Installing a Rough Country Gas Tank Skid Plate on a 2012 Jeep Wrangler JK

I'm so lucky my gas tank didn't fall off! The OEM skid plate was almost rusted completely away so it needed to be replaced. I chose a Rough Country Gas Tank Skid Plate because it was much cheaper than an OEM skid plate while also being a bit thicker. Most of the time was spent wrestling with very rusted bolts and then figuring out how to keep the tank suspended while I lifted in the new skid plate. In the end, I did not re-install the transfer case skid plate as I was down one mounting point. Since I don't take the Jeep off-road (I know, I know), this wasn't an issue for me.

[@chuckmcgrath4027]

I thought that these aftermarket skid plates were designed to go over the factory tank holder?

[@ificanfixitsocanyou]

Yes, they are! Since half of mine was missing due to rust, there wasn't much sense in keeping it in place. Also, the OEM replacement was more than double the cost! I had read that others had success in just using this skid plate as is, so I gave it a shot.

[@WilliamVG]

My 2019 is already rusting pretty bad. Wish the gas was held without the skid plate, would make removal easier.

[@TheFussball17]

while you had that off you should have applied Eastwood Matte Black Rust Encapsulator Plus | Long Lasting Maximum Rust Protection

[@ificanfixitsocanyou]

Ooh - I've never heard of that before - thanks for the tip! Instead of paint, a friend had recommended Fluid Film to protect the metal from future rust. The Jeep hasn't been driven much since this replacement, so it's not too late for me to apply something.

[@paulfisher-m7m]

My question would be where do you attach the bolt from the transfer case skid plate. The original gas tank skid plate has a place to bolt it to. The new rough country after market skid plate (Rough Country Gas Tank Skid Plate for 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK 2-Door - 794, Black) has no place to bolt it to. Is it safe with no bolt.

[@ificanfixitsocanyou]

I didn't add the skid plate back on... It's been on my list to figure out how to weld/attach a mounting point, but haven't got around to it yet :(

[@jasonmorris8656]

Any issues with just using the RC skid plate by itself without the factory skid?

[@ificanfixitsocanyou]

None so far! Seems to be holding up well

[@alltimers_dizzies7311]

Already rusted!! Wtf