Aluminum Engine & Tranny Skid

[Stu Olson]

After installing my AW4 auto tranny this past December, I needed a skid to protect the tranny pan. I opted to do an engine & tranny skid, much like the folks out east commonly run on their Jeeps.

Many thanks to Troy for doing the TIG welding. There is no way I could have pulled that off....can you say puddle of AL on the floor? :D

Full details at http://www.stu-offroad.com/guards/tranny/tranny-1.htm


A couple of photos.......

http://www.stu-offroad.com/guards/tranny/skid-4.jpg

http://www.stu-offroad.com/guards/tranny/skid-8.jpg

http://www.stu-offroad.com/guards/tranny/skid-19.jpg

[Linda]

Hmmm....Reminds me of my old Geo tracker! It brings back fond memories. Sometimes I wish I still had that thing. All it needed was a few minor modifications: VW diesel, decent axles, coil over shocks, 35" tires... Did you know that Geo/Vitara/Sidekick had an awesome 3-link suspension in the rear? :)

[Dave@desertfab.com]

Nice work Stu...

[Wildcat455]

That looks great, Stu!

[JamesT]

Looks good.

Just an FYI for anyone else (this might sound a bit scary & it is only for straight cuts); you can cut 6000-5000 series AL with a table saw. We cut some 2" thk 5083 at 45* (so 2.8"of surface) and it worked great, very clean cut.

[Stu Olson]

I didn't know that. Not sure I'll ever have to cut a piece that thick, but if I do, I'll keep it in mind. Using it to make a required angle would be pretty slick.

[SavageSun4x4]

Looks good.

Just an FYI for anyone else (this might sound a bit scary & it is only for straight cuts); you can cut 6000-5000 series AL with a table saw. We cut some 2" thk 5083 at 45* (so 2.8"of surface) and it worked great, very clean cut.
What blade did you use?

[xFallen]

What blade did you use?

You can use a circular saw too for thatmatter.

There are blades available for cutting non-ferrous and plastic materials. Although I have a metal cutting bandsaw, I have used my little wood bandsaw in a pinch for cutting thin Al parts. The kicker is the blade on the metal cutting band saw is intended for ferrous metals too and can get clogged up with Al if you don't change the blade. My Skil circular saw works great for most straight cuts.


Barry

[xFallen]

After installing my AW4 auto tranny this past December, I needed a skid to protect the tranny pan. I opted to do an engine & tranny skid, much like the folks out east commonly run on their Jeeps.

Many thanks to Troy for doing the TIG welding. There is no way I could have pulled that off....can you say puddle of AL on the floor? :D


Nice piece Stu. Should hold up well.


Barry

[JamesT]

What blade did you use?

I can get a tooth count, but it was a crosscut wood blade. No problem gumming up.

[SavageSun4x4]

I can get a tooth count, but it was a crosscut wood blade. No problem gumming up.
No prob, just wondered if it was a rip, plywood or somewhere in between?