Nth Tummy Tucker with 6 speed?

[CyberJeep]

I have the Nth 3" SA lift right now and the next step is the transfer case skid plate. I'm wondering if the Nth TT will be redesigned to fit the 6 speed tranny of the 05/06 TJs so it would clear the drain plug ?

Thanks! :D

[AEV Dave]

Here is what I found out: The skid will work with the NSG370 with no issues. The drain plug is not removable without removing the skid. I asked what it would take but found out that it would either involve removing a strengthening rib determined to be essential, or having a separate part number for that trans only because any changes made would effect the older manuals as well. We decided that because of the infrequency of oil changes in the manual trans (I couldn't even find it on the OE maintenance schedule in the service manual ) it wouldn't be much of a problem to have to remove the skid (pretty easy) to change the oil. If you're concerned about checking the oil after playing in the water, the fill plug is still accessible and easy to put a pipe cleaner or some other form of dipstick in to check it. Its also possible to suck the oil out of the fill hole to replace it (most shops have that sort of tool).

dh

[CyberJeep]

I was more concerned about this kind of problem when using the Nth TT with the NSG370: Smashed drain plug...

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/947/m99h74nb7.jpg

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/6829/1875inchttbendwplugviewa3kpga7.jpg

[eatrocks]

I removed a slite bit so I could remove the plug what 2 years back and it works fine.

[JeepinJon]

I would think that if you trimmed the skid you should be just fine, and still get enough protection.

[Agar426]

I'm sure I missed something, but I've got an '05 AEV TJ with their 3.75" suspension and it's a 6 speed. They installed the tummy tucker as part of the package.

I ordered the Jeep from AEV in May of 2005, and the tummy tucker's been on their since day one...did I miss something?

[JeepinJon]

I'm sure I missed something, but I've got an '05 AEV TJ with their 3.75" suspension and it's a 6 speed. They installed the tummy tucker as part of the package.

I ordered the Jeep from AEV in May of 2005, and the tummy tucker's been on their since day one...did I miss something?

This is only an issue with some of the TJ's with the 6 speed. I am assuming that it is mainly for people without a body lift to provide a little more clearance.

[Agar426]

This is only an issue with some of the TJ's with the 6 speed. I am assuming that it is mainly for people without a body lift to provide a little more clearance.

Hmmm, now I'm even more curious. Mine has no body lift, and Kent never mentioned anything to me. On the other hand, I haven't had any issues in over 14k miles....

[Beowulf]

Ok, it should fit all 6 speeds just fine. With variation from vehicle to vehicle you will see varying degrees of issues when it come to the drain plug.

You still get the same great coverage and higher clearence. It is just that you cannot take out the drain plug without dropping the skid. A major PITA. Yes, the manual does not mention the oil change, but that does not mean I am even remotely going to listen to it. I change all oil evey 12,000 miles with Synthetic. Engine every 3,000.

I will pulling my skid and using a die grinder to remove just enough material to clear the plug. Plus, this will eliminate the issue with the skid flexing enough to contact the plug. If I had a welder you can bet I'b be installing a 1/4" rib to add just a little strength.

It seems like this cut out could be installed in all skids whether it was a 5sp, 6spd, rubicon, or other and not impact anything.

Heck, I'd even pony up the cost of a new one if this was done.

[AEV Jim]

Just following up on this one since I think we didn't answer all the questions adequately:

The problem with notching the existing TT design to clear the plug is that it removes ALL the strength from the front of the TT...so the second you rest it on a rock, etc. it will deflect much much easier than if the upturned edge is left as it was designed (and don't forget that notching it will void the warranty!).

The problem with us redesigning it to allow the 6spd plug to be removed is that the other trannys that the skid must also fit (NV3550 and AX-15) have shapes that mean that the leading edge cannot be moved forward to allow a hole for the plug (would run into NV3550) nor back to miss the plug (would run into AX-15).

Short of a unique skid (which is not cost-effective - we'd have to charge something silly like $800 for one that only fits 6speeds) the best solution was one that Nth had started doing (and we still do): grind a little off the upper corner of the edge of the skid so that if it does get pushed up into the plug, it doesn't "cut" into it as the picture that was posted shows (when the edge is square).

I hope this helps everyone understand why the TT is as it is...yes not perfect for the 6spd owners, but considering the infrequency for need to drain the trans, it's a pretty decent compromise between price and performance I think.

-Jim