Underbody protection - what is needed - options

[Ent]

Hi

After a light tap on the factory bash plate I found it rather flimsy with a small depression. I have been trawling the verious threads and noticed issues with the standard mounting system failing. Also spotted on the web an issue between an owner and Mitsubishi over failure that they blamed on restricted air flow. Noted comments that ABR plares are not a good fit as well.

On Fleabay saw a stainless steel plare with the option of stronger mounts. It is 3mm plate.

What I am interested in is under body protection that fits as well as the original but much stronger. Plus sensible extension to standard protection scheme. Basically protection that considers weight.

My vehicle is a manual PC Challenger. Not been a mechanic I would prefer the protection fitted by someone familar with it. Being in Tassie cuts down the options.

Ok, I have a decent collection of tools, and can if need be, bolt things in place, but welding is above my pay grade. What I want is a trouble free systems that mean when I stuff up all that happens is grinding sound.

Cheers

[sillypoint]

On here mate the majority will say Bushskins, apparently the plates line up well and are easy to fit. I've just ordered the Intercooler sump guard combo from Kieron, and should receive them any day. Can't wait to fit them! Let you know when they are on.
Ben

[old Jack]

Comments in blue

Hi

After a light tap on the factory bash plate I found it rather flimsy with a small depression.
Yes, standard plates are very thin and are really splash guards, they will bend just in deep sand so they have no chance in harder ground or rocks.
I have been trawling the verious threads and noticed issues with the standard mounting system failing.
Yes, the weld on the standard mounts will crack with all aftermarket plates, normally it is the 2 mounts between the front intercooler guard and the engine /front diff guard. Ok if rewelded.

http://www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum/...ody+bashplates

Also spotted on the web an issue between an owner and Mitsubishi over failure that they blamed on restricted air flow.
Bullbars have a greater impact on airflow
Noted comments that ABR plares are not a good fit as well.
The 2 installations I have seen have had the engine /front diff plate rubbing on the front diff


On Fleabay saw a stainless steel plare with the option of stronger mounts. It is 3mm plate.

What I am interested in is under body protection that fits as well as the original but much stronger. Plus sensible extension to standard protection scheme. Basically protection that considers weight.
All sytems weigh between 20kg and 36 kg depending on whether it is a 2 or 3 plate system and 3 or 4 mm steel

Options are;
1. 4mm folded steel Bushskinz at 36kg these are very heavy duty, that said I have bent mine a little but they have saved me dozens of times. 3 plate system including transmission. Bushskinz is a forum sponsor, Kieron has a reputation for good service, price and quality.
2. 3mm folded and 2.5mm pressed steel ARB, front diff clearance insufficient on the installs I have seen. 3 plate system that includes transmission.
3. 3mm folded steel TJM, 3 plate system that includes transmission.
4. 3mm folded steel Brown Davis, this was my preferred system but it was only a 2 plate system at the time.
5. 3mm folded steel Ironman, I have fitted one of these to a Triton and are ok for the money.
6. There are a few ebay/ overseas system including a 5mm aluminium set but these were over $1000 AUD when I looked.
7. Mitsubishi do an upgrade front plate as an accessory.
8. There are a few other smaller suppliers doing custom work in WA & Qld from memory.

As there is some variation in the mount positions, many people have needed to do slight elongation or enlargement of attachment holes to get a good fit on all systems. Chassis flexes so you need the attach holes slightly over size particularly on the thicker plates.


My vehicle is a manual PC Challenger. Not been a mechanic I would prefer the protection fitted by someone familar with it. Being in Tassie cuts down the options. All systems can be mail ordered and fitted with basic hand tools (spanners, sockets, 1/4" diameter "rat tail"file, or cordless drill and 11mm dia drill bit.

Ok, I have a decent collection of tools, and can if need be, bolt things in place, but welding is above my pay grade. What I want is a trouble free systems that mean when I stuff up all that happens is grinding sound.
You do not have the long distance corrugations in Tassie so you may not have an issue with breaking mounts but a good welding shop/mechanic can re-weld over the original welds in about 20 minutes.

Cheers

cheers, old Jack.

Some previous threads;

http://www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=37359&highlight=fitting+Bushskinz

http://www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=35678&highlight=fitting+Bushskinz

http://www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=35079&highlight=fitting+Bushskinz

http://www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=32414&highlight=fitting+Bushskinz

[Ent]

Hi OldJack and others.

Thanks for the summary. Narrowed down to two options depending if Ironman have gone to the press steel option.

Bushskins as they appear well regarded and at 4mm are about as heavy duty as you can get. Only issue is on searching the web is I noticed a couple of comments that they sit somewhat lower than factory so compromise clearance. This might be internet waffle but interested to read here if this is the case.

Ironman assuming fully pressed steel. I hope that this would give the best fit and weight to strength ratio at 2.5mm. I am not going to be an extreme off-road type. But been rather unskilled may take it more out on the underbody so want something that can protect the vitals.

Though I am curious why your preferred choice OldJack? Given that they are now three plate your reason has been removed. Ok, you have spent your money but for me I have not so they might be a third option.

So if people have either be great to hear from them.

Cheers

[PBChallengerM/T]

Hi Ent & all. Another Challenger newby here (made my first post in the intro's section last night). I like you have a M/T Challenger and I fitted the MMAL genuine bash plate which I think they called "Protector Underbody". I haven't measured it, but estimate 2~3mm thick. It bolted straight up replacing the tissue paper OE part, and has survived 3 years and 50000kms on my previous vehicle a Triton ML before being fitted to my Challenger from new 1 year ago. My reasoning for a genuine part being that if it causes damage to the vehicle, I can take it back to MMAL for repairs. Other than some pealing paint or powdercoat on bash plate, its fine and still as good as new. It hit the deck plenty of times on the Triton due to the poor ground clearance on that vehicle (205R16 tyres) and no problems with the mounts on either vehicle. Depending on how serious your plans are for your car, it might be an option for you to consider.

[02-SR5]

X2 on the factory upgrade.

Been on mine now for nearly 3 years now.

[Chris4x4]

X2 on the factory upgrade.

Been on mine now for nearly 3 years now.

Does anyone know if the Mitsu thicker bash plates extend to cover the auto? As the auto seems very exposed on these Chall's. What are the cost of these?
Thanks Cheers

[02-SR5]

No, it just replaces the coke can cut out under the front diff actuator.

[Ent]

Like the idea of factory bits where possible. What is the cost?

[02-SR5]

About $100 from memory

[MikeL]

Any tips for a good welder in NE Melbourne who can weld up my bash plate mounts without killing the ECU? Overhead welding is something I've never tried and don't want to stuff it up.

[02-SR5]

I got mine repaired at the local exhaust joint.

See if there is one in your local are.

[Ent]

About $100 from memory

Trip to the local dealer is in order. Been Tasmania watch $100 become much more.

Got a great reply to my email from Bushskins so ultimately will likely get their full protection kit as service looks very good from them. Ironman no response, and probably bit soon for Davis Brown. Experience has taught me that if a company is slow responding to a sales enquiry it only gets worse when chasing them to resolve an issue.

Cheers

[PBChallengerM/T]

I reckon I also paid about $100 for the factory plate, but it was 4 years ago.

[PBChallengerM/T]

And it would have been smarter of me to say its Pt No was MR936387 and thickness turns out to be 3mm.