Jeep XJ skid plates - 4 link long arm upgrade | Rustys off Road
- rustysoffroad
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Loose Rocks or Stumps Damaging Your Jeep XJ? Can Skid Plates Stop It?
Jeep XJ owners love hitting trails, climbing rocks, and exploring mud paths. But loose rocks, tree stumps, and rough terrain can really hurt a Jeep. Scratches, dents, or even broken parts under the Jeep can turn a fun adventure into a costly problem. One of the best ways to protect a Jeep XJ is with a 4-link long arm upgrade. This upgrade strengthens the suspension and provides better control, letting the Jeep handle rough trails safely and smoothly.
Why Skid Plates Are Important
Jeep XJ skid plates protect the underbody of a Jeep, covering key parts like the engine, transmission, and fuel tank. Hitting a big rock or stump can cause serious damage, but skid plates act as a shield. With skid plates:
● The Jeep’s vital parts stay safe
● Off-road adventures become less stressful
● Repairs and downtime are reduced
Skid plates make sure the Jeep can tackle rough trails without worry. Drivers can focus on the trail instead of worrying about damage.
Keep the Jeep Stable with Suspension Upgrades
A rough trail isn’t just hard on the underbody; it’s also tough on the suspension. Stronger and properly positioned control arms keep the axles and suspension at the right angles. This stops bouncing, keeps tires in contact with the ground, and improves steering. When paired with protective underbody armor, the Jeep rides smoother, climbs rocks more confidently, and handles rough trails with greater stability and control.
Steering That Works Right
When lifting a Jeep or adding bigger tires, steering can feel off. An xj steering conversion fixes this by putting steering components back at the correct angles. The Jeep responds better, drives straighter, and feels safer. Accurate steering also prevents extra wear on suspension parts and keeps the Jeep easier to control on tricky trails.
Strong Control Arms for Tough Trails
Suspension control is not just about comfort; it helps protect the Jeep from damage. Strong, reinforced control arms hold the suspension steady, even on rough and bumpy trails. They work together with underbody protection to:
● Keep suspension geometry correct
● Reduce wear on shocks, axles, and tires
● Make off-roading safer and smoother
With reinforced control arms, the Jeep can tackle obstacles confidently while staying protected underneath.
Tire Protection and Extra Gear
Some trails need bigger tires or extra gear. Installing a tire carrier provides more space and helps protect the Jeep’s body. When used with underbody protection and improved suspension, the Jeep can handle larger tires without scraping rocks or stressing axles. This upgrade makes off-roading easier, safer, and more enjoyable, giving the Jeep more capability and freedom to tackle challenging trails with confidence.
Track Bars for Better Handling
Lifted or modified Jeeps sometimes pull to one side or feel unstable. Jeep XJ/TJ/LJ/jl/jk/jt track bars solve this problem. They keep the axles aligned and steady, reducing sway and improving control. Track bars, combined with skid plates and strong control arms, make sure the Jeep handles obstacles safely and smoothly.
Long Arm Kits for Extreme Adventures
For serious off-roaders, longer suspension arms add extra control and stability. They improve suspension geometry for lifted Jeeps, helping them handle bigger tires, climb rocks, and navigate muddy trails with ease. Combining these upgrades with underbody protection ensures the Jeep stays safe and drives smoothly, even on the roughest terrain.
Combine Upgrades for Maximum Protection
The best way to protect a Jeep XJ is to combine several upgrades. Skid plates, a 4-link long arm upgrade, an XJ steering conversion, reinforced control arms, a 40" tire carrier, and track bars all work together. This combination:
● Keeps the Jeep steady on rocks and mud
● Protects critical parts from damage
● Improves handling and ride comfort
● Makes off-roading safer and more fun
Drivers can focus on the adventure instead of worrying about damage or lost control.
Protect Your Jeep Today
Keeping a Jeep XJ safe doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right parts, it’s possible to drive over rough trails confidently and without stress. Rusty’s Off-Road offers American-made, high-quality components that work together to protect the Jeep from rocks, stumps, and rough terrain. Explore their selection of Jeep XJ skid plates, long arm kits, steering conversions, and control arms today to turn your Jeep into a fully protected, trail-ready machine.
FAQs
Q. What do Jeep XJ skid plates protect?
Ans: Skid plates shield the engine, transmission, fuel tank, and transfer case from rocks and stumps.
Q. Why install a 4-link long arm upgrade?
Ans: Longer control arms improve suspension geometry, reduce bounce, and give smoother off-road handling.
Q. How does an XJ steering conversion help?
Ans: It restores proper steering angles after lifts or bigger tires, making the Jeep easier to control.
Q. Are reinforced control arms necessary?
Ans: Yes, they keep the suspension stable, protect other parts, and prevent uneven wear on the Jeep.
Q. Why use a 40" tire carrier?
Ans: It allows larger tires to fit safely and protects the Jeep’s body while carrying extra gear on trails.
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