U-Bolt and Shock Skid Plates

I made these u-bolt and shock skid plates during the install of my new lift kit. It was the perfect time to take the stock u-bolt plates off to modify them. My new design would add protection to the u-bolts from rocks, provide a smooth surface for rocks to easily slide on and lastly it would raise the mounting point of the shocks so it gives them more protection and eliminates them as the lowest spot under the chassis. Every trip out I was always hitting the shock mounts on something and since this modification it has not happened once.

This design utilizes the stock u-bolt plates. I added a piece of 1/4" plate that was bent to form ramps and then drilled to allow for socket access to the u-bolt nuts. The original shock mounts were cut completely off and then 1" was added to them and then welded back on in the stock position except flipped up.

The Fabrication Stage:

Finished Stage:

Overall I am very happy with this modification and fab project. It has taken many hard hits and is holding up well.