We are making them for some vehicles but not yet in full production. These Ubolt skids are pretty easy to make and they are on my list. If someone can verify for me that the leaf springs are GM width (2.5") and the axle housing is within the realm (2.75" - 3.25") they would fit fine. I will be making them both 3/8" thick, we don't play around. The cost would be $70 -80.....a pair.

Dan Fredrickson
www.ruffstuffspecialties.com
916.600.945
Your Fabrication Parts Source

Ipedog

10-05-2006, 11:12 AM

I think when we spoke this morning I thought you were talking whole vehicle skid plates. We are making them for some vehicles but not yet in full production. These Ubolt skids are pretty easy to make and they are on my list. If someone can verify for me that the leaf springs are GM width (2.5") and the axle housing is within the realm (2.75" - 3.25") they would fit fine. I will be making them both 3/8" thick, we don't play around. The cost would be $70 -80.....a pair.

Dan Fredrickson
www.ruffstuffspecialties.com (http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com)
916.600.945
Your Fabrication Parts Source
YEA!!! :jump:

I'll try to get under there with a tape measure this AM and maybe take some pics. :dancingbanana:

Crash ?

10-05-2006, 03:45 PM

Well poo.. That'll learn me to get info off the FJ Forum site..

Guess I let it outta the bag I'm somewhat new to this game to huh..??

--
Rob

HummBebe

10-05-2006, 03:48 PM

I think when we spoke this morning I thought you were talking whole vehicle skid plates. We are making them for some vehicles but not yet in full production. These Ubolt skids are pretty easy to make and they are on my list. If someone can verify for me that the leaf springs are GM width (2.5") and the axle housing is within the realm (2.75" - 3.25") they would fit fine. I will be making them both 3/8" thick, we don't play around. The cost would be $70 -80.....a pair.

Dan Fredrickson
www.ruffstuffspecialties.com (http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com)
916.600.945
Your Fabrication Parts Source

Sweet, I'll call you in a bit. Did you get the measurements I sent for the shackles?

Crash ?

10-05-2006, 03:56 PM

Dan Fredrickson
www.ruffstuffspecialties.com
916.600.945
Your Fabrication Parts Source

Dan.. I think if you can come up with some solid fab parts for the H3 and can meet the demand, you'll be ahead of a lotta folks.. I may be wrong, but I think there are only 3 folks making Rock Rails for the H3 right now (GM, Rocky Roads and someone else I can't remember the name of has some in development). Complete Undercarage Protection.. I think that GM is about the only choice right now (but I could be wrong)..

There are a lot of folks that are really pushing the H3s into tough stuff and there's not a lot of choices yet to keep the rocks off places they aren't supposed to be.. Once again I could be wrong about that...

Hunner

10-25-2006, 03:39 AM

Not sure if anybody will find this update here but.....
I got some from that big place in the sky. Well, they went to all the trouble to make them and came up short. One of the main areas I think that needed protecting was the bolt for the shock. The plate starting at the back on the inside needs to be 1 inch wider tapering to about 1/2 inch at the front to get both the bolt and eliminate a shelf right at the bottom spring plate. In the second picture you can see the meat hooks I got already. I ground them off and will repaint.
Im working on the cad drawings and having the laser programmed. When I get a prototype and a cost figure I will repost. Probably Monday.

Sewie

10-25-2006, 06:12 PM

Not sure if anybody will find this update here but.....
I got some from that big place in the sky. Well, they went to all the trouble to make them and came up short.

OK, maybe I missed it, but who exactly made those? :confused:

Hunner

10-25-2006, 11:37 PM

Those pictures turned out dark after uploading so I lightend them here. I added a picture that shows why all those Jeep ones somebody posted and generic flat ones will not work. Not for me anyway. This is a start but needs more width. Just a enough to protect the shock bolt head and get out past the bottom shackle plate. Without protecting that its going to get bashed up. Im thinking since a lot of people think its so easy and cheap, that I will make it strong but maybe no finish like a lot of aftermarket products. I have painted a bunch for Jeeps with rockrails. Powder coat or paint would add labor and cost. Then you can go to the hardware store and buy primer and paint any color your fancy desires. Black will work though! Now Im working on a skid for the front of the rear springs. I have already nailed one of mine! It would be nice to know when crawling over rocks that when you hear that squalling sound or a thud that it was a skid and not some mounting hardware. You'all do offroad right??

Desert Dan

10-25-2006, 11:49 PM

I agree teh front spring perch needs a skid plate
Do you have an pics yet?

Ho about a tooth from a backhoe bucket turned upside down and welded on:)

HummBebe

10-25-2006, 11:50 PM

Quanto Dinero Pablo?

fourfourto

10-25-2006, 11:52 PM

How much they look nice :D

SR1355

10-26-2006, 12:07 AM

Is AMstar shipping any product yet? I still am a little underwhelmed by the amount of aftermarket support on our beloved H3s.

Idaho-Hummer

10-26-2006, 08:48 AM

the part number floating around here somewhere for the amstart Spring shackle skid plate. yes somebody here does them thier H3

Mike E

10-27-2006, 03:27 AM

So when will these be available?

SR1355

10-28-2006, 01:04 AM

I got my AmStar skids and will put them on this weekend.
They look like skis and no they aren't red. The are black.

Hey Desert Dan, Where did you pick up the skids? at a dealer? or somewhere else. How do you like them?

Desert Dan

10-30-2006, 04:59 PM

I ordered mine thru the dealer. I ahd to give the the part number and they had to Amstar to confirm.

They look great. I haven't had time to put them on yet.

Between work and moving last weekend no time for wrenching:)

Hal

11-03-2006, 03:31 AM

Here's my Amstar skid plates, picked up today, got the service manual a few days ago too :D

32555
Installation surprise follows... READ THIS: the Amstar instructions say you must remove and discard existing U-bolts and nuts, but retain the washers (:yawn: ) and replace with new GM u-bolts and nuts :confused: or void any warranty for the skids.
Is this standard procedure ?? guess I got to drive 100 miles round trip back to the dealer for that :mad: wish I knew ahead of time. ANYONE KNOW THE REASON FOR THIS? (serious replies only please)

32556
Some powder coating on the edge of skids is already falling off, but hey, I plan to make even more come off myself.
Oh yeah, you want to know the price... skids from dealer $210 plus tax! and the service manuals from Helm $135 plus shipping! Ouch and Ouch!

H3slate

11-03-2006, 05:51 PM

looking forward to pics after you install them. That is wierd about replacing the u-bolt!?! Aren't you just going to replace with the same bolt? I could understand if they gave you new bolts to install, the bolts should be included for $200 bucks :mad:.

Hunner

11-03-2006, 06:07 PM

Actually I paid
$210.00
13.14 tax
12.00 shipping
$235.14 total for brand "A"

Im not sure the best way to handle this. Im all set up to make my version of this that actually protects the inside end of the shock bolt and the inside edge of the shackle plate. See previous pictures of how the other does not even at the $235.00 price.
It Seems brand "A" is plasma cut with rough edges and so the powder coat peels off. It peels off around the holes as well, in the box.
Mine are going to be laser cut and I will prime and paint my personal ones. To save on cost to buyers I was thinking of no finish. You can always paint any color and touch up with a spray can. If you really get in the rocks as we do here they will need touched up often.
I dont want to upset our hosts and I have seen many violations of their rules about selling products. So now what do I do? I have the pattern for the front of the spring mounts ready as well. I still need to double check packaging and shipping before I quote a price. I was going to get folks to PM me and use Pay Pal if that works out. I started all this to help folks but it may get too complicated. I want to get a feel for how many I could sell before production to get an even better price. I really dont need 40 of these sitting around. If this gets edited then I will have to figure some way to post to a web site and hopefully be found that way. Could take quite a bit of time that way. I will try to find out more and quote a price very soon. It will be less than brand "A" with the option to add the front ones. More later.
1secondwind@comcast.net

Hunner

11-16-2006, 06:09 PM

Ok, here goes. First to save time read all that other stuff and look at the pictures. I don't do this for a business. I just thought if I went to the trouble to have this done I would help others. I have already saved my shocks and mounting with mine. I saw in H2 the Rubicon run. I would like to know how the H3's made it thru that without these and what their shocks and shackles look like. I will post in H3 classifieds.

Sewie

11-16-2006, 07:25 PM

I saw in H2 the Rubicon run. I would like to know how the H3's made it thru that without these and what their shocks and shackles look like. I will post in H3 classifieds.

I didn't damage mine at all on either of the Rubicon runs and I don't think any of the other 3's did either. But with slow rock-crawling like that, you're probably not going to damage that area unless you land on it really hard or get hung up on it and try to power through. On a trail like that the skids will help most by keeping you from getting hung up on that plate.

HummBebe

11-16-2006, 07:48 PM

Mine are in perfect condition. Well, ok, not perfect...but no real damage.

Hunner

11-16-2006, 10:23 PM

I wondered about it. I go to a Superlift park in Hot Springs Ark near my house. There are boulders everywhere. I have battle scars almost every time. Seems the trails are more narrow and no way around. Those are the two places I seem to scrape. Some hills are so steep the rocks pass you on the way down. We have a lot of loose rocks that move around. Its granite, flint and Ouachita rock they use for sharpening knives. It really cuts metal.
Looks like you had a great time!

Linus Gump

11-16-2006, 11:28 PM

Installation surprise follows... READ THIS: the Amstar instructions say you must remove and discard existing U-bolts and nuts, but retain the washers and replace with new GM u-bolts and nuts :confused: or void any warranty for the skids.
Is this standard procedure ?? ANYONE KNOW THE REASON FOR THIS? (serious replies only please)

The reason for the replacement of the hardware is because when you torque the nuts down to spec the bolt actually stretches and the threads of the nuts stretch and deform. This will cause the bolt to possibly break later on when retorqued, or never be tight because of over stretch. To prevent from lawsuits from bolts breaking under acceleration and causing accidents, they advise you that your warranty will be voided if you don't replace the hardware. This is why commercial lift kits come with new blots and nuts, and also why you need to replace the head bolts when you pull a head.

I agree that for $200 they should include all hardeware to mount them.

Hunner

11-17-2006, 07:54 PM

Yep that is what happens here. You land on it really hard and get hung up. Even crawling. Going up hills you have no choice and sliding down loose rock they pile up back there. I guess the difference in terrain is what is causing the problem I have. I go almost every weekend and the odds are catching up with me. I have only seen one other H3 on the trails. H2's that came from Texas had some tight places and broke tie rods. I know of two. Are the ones on the H3 bigger, stronger or is it just the H2 with big tires and power grab after spinning and brake them? I have looked at the Fab-Tec but dont know if the are the same for H3. Thought you guys might know.

I didn't damage mine at all on either of the Rubicon runs and I don't think any of the other 3's did either. But with slow rock-crawling like that, you're probably not going to damage that area unless you land on it really hard or get hung up on it and try to power through. On a trail like that the skids will help most by keeping you from getting hung up on that plate.

bjc

11-19-2006, 11:49 PM

So here are my Amstar shock skids after their first trip off road. I'm glad I got them. When I picked up my truck from the dealer, Service was already closed so I didn't have a chance to ask the tech whether he actually replaced the hardware per the instructions...doesn't look to me like he did.

33139

33140

33141

33142

33143

33144

33145

33146

fourfourto

11-20-2006, 12:09 AM

:clapping: Looks like they work GR8

Hunner

11-21-2006, 12:04 AM

Yep you got battle scars just like me. Your pictures really show why the ones I made are an inch wider on the inside to protect that shock bolt head. Not that it could not be cut off if need be to replace it, but that might not be fun in the rocks or mud. We can live with this problem if we use the skid plates. The front hanger is also a problem. I smashed one of mine the day before I decided to get the pattern made for the front. This is part of the vehicle and can be fixed but will never look original. A plate up there will preserve the original mount.
The second image shows the driver side. They put the bolt in before the tank and its skid. So Im making my skid for that so it will just tack weld on. Any muffler shop would probably do it.
The delay has been a stand off of sorts about making me one set before comitting to 20. I think I have something worked out now. Between deer season and Holidays they are short handed at the fab shop.
I will post in classified as soon as I get some.

Hunner

11-22-2006, 07:19 AM

Hey BJC did you just bleed your brakes or do you have a busted brake line? Is that some kind of red clay jammed up in your shackle plate?

bjc

11-22-2006, 02:07 PM

Hey BJC did you just bleed your brakes or do you have a busted brake line? Is that some kind of red clay jammed up in your shackle plate?

Red clay yes, brake fluid no. It's a long story...

http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21760

SR1355

11-23-2006, 12:31 AM

Hey BJC, I'd agree it looks like they reused the hardware and did not install new. I'd go back and givem' hell. :mad: Their suppose to know what they are doing.

SR1355

11-23-2006, 12:33 AM

Red clay yes, brake fluid no. It's a long story...

http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21760

The dreaded blown diff.....

Hunner

02-06-2007, 01:46 AM

Got two pair. Painting mine, install tonight. More pictures then. I only have the back pieces. Should have two front ones this week. I hope to have 20 sets in a week to 10 days. I will start down the list.

Hunner

02-06-2007, 01:47 AM

Both sides

Hunner

02-06-2007, 01:49 AM

Top and bottom. This shows the laser cut index slot for strength. They will be welded here on the production run.

Hunner

02-06-2007, 01:51 AM

comparison to the "little one" that does not cover the shock bolt.

Hunner

02-06-2007, 02:07 AM

Primer, Im workin on it!

Hunner

02-06-2007, 02:50 AM

Next, I painted mine silver so they will show up in the installed photos.

Hunner

02-06-2007, 07:01 AM

Installed! here is a before

Hunner

02-06-2007, 07:02 AM

here is after

Hunner

02-06-2007, 07:03 AM

angle

Hunner

02-06-2007, 07:05 AM

Here is an idea I have for the old ones.

Hunner

02-06-2007, 07:10 AM

Im not tellin but I know who's this is that claims that did not do this in one place and then I find this. Hmmmm just teasing but it makes you think.

Idaho-Hummer

02-06-2007, 05:54 PM

what are the cost? if not to high sign me up for a set.

stagger_lee

02-06-2007, 06:57 PM

Those look really awesome Hunner. Just let us know, Im sure you will have several takers. :beerchug:

Hunner

02-07-2007, 02:59 AM

I decided to weld up one of my xtra set where the index slot for the bracket is. It just looked like it was beggin to finish it off. I want these to be strong for when I bounce off a rock with my 5640 lb H3!!

HummBebe

02-07-2007, 03:38 AM

I love them.

HummBebe

02-07-2007, 03:43 AM

Do you thinkit's possible that that skid would bend or be folded up around that bolt?

There is nothing supporting it like there is on the amstar version.

Sewie

02-07-2007, 04:16 AM

Im not tellin but I know who's this is that claims that did not do this in one place and then I find this. Hmmmm just teasing but it makes you think.

Not sure what you're getting at :rolleyes: but here's the original thread where I explained how that happened.

http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12540

HummBebe

02-07-2007, 06:28 AM

Not sure what you're getting at :rolleyes: but here's the original thread where I explained how that happened.

http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12540

He was teasing......:rolleyes::p

Hunner

02-07-2007, 08:11 AM

Do you thinkit's possible that that skid would bend or be folded up around that bolt?

There is nothing supporting it like there is on the amstar version.

Hmmm I know not of any other additional support on the Amstar. The steel is 3/16. The brackets on mine are in a slot and welded both sides and a full inch wider to cover the bolt head. So hopefully it would not pull away as this one did. Im sure anything can be bent with the right impact. However here is an Amstar that I tested. Which is why we cut the slot. That rock is still the same size!
Yes I was teasing Sewie

Hunner

02-07-2007, 08:19 AM

I didn't damage mine at all on either of the Rubicon runs and I don't think any of the other 3's did either. But with slow rock-crawling like that, you're probably not going to damage that area unless you land on it really hard or get hung up on it and try to power through. On a trail like that the skids will help most by keeping you from getting hung up on that plate.

I guess this was before that happened. I was just messing with you but it is a really great picture to show what can happen. The skid may have been damaged but hopefully would have saved that damage to the other parts. Sorry if you took it the wrong way. Im showing my damage as well. It's a fact it is going to happen.