What did you do TO your Jeep today? July 2021

now, i am little more concerned for the center cross member now being bashed backwards. the skid does not hit the ebrake... yet.

Stev, thanks for the trim idea. it kinda did it on its own.

and, yes, the clutch skid is on the "to do" list along with spring shackle skids.

but the best thing is... no stress. this Jeep is running well and is "meant to be bent"!

is there a serious problem with trimming the spring u-bolts down to the nut?

You can cut them flush, but you might have trouble getting a nut started if you have to take the perch off in the future.  The best thing is to fabricate or buy a skid plate that covers the ends of the u bolts.  Here’s an example like what I have on mine.

 U-bolts should only be used once anyway......

here's what alls in there (the red tube is far forward, right in pic above, out of view)

this includes a pimped out first aid kit (i formerly was a wilderness EMT), jack, Viair, recovery straps, technora ropes and slings, rigging carabiners and shackles, 2 different saws (Sven saw and pocket Silky saw), collapsible Craftsman lug wrench, emergency rain jacket, tyvek suit (emergency cover, coverall for getting under vehicle), jump starter/usb charger/12v outlet, hatchet, mini sledge hammer, winch controller, hose for gas can nozzle extension (and listening for vacuum leaks per Bruce W), collapsible water bucket, and not shown: siphon hose and a quart of oil.

this cool red tube below contains tire patch kit, electrical repair, tiny WD-40 (in eye drop bottle), lube oil pen w/needle, Milwaukee demolition screwdriver (screwdriver, pry bar, chisel), magnetic swivel head LED flashlight, rescue tape, duct tape, twist ties, cable (zip) ties, green scrubby, silicone sealant, air gauge, lug sockets, whistle, mini pry bar, windshield tie-down strap, and adjustable wrench (not in photo).