Just finished DOI skid plate prototype

[evldave]

ok, so the weight isn't an issue, I'm still curious as to thickness.

and I'm still not convinced this won't overheat the drivetrain. Take a fully open drivetrain and enclose it, and it's going to generate heat (even at 5-10 mph). Too much? I dunno, but those are usually long-term issues, so a temp gauge would be in order (anyone know what they run now?)

I wasn't concerned about the cleaning of the mud, more about it getting trapped between the solid plate and t-case or tranny. With the UCP, it's an open frame design, and most mud won't stay or will get washed out when you are driving in the rain (or by pressure washer). With a fully enclosed plate, you are going to get mud up in areas that doesn't even come out - the holes I saw don't look like it would be as easy to get the mud out. I guess time will tell.

I'm a huge fan of anyone doing this. Been working on my own because I'm too cheap to buy the UCP (but a busted wrist prevents me from doing anything right now). I'd just want to make sure there's some thought put into more than 'It will protect you from the rocks' - there are other things to worry about too.