Easy Steps To Install Rancho Oil Pan Skid

If you're looking to install a Rancho oil pan skid plate, you've come to the right place. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring a secure and proper installation. The Rancho oil pan skid plate is designed to protect your vehicle's oil pan from direct contact with obstacles and debris, and its lightweight yet sturdy construction makes it an excellent choice for off-road adventures.

How to Install Rancho Oil Pan Skid

Clean the oil pan with a degreaser and a clean rag

To clean the oil pan with a degreaser and a clean rag, start by removing any debris or old gasket material. Spray the degreaser onto the oil pan and use the clean rag to wipe away any dirt, road tar, oil, or debris. You can also use a plastic scraper to remove large amounts of oil or gasket material. Be sure to clean both the inside and outside of the oil pan to ensure all debris is removed.

After wiping down the oil pan with the degreaser and clean rag, you may want to finish the cleaning process by applying some rubbing alcohol to the pan and letting it dry. This will ensure that any remaining residue is removed and the surface is prepared for the installation of a new gasket.

It is important to ensure that the oil pan surface is free of any dirt, oil, or particles before installing a new gasket to prevent leaks and ensure a proper seal. By taking the time to clean the oil pan thoroughly, you can maintain the integrity of your vehicle's oil system and prevent potential issues in the future.

Apply a bead of RTV to the skid plate and let it sit

When installing a Rancho Rock Gear Jeep JK Wrangler Oil Pan Skid Plate, it is important to follow the instructions carefully to ensure a secure and effective fit. After cleaning the inside surface of the skid plate with rubbing alcohol, the next step is to apply a bead of RTV to the skid plate and let it sit.

RTV, or Room Temperature Vulcanizing silicone, is a flexible rubber adhesive sealant that is ideal for this application. It is resistant to moisture, chemicals, and UV radiation, making it suitable for creating a reliable seal. In addition, RTV can withstand temperature fluctuations and vibrations, ensuring that the seal remains intact even in harsh environments.

To apply the RTV, use the provided tube to apply a 1/4" bead of the sealant along the base of the skid plate. It is important to work quickly as RTV begins to cure immediately upon exposure to air, and you want to ensure an even application. Once you have applied the bead of RTV, let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow it to skin over before installing the skid plate.

This step is crucial as it allows the RTV to partially cure and harden, providing a strong and durable bond between the skid plate and the oil pan. By letting the RTV sit, you can be confident that the skid plate will be securely attached and protected from the elements.

After the RTV has skinned over, you can proceed with the next steps of the installation process, which include slipping the skid plate over the oil pan and allowing the RTV to fully cure. With its unique properties and ease of application, RTV plays a vital role in ensuring the successful installation of the oil pan skid plate.

Slip the skid plate over the oil pan

To install the Rancho Rock Gear Jeep JK Wrangler Oil Pan Skid Plate, follow these steps:

Firstly, ensure your Jeep JK Wrangler's oil pan is thoroughly cleaned and dried. Use a degreaser like Simple Green and a clean rag to wipe down the oil pan, removing any dirt, road tar, and oil. Finish with some rubbing alcohol and let the oil pan dry.

Next, clean the inside surface of the Rancho Rock Gear JK Oil Pan Skid Plate with rubbing alcohol. Apply a 1/4" bead of the provided RTV along the base of the skid plate, as shown in the product's instructions. Allow the RTV to sit for about 15 minutes to let it skin over before installing.

Now, carefully slip the Rancho Rock Gear Oil Pan Skid Plate over your Jeep JK Wrangler's oil pan. You may need to use a floor jack to hold the skid plate in place. If your Jeep has been lifted, a piece of 2x4 wood may also be necessary to facilitate this step. Ensure the RTV sits for about 24 hours to cure completely.

That's it! You've successfully installed the Rancho Rock Gear Jeep JK Wrangler Oil Pan Skid Plate. This skid plate will offer substantial protection to your Jeep's vulnerable oil pan.

Secure the skid plate with a floor jack

To secure the skid plate with a floor jack, you will need a few tools and materials. These include a degreaser, clean rags, rubbing alcohol, RTV, a floor jack, and a 2x4 piece of wood.

Begin by using a degreaser like Simple Green and a clean rag to thoroughly wipe down your Jeep JK Wrangler’s oil pan, ensuring it is free of any dirt, road tar, and oil. Finish the cleaning process with some rubbing alcohol and let the oil pan dry.

Next, clean the inside surface of the Rancho Rock Gear JK Oil Pan Skid Plate with rubbing alcohol. Using the RTV provided, apply a 1/4" bead along the base of the skid plate. Allow the RTV to sit for about 15 minutes to let it skin over before installing.

Now, you are ready to secure the skid plate with the floor jack. Slip the Rancho Rock Gear Oil Pan Skid Plate over your Jeep JK Wrangler’s oil pan and hold it in place with the floor jack. If your Jeep has been lifted, you may need to use a piece of 2x4 wood to help make this step possible. The RTV will take about 24 hours to fully cure and secure the skid plate in place.

That's it! You've successfully secured the skid plate with the floor jack. This will provide substantial protection to your Jeep JK Wrangler's oil pan.

Use an optional set of wires to hold the skid plate in place

The Rancho Rock Gear JK Oil Pan Skid Plate is a great option for those looking for a simple, affordable, and effective solution to protect their Jeep JK Wrangler's oil pan. While the installation process is relatively straightforward, with the skid plate held in place using an RTV silicone sealant, Rancho does provide an option to further secure the skid plate using a set of wires.

This optional step adds an extra layer of security and peace of mind, ensuring that the skid plate remains firmly in place even during off-road adventures. The wires act as a backup measure, working in conjunction with the RTV sealant to prevent the skid plate from shifting or falling off.

If you decide to use the optional wires, it is important to carefully plan their placement to ensure they effectively support the skid plate without interfering with any other components. The wires should be securely fastened at designated attachment points, creating a reliable secondary retention system.

By following the instructions provided by Rancho and taking the time to properly position and secure the wires, you can be confident that your Jeep JK Wrangler's oil pan is well-protected. This additional measure can provide added assurance that your vehicle is ready to tackle challenging terrain without worrying about the skid plate's integrity.

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