Probably lost a 1/2 to 1 inch of clearance in the center section. The weight went from a combined 45 lbs (skid/midrail) to just over 200 lbs. As I think about it, this might actually lower the center of gravity a touch. The midrails bolt on through existing holes in the frame with nuts so stripping is not an issue. I bought bunch of grade 8 bolts as spares, just in case. Tapped out the skid to 12mm bolts (I think). Also have the option to bolt it it thru the frame in a couple of places. Warranty is gone.

No drilling on the midrails, use existing holes which are in the frame. I have no idea why the holes are there, but Neil put them to use.

Stress point? Drilling out a 3/8 inch hole to a 12mm - that's nothing.

Probably lost a 1/2 to 1 inch of clearance in the center section. The weight went from a combined 45 lbs (skid/midrail) to just over 200 lbs. As I think about it, this might actually lower the center of gravity a touch. The midrails bolt on through existing holes in the frame with nuts so stripping is not an issue. I bought bunch of grade 8 bolts as spares, just in case. Tapped out the skid to 12mm bolts (I think). Also have the option to bolt it it thru the frame in a couple of places. Warranty is gone. </div></BLOCKQUOTE> Maybe some type of plow bolts would work well also. Since they have a flush or rounded head they would be less likely to drag on a rock and you wouldn't have to worry about them getting beat up and not being able to put a wrench back on them.

No drilling on the midrails, use existing holes which are in the frame. I have no idea why the holes are there, but Neil put them to use.

Stress point? Drilling out a 3/8 inch hole to a 12mm - that's nothing. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Actually putting a round hole in a frame is fine, you don't develop stress fractures off of round holes.

It's the same theory of taking a large girder and putting holes thoughout, it lessens the overall weight but doesn't lessen the strength.

Maybe you should come to Moab and be my pit crew chief!

Alan got most of it all right but just to clarify.

Ground clearance lost is 1/2".

Difference in weight from factory is is about 150 lbs.

I am not sure how you would go about repairing the rocks that will be damaged by the impact from the front skid. Seriously the only additional difficulty is dealing with the additional weight. Other than that it is removed and put on very simlilar to the factory.

Yes the bolts will be upgraded and recommmended that small modifications are made to the H2 due to the weak mounting holes.

The additional weight is nothing to the H2. The H2 is equal to a 3/4 ton vehicle so it will not have any problem handling the additional weight of the Underbody Protection.

Warranty is not effected. There have been no mechanical changes made whatsoever. There are not even any additional holes that have to be drilled. The only mod that is suggested is drilling out and upsizing existing factory holes.

Still working on the final details of the pricing.

All the bolts are concealed or protected in some fashion. So damaged to a bolt is low in probability.

No worries about additional stress points, as stated by paragon round holes do not create them, and we are not adding any holes just making existing ones slightly larger.

That's a first.

Neil,

I was referring to that Midrail bolts picture. A lot of times you have a tendency to put your tires on a rock and then slide the frame rails and rockers down the rock and it might beat up that bolt head.

Obviously, we all are just going by pictures and whatnot but you wouldn't be taking that part off and on very much anyway, hopefully. Unless you're Ken or Adam.

Para,
Are you talking about these front bolts?

Looks great....but it's hard to find any rocks in Florida.

Maybe it could be sprayed with teflon so I can slide though the mud and sand better!

All those pics from Moab, Damn I want to go!!

Para,
Are you talking about these front bolts? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Nah, those look protected. I was only referring to the REAR ones in this pic

or any other bolt heads that might be exposed

Nothing stopping you, it's just time and gas. The Elcova Moab group will be pretty easy to find even if you know nothing about Moab. Simply pull into the parking lot of the Gonzo anytime after 6pm on any given evening and try not to hit any of the drunks. ahh-um I mean your fine fellow H2'ers
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I'm not sure if I like it. Please post detailed C.A.D. drawings.

x2

Para, I beta tested this last time in Moab and the bolts are still there. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>I was just offering a little option. If it was you or me, it wouldn't matter anyway because we wouldn't be taking it back off.

how do you change your oil??????

That was my main concern. You don't want to be taking off a 90+ lb skid plate all the time, not to mention stripping out bolts, etc. But it's not a problem. There's sufficient access right thru the midrails to get at the filter and drain plug.

That was my main concern. You don't want to be taking off a 90+ lb skid plate all the time, not to mention stripping out bolts, etc. But it's not a problem. There's sufficient access right thru the midrails to get at the filter and drain plug. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

So in other words Shaggy is going to be changing your oil?