UCF ultra high clearance skid questions

[The]

Hey everyone, I know there are several threads about the UCF Ultra High Clearance Skid Plate, but I have a couple questions specific to my setup. I’ve got a 1998 TJ with a manual transmission, 1.25” body lift, 1” motor mount lift, and a slip yoke eliminator. I’m ready to replace the stock “shovel” skid with the UCF Ultra High Clearance option.


1. Has anyone installed this skid on a 1997 TJ with a manual? Was it a straightforward bolt-on, or did you run into any issues? I’d like to avoid modifying the exhaust or denting the tub.


2. Will a stock Mopar transmission mount work with this skid? I’ve heard the UCF LoPro mount can cause vibrations and may not last, so I’d prefer to stick with the stock mount if it’s compatible.


Any tips or experiences with this setup would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to ask for more details about my TJ, and thanks in advance!

 

[Rickyd]

I don't see how you could run one without modifying your exhaust,transfer case shift linkage,fan shroud and a few other things.

 

[Hamfists]

I have a 98 manual with that skid, I’m using the stock transmission mount , I had to heat up the exhaust hanger at the catalytic converter to raise it up

I also am using the savvy cable transfer case shifter

 

[macleanflood]

97. AX-15. Stock mount. UCF skid. Lots of issues mentioned above. SYE, BL, MML. Had a lot of exhaust massaging to do.

-Mac

 

[Moglocker]

97. AX-15. Stock mount. UCF skid. Lots of issues mentioned above. SYE, BL, MML. Had a lot of exhaust massaging to do.

-Mac

Yep,I raised all my exhaust mounts,having a welder is a must,and be sure and get the engine skid too,it’s a great setup.

 

[The]

I have a 98 manual with that skid, I’m using the stock transmission mount , I had to heat up the exhaust hanger at the catalytic converter to raise it up

I also am using the savvy cable transfer case shifter

View attachment 630991

Looks awesome! How much of a pain was it on the exhaust?

 

[The]

I

I don't see how you could run one without modifying your exhaust,transfer case shift linkage,fan shroud and a few other things.

I did forget to add in that I will be doing the savvy cable shifter while i install it!

 

[Moglocker]

Yep,I raised all my exhaust mounts,having a welder is a must,and be sure and get the engine skid too,it’s a great setup.

I think I just heated the converter mount at trans up with map gas and used a floor jack with a bar in it

 

[Hamfists]

Looks awesome! How much of a pain was it on the exhaust?

Not too bad, I had to heat up the the hanger at the catalytic converter with a torch to bend it up to clear the skid , also I have a cat back exhaust the had to adjust for clearance

 

[RussinIdaho]

I just put one on my 97 manual. The cat is contacting the skid, will have to be raised. I'm currently waiting on a Mid-Arm from @mrblaine. I'll complete the exhaust mods after that is installed, since I'll have to make sure the exhaust doesn't contact the upper control arm.

 

[Vanhalo]

I have a 2004 with a MML and BL. Manual Transmission. LoPro mount.
Exhaust is hitting passenger side upper control arm mount.

 

[Moglocker]

I have a 2004 with a MML and BL. Manual Transmission. LoPro mount.
Exhaust is hitting passenger side upper control arm mount.

View attachment 631164

I had the same problem,so I got rid of the useless 3rd (unmonitored cat)wife’s feet thank me,have plenty of room now.i did have to open up the engine skid some for the front of the pipe.

 

[The]

Not too bad, I had to heat up the the hanger at the catalytic converter with a torch to bend it up to clear the skid , also I have a cat back exhaust the had to adjust for clearance

Awesome thank you, I just got everything ordered up just wanted to know what I was getting myself into lol

 

[SeanCucf]

I just installed it on my 2002 manual. I have a megashortSYE, MML, cable shifter, and 1" BL. I did not install the lopro mount(though i do have it) after reading about people taking it off. I figured I'd try it first with the factory mount, and it works great. No exhaust modification at all. Bolted up great and everything functions perfect for the past week.