Skid Plate recommendation

So I have a 2004 with no skid plates, looking to do some mild off-roading here in Colorado: things like Mosquito Pass or Wheeler Lake at the extreme. I see many options, from factory stock to "bullet proof," ranging from about $650-700 installed for the 3 factory stock plates from the dealer to about $1100 for higher end from aftermarket, not installed. Wondering if the 3 factory plates are any good (I would supplement with the 4th plate from aftermarket), or if I need to go whole hog with all aftermarket and 50% increase in cost.

Opinions, experiences?

Buy stock skids
Put them on yourself (it's easy)
Save yourself a ton of money
Wheel away
Profit!

4xguard

x2 on 4xguard. Skid row as well. Both really beefy brands!

Welcome to the forums vulturenest. My Kj came with the factory skids, they are just ok.
Once you have chosen skids, have a look over at the lift section:
Lift Kit Discussion - Jeep Liberty Forum - JeepKJ Country
Extra Ground Clearance and stronger suspension is always a great benefit off road. :gr_grin:

Skid Row or 4xguard. I have wheeled real hard. I have a nice dent in my Skid Row, mopar skids would of gave under the pressure

The factory engine skid is pretty good - but the trans, transfer case and gas tank skids aren't really built for hard hits from rocks, stumps, etc.

I have the 4X Guard trans skid and would like to add the 4X Guard engine and gas tank skids. Wish JBA made a transfer case skid :shrug:

Here's a link: JBA/4X Guard armor

Bob

Factory skids are fine and cheap enough if you find them. The front one is pretty solid to go but the Gearbox/Transfer ones are at best okay for mild off road. The Tank one is good for the purpose and quite solid all in all. I had them fitted to mine, then as time passed up graded to better one. I have ASFIR ones in aluminium, light & very strong. I have replaced the front and the gearbox/transfer ones ( I have also fitted them to my wife's Toyota Hi Lux 2009). They should still be available in the US and a reasonable price ( at one point they were cheaper to re import them back to Europe from the US). I know of member on here that run them on Petrol & CRD will fit all years from 2001-6 for the KJ. Just another option.