Clayton Off Road 2-Piece Transfer Case Skid Plate | 3/16" Cradle + 1/4" Flat Skid | 1.25"–1.5" Clearance Gain | Fits Stock / Short Arm / Long Arm | 6-Cylinder Only | 1997–2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ / LJ Unlimited | SKU: COR-4105100

⚠️ RUBICON MODELS: 1" body lift required. Optional Clayton compressor mount recommended.

⚠️ 4-CYLINDER TJ: Not available for auto transmission. Manual transmission requires modifications — not a direct bolt-on.

⚠️ 1997–2002 AUTO 999 TRANSMISSION: Cradle may require trimming — verify transmission type before ordering.

⚠️ SHIPS BARE METAL — 86 LB: Surface rust and cosmetic scratches during shipping are normal and not eligible for return, replacement, or compensation.

Verified Fitment

Does NOT fit:

• 4-cylinder TJ with automatic transmission — not tested; not available for this application
• 4-cylinder TJ with manual transmission — fits with modifications only; not a direct bolt-on
• 1997–2002 TJ with Auto 999 automatic transmission — cradle may require trimming for clearance; verify your exact transmission before ordering
• 2007–2018 Jeep Wrangler JK — completely different platform; see the JK skid plate system
• Rubicon models without a 1" body lift installed — body lift must be in place before installation

Suspension compatibility — all three confirmed:

• Stock TJ/LJ suspension — fits without modification (6-cylinder, non-Rubicon, non-Auto 999)
• Short arm lift — fits without modification
• Clayton Off Road long arm kit — fits without crossmember restriction

Rubicon note: TJ Rubicon (2003–2006) and LJ Unlimited Rubicon (2005–2006) require a 1" body lift for proper clearance. The OEM Rubicon air compressor also requires relocation — Clayton's optional compressor mount is recommended for Rubicon builds.

Auto 999 note: The 1997–2002 TJ was available with the Aisin AX5 manual or the Aisin AW4 automatic (Auto 999 designation). If you have a 1997–2002 TJ with the automatic transmission, the cradle may require trimming before it will fit correctly. Confirm your transmission before ordering.

Component Specifications

TJ vs. LJ comparison: The COR-4105100 covers both the TJ (2-door, 1997–2006) and the LJ Unlimited (4-door, 2004–2006) with the same skid plate. The LJ-only version (COR-4107100) is the heavier system at 130 lb — the COR-4105100 at 86 lb is the correct kit for TJ owners and LJ owners who want the lighter system. Both use the same 2-piece cradle-and-skid design.

What Is and Is NOT Included

Engine oil pan skid plate: Clayton produces an oil pan skid plate designed to attach to the front of this TJ/LJ cradle system. It is sold separately and adds forward coverage of the engine oil pan as a companion to the transfer case skid. Many owners add the oil pan skid after installing the main cradle system to achieve full front-to-rear underbody coverage.

Critical Compatibility

6-cylinder only is the primary fitment gate. The cradle is designed around the geometry and transmission mount dimensions of the 4.0L I6 drivetrain. 4-cylinder TJ applications are either incompatible (automatic) or require fabrication modifications (manual). If you have a 4-cylinder TJ, confirm with Clayton Off Road before ordering.

The Auto 999 caveat on 1997–2002 TJs. The 1997–2002 TJ with automatic transmission (Aisin AW4, often called "Auto 999") has a slightly different transmission case geometry that may create cradle interference. Clayton explicitly states the cradle "may require trimming" on these applications. This is not a guaranteed problem — but it requires verification of your exact transmission before ordering. If you have a 1997–2002 automatic TJ, text (469) 407-7538 and confirm before purchasing.

Rubicon body lift — same requirement as the LJ version. The Rubicon's OEM air compressor occupies space the skid plate system requires. The 1" body lift provides the necessary clearance. Without it, the Rubicon application will not fit. The optional Clayton compressor mount relocates the OEM compressor to the back of the 1/4" skid plate after the body lift is installed.

Universal suspension compatibility is this system's practical advantage. Unlike the JK skid plates in this catalog that require a Clayton crossmember, the TJ/LJ 2-piece system bolts to OEM mounting locations regardless of suspension configuration. Stock TJ with no lift, short arm kit, or full Clayton long arm — all three work without modification on non-Rubicon, 6-cylinder, non-Auto 999 applications.

Installation Notes

Skill level: Beginner to intermediate — bolt-on installation for standard 6-cylinder non-Rubicon applications. Intermediate for Rubicon builds (body lift required). Potentially intermediate for 1997–2002 Auto 999 applications (trimming may be required).

Tools required: Allen wrench or hex socket (countersunk Allen head bolts for flat skid-to-cradle), socket set and torque wrench, floor jack or second person for plate support at 86 lb.

Two-person minimum: At 86 lb, safe overhead positioning of the cradle and flat skid requires a second person or a floor jack positioned under the plate to support it during alignment and bolt-start. Attempting solo installation risks injury and misalignment.

Bare metal surface prep: Wire brush any surface rust from shipping. Apply primer and preferred paint or undercoating to all bare steel surfaces before installation. Do not install bare metal — undercarriage exposure accelerates corrosion on unfinished steel.

Rubicon installation sequence:

1. Install 1" body lift before proceeding — do not install skid plate on Rubicon without body lift in place.
2. Install optional Clayton compressor mount to relocate OEM air compressor.
3. Proceed with standard installation per Clayton's instructions.

Standard installation sequence:

1. Apply finish to bare metal before installation.
2. Bolt the 3/16" cradle to OEM mounting locations, capturing the transmission mount, per Clayton's installation instructions. Torque to specification.
3. With the cradle secured, position the 1/4" flat skid plate against the cradle underside using floor jack or second-person support.
4. Install countersunk Allen head bolts through the flat skid into the cradle. Do not substitute standard hex head bolts — the countersunk profile is required for the flat underside geometry. Torque to specification.

Drivetrain service: Remove the countersunk Allen head bolts to drop the flat skid from the cradle. The cradle remains mounted. All transmission, transfer case, and driveline service proceeds normally with only the flat skid removed. Reinstall and torque when service is complete.

Common Questions

Does this fit both the TJ and the LJ Unlimited?
Yes — the COR-4105100 covers both the 2-door TJ (1997–2006) and the 4-door LJ Unlimited (2004–2006) with the same system. The LJ-only version (COR-4107100) is a heavier, larger-footprint system at 130 lb. If you have an LJ, you can use either — the COR-4105100 is the lighter option at 86 lb.

My TJ is a 1999 with an automatic transmission — will this fit?
Possibly, but with a caveat. 1997–2002 TJs with the automatic (Auto 999) may require the cradle to be trimmed for clearance. Clayton explicitly states this. Text (469) 407-7538 before ordering and we'll help you confirm whether your specific setup requires trimming.

My TJ is a 4-cylinder — does this fit?
Not as a direct bolt-on. The 4-cylinder automatic is explicitly not available for this application. The 4-cylinder manual may fit with modifications — but it is not a confirmed direct-fit. If you have a 4-cylinder TJ, contact Clayton Off Road before ordering.

My TJ is a 2004 Rubicon — what do I need in addition to this skid plate?
A 1" body lift and the optional Clayton compressor mount. The Rubicon's OEM air compressor occupies the clearance space the skid plate requires. The body lift resolves that, and the compressor mount relocates the OEM compressor to the back of the 1/4" flat skid plate. Neither is included with this SKU.

What's the ground clearance gain?
Approximately 1.25" over stock on 1997–2002 models, approximately 1.5" on 2003–2006 models. The difference reflects minor changes in the factory skid plate geometry across the production run.

Do I need to remove the whole skid plate for oil changes?
No — for oil changes on the transfer case or transmission, you remove only the flat skid plate. The cradle remains in place. The flat skid comes off in minutes by removing its Allen head bolts. Reinstall and torque when service is complete.

The Obsidian Take

The COR-4105100 is the TJ and LJ Unlimited answer to a problem that's been true since these trucks rolled off the factory floor: the factory skid plate hangs too low and protects too little. At 86 lb of laser-cut steel with a completely flat underside profile, this system doesn't just add protection — it improves clearance and slides over rock face rather than digging into it.

The 2-piece design is the right architecture for a truck that sees regular trail use. Transmissions and transfer cases require periodic service. A single-piece skid that requires full removal every time you need to check a fluid or do a drain-and-fill is a maintenance deterrent. The cradle-and-skid design eliminates that friction — drop the flat skid, do the service, reinstall, done.

The practical comparison to the LJ-only COR-4107100: both use the same 2-piece design. The LJ-specific version at 130 lb is larger and heavier to accommodate the LJ's longer wheelbase. If you have an LJ, the COR-4105100 is the lighter, lower-cost option that still covers the transfer case and transmission correctly. Choose based on coverage area requirements for your build.

On the 4-cylinder and Auto 999 caveats: these are real compatibility gates, not hypothetical concerns. Verify your drivetrain configuration before ordering. A phone call or text prevents a return situation on a non-returnable item.

This SKU is for: 1997–2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ and 2004–2006 LJ Unlimited owners running the 4.0L I6 with any suspension configuration (stock, short arm, or Clayton long arm), who want a bolt-on 2-piece underbody skid with real clearance gain and drivetrain service access without full skid removal. Rubicon owners are included with a 1" body lift.

This SKU is NOT for: 4-cylinder TJ owners (incompatible for auto, modifications required for manual), 1997–2002 Auto 999 automatic TJ owners without confirming cradle clearance first, Rubicon TJ or LJ owners without a 1" body lift installed, JK Wrangler owners (different platform), or anyone expecting a bare metal plate to arrive without cosmetic transit marks.

Manufacturer Data Disclaimer
Product specifications, fitment data, and feature details are sourced from Clayton Off Road manufacturer documentation and verified third-party technical references current at the time of publication. Clayton Off Road reserves the right to modify product specifications without notice. Confirm engine, transmission, and trim configuration before ordering. OFAS is not responsible for incompatibility resulting from 4-cylinder applications, Auto 999 transmission conflicts, Rubicon body lift non-installation, or failure to apply surface finish before installation.

Prop 65 Warning
⚠ WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.

Non-Returnable Notice
This item is non-returnable once installed. Bare metal cosmetic marks from shipping are not defects per Clayton Off Road's stated shipping policy. Verify engine, transmission, and trim configuration before ordering. Questions before ordering? Text (469) 407-7538.