NOTE - When I installed the skid I cut the tab on the reinforcing strips because they did not fit ito the frame rail. I then cut the strip shorter because it was going too far into the frame. The last inch of the strip is supposed to stick out from the frame opening. I did not realize this, so I was trying to align everything with the entire strip inside the frame.

This page describes my install of a gas tank skid on my 91 XJ.

I chose the MOPAR skid because it is strong and inexpensive. Like most MOPAR items it comes with useless instructions and without the correct parts.

Requirements: Assorted sockets & wrenches, hack saw, good knowledge of four letter expletives.

The first step is to unbolt the rear bumper brackets from the rear cross-member. They are held on by four bolts on each side. I broke three of the four on each side.
Next unbolt the exhaust hanger. I broke both bolts on the hanger as well.
There are frame reinforcing strips that slide into the uniframe on each side.

These reinforcing strips have a wide tab at the rear that is too wide to fit through the openings in the rear of the frame. In this picture the tab has already been cut off (bottom left). In this photo you can see one nut which has been added to the strip. This will be my rear tow hook point for now. The hook will be a bit hard to reach, but better than nothing.
Once the reinforcing strip was in place it became obvious that the frame curves inward right about where the second nut from the right is in the photo. The only way to position the strip correctly was to hack saw four inches off the strap.
I had to drill an extra hole in the uniframe for the tow hook bolts (it uses one existing bolt as well), but this was no big deal since I had to re-drill all the other holes to get them to line up to the skid anyway.
Once the reinforcing strip were (finally) in place I used a floor jack to lift the skid into position, kicked it a couple of times to get the holes to line up, fed the bolts through and into the strips, and tightened everything up. The skid comes with a new exhaust hanger that goes on the passenger side bolts.

Tow hook location. Not a great spot, but well reinforced.


Gas tank skid.


Another angle.

 

Conclusions: THANK GOD THAT'S OVER WITH!

That said, though, I am happy with the strength of the skid. I jacked the truck up by the center of the skid while watching for any flexing of the plate and ran out of height on the jack before I saw any sign of bowing.