Hello, figured i had some good help the last time I posted that i would pick everyone brains again. At least this time its a little easier. I'm trying to find a new set of skid plates for my rubicon that will allow access to the oil filter without having to remove the front skid plate. I did a search of the forums and seen a couple postings mention that the highlifter skid plate had this feature, but from 2 different locations i've been unable to access highlifter's website. One of the more recent postings had link to one, but appeared to require a special tool to open the access panel to the filter. The site was www.aluminumproducts.com. Not exactly sure what they were meaning about special tool though.

Thanks,
Vector2004

 

The Aluminum Products is a nice plate, and a lot cheaper than Highlifter. I've got one on my Rubi, and really like it. The special tool they are referring to is an Allen wrench. There are three Allen head bolts holding the filter access cover on. There are two holes in the plate to get to the drain plugs also.

 

That was the impression i had gotten from a couple of the other posts. Kinda figured that the tool was just an allen wrench.

 

i just picked up a cycle country plow bracket from my local dealer and its like a skid plate.
i had to remove the front skidplate and put this in its place.
and its steel and way stronger then the flimsy ones that are on it now.
its just like the front skidplate but its got a hole for the filter and the front drain plug so you dont have to take it off to change your oil but the rear skidplate needs to come off to get at the rear plug.
but im going to cut a hole in the rear plate so i can drain it without taking eather one off.
the one thing i like about this plate is its way easyer to install then the aluminum one that was on it befor.
and it alot more durable then the other one.

 

I take it from the description you gave that they must have changed the design on the mounting bracket for the plow. I had the cycle country plow and backet when i bought the 4-wheeler but never had a use for the plow so I sold it but the person that bought it didn't have a rubicon. The bracket that i had would in no way protect the underside of the 4-wheeler. Also the bracket that i got mounted over the stock skid plates.

Does the plow bracket not get in the way when riding on the trail. I've got an uncle with an older kawasaki that he uses a plow with and he will drag the bracket when ever crossing a river, or anything with any height, but would normaly not have any problems with the bracket off.

 

i just put it on last week and it says to remove it and put the skidplate back on befor trail riding.
but i have a 1 1/2" lift kit and 26" tires so its a bit more then stock still.
its just the ears (tabs) that stick down and thats only an inch.
and with the lift kit and tires i ganed almost three so im still a bit ahead.