Re: Spring shackle skid plate
 

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.

Re: Spring shackle skid plate
 

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

Re: Spring shackle skid plate
 

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!

Re: Spring shackle skid plate
 

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.

Re: Spring shackle skid plate
 

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.

Re: Spring shackle skid plate
 

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.

Attachment 33139

Attachment 33140

Attachment 33141

Attachment 33142

Attachment 33143

Attachment 33144

Attachment 33145

Attachment 33146

Re: Spring shackle skid plate
 

:clapping: Looks like they work GR8

Re: Spring shackle skid plate
 

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.

Re: Spring shackle skid plate
 

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?

Re: Spring shackle skid plate
 

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

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

Re: Spring shackle skid plate
 

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.

Re: Spring shackle skid plate
 

The dreaded blown diff.....

Re: Spring shackle skid plate
 

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.

Re: Spring shackle skid plate
 

Both sides

Re: Spring shackle skid plate
 

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

Re: Spring shackle skid plate
 

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

Re: Spring shackle skid plate
 

Primer, Im workin on it!

Re: Spring shackle skid plate
 

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

Re: Spring shackle skid plate
 

Installed! here is a before

Re: Spring shackle skid plate
 

here is after