A belly-up kit raises the transmission/transfer case and shelters them under a flat, smooth skid. Effectively eliminates the drivetrain hangup point.
A belly-up kit (sometimes called a high-clearance crossmember or belly skid) replaces the stock transmission crossmember with a new unit that raises the transmission/transfer case 1.5"-2.5" higher AND adds a full-width flat steel skid plate covering the entire belly. The result is a smooth slick belly that slides over rocks instead of hooking on the transfer case or trans pan.
Good options:
Install: requires dropping the transmission crossmember, repositioning the transmission/transfer case, and bolting up the new crossmember and skid. 6-12 hours work. Brake lines, exhaust, and shifter linkages may need adjustment.
The belly-up is the gold standard armor solution. Most committed XJ trail builds run one. Trade-offs: weight (40-80 lbs of steel hanging low), and the slightly raised drivetrain means slip-yoke eliminator and CV driveshaft may be required if not already installed.
For moderate trail use, individual skid plates (engine, trans, transfer, gas tank) cover the essentials at lower cost. For rock crawler builds, belly-up is essential.
| Part | Vendor | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| IRO XJ belly-up kit | Iron Rock Off Road | ~$650 |
| JCR Offroad Crusader belly skid | JCR Offroad | ~$700 |
Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.