Another Savvy Engine / Transmission Skid Plate Install Question

[StimpsonJCatt]

I've read a few of the posts already on installing the skid and thought I had everything figured out but I either got hit with the dumb stick too hard today or something is off because I can't figure out the jigsaw puzzle and hoping for some help on what to do next. Prior to installing the Savvy skid, I had the Rock Krawler 3-1/2" Belly Up lift kit installed which sucks the transfer case up high to the point where I had to add 1/2' spacers to lower the belly up skid back down a bit so the transfer case wouldn't touch the floor pan and also fix a couple other issues. Not sure that is a contributor for the alignment issues I am having but will most likely require me to shorten the front support brackets to take advantage of the MML and belly up skid. The rear angled flange on the Savvy skid does not sit flush with the front edge of the RK belly up skid which is the reason why I am thinking I need to raise the front.

But before getting to that issue, I don't understand why the rear edge alignment is so far skewed to the passenger side. Since there weren't any instructions included in the Savvy kit, I am going off previous posts I read for the frame mount & vertical support bracket orientations so maybe I didn't install them correctly? I don't know the order sequence for tightening all the front fasteners so I decided to tighten the bottom 2 between the vertical brackets and skid plate and the result is the misalignment I have been referring to. I have to drill holes to attach the Savvy skid to the RK skid so was thinking all the fasteners up front should be tightened first to know where to drill but maybe not?

Asking for help and guidance on what to do next.

Thank you in advance,

Scott

 

[sab]

On the TJ, the crankshaft centerline, and thus the transmission’s mainshaft centerline, are about 1” off the frame’s centerline. I assumed that was to make room for the front driveshaft…

 

[mrblaine]

I've read a few of the posts already on installing the skid and thought I had everything figured out but I either got hit with the dumb stick too hard today or something is off because I can't figure out the jigsaw puzzle and hoping for some help on what to do next. Prior to installing the Savvy skid, I had the Rock Krawler 3-1/2" Belly Up lift kit installed which sucks the transfer case up high to the point where I had to add 1/2' spacers to lower the belly up skid back down a bit so the transfer case wouldn't touch the floor pan and also fix a couple other issues. Not sure that is a contributor for the alignment issues I am having but will most likely require me to shorten the front support brackets to take advantage of the MML and belly up skid. The rear angled flange on the Savvy skid does not sit flush with the front edge of the RK belly up skid which is the reason why I am thinking I need to raise the front.

But before getting to that issue, I don't understand why the rear edge alignment is so far skewed to the passenger side. Since there weren't any instructions included in the Savvy kit, I am going off previous posts I read for the frame mount & vertical support bracket orientations so maybe I didn't install them correctly? I don't know the order sequence for tightening all the front fasteners so I decided to tighten the bottom 2 between the vertical brackets and skid plate and the result is the misalignment I have been referring to. I have to drill holes to attach the Savvy skid to the RK skid so was thinking all the fasteners up front should be tightened first to know where to drill but maybe not?

Asking for help and guidance on what to do next.

Thank you in advance,

Scott

View attachment 578163

View attachment 578164

You're letting the tail wag the dog. The rear centering or locating depending on how you want to look at it is determined by where it needs to sit. With the 42RLE auto, you only have a scant 1/2" or so on either side of the trans oil pan to keep it "centered" on the pan. We locate that first, then check to see how far off the front is and balance that out back and forth to modify the front braces the least amount.

There are several issues in play that make it difficult. The frame side motor mount brackets are not across from each other but are offset. The drivetrain is offset to one side, and no matter how much we want them to work well, every single TJ is slightly different so you just average it out until it works.

Belly skid attachment takes precedent.
Up and down viewed from the side is next.
Side to side at the front is next.
And then finally brace hole centers. I bolt one up that is the least disruptive after clamping the rear in place. Flange forward and to the inside like you have them. Then I see if I need to trim and redrill, sometimes we do, sometimes we don't.

 

[sab]

This picture from Post #340 of my build thread shows how off-center the transmission centerline is from the frame/body:

 

[StimpsonJCatt]

Thank you all again for the help and recommendations. After walking away last night and getting a decent night sleep, I started thinking this morning before seeing the posts that the placement was probably going to be a balancing act and "best fit" compromise between all the variables Blaine highlighted. Will get back on the horse tonight after work and figure out the balancing act.

 

[psrivats]

This picture from Post #340 of my build thread shows how off-center the transmission centerline is from the frame/body:
View attachment 578226

Excellent photo.

 

[StimpsonJCatt]

Success!!!

With the help, suggestions and pics from the group along with a cameo phone call with Gerald, I was able to figure out the puzzle last night and finished installing the skid plate. Had to navigate existing holes and slots in the RK skid plate which forced the rear of the Savvy skid to be biased towards the passenger side maybe a little more than normal but nothing too extreme. Also had to grind a little on the driver side vertical flange to create more clearance with the exhaust but I've read in previous posts that is pretty common. Overall, very happy with the finished product and clean look underneath.

Again, really appreciate the help.

 

[Jablinski]

Excellent photo.

very cool

 

[Jablinski]

What's your exhaust situation looking like?