Transfer case skid question

So, I was gifted an RCI t-case skid and in order for me to get my t-case skid on, I have to remove these bars (pictures below) that protect the cats, but honestly the bars don't seem like they'd really do all that much, and the cats are pretty tucked up in there (I offroad often but I don't do rock crawling). I also do not have a transmission skid plate to go in that area to replace the cat "protection".

What do you guys think, fuck it and remove the bars for the skid and lose that protection on the cats, or leave things as is till I can get a transmission skid which could be a while with how things are in the world?

 

I would just remove them if they can't go back on after you install the skid.

 

They not really cat protection. More of a cat anti-theft device that doesn't really work well given some of the stolen cat posts.

 

Those area frame braces.... triangles are strong.

 

I'd like to agree, but thin walled bent sections like that cause doubts.

 

You'd be surprised. Keep in mind It's compressive not bending or shear.

 

Which would be the worst possible load direction for a bent tube.

 

Fair enough! I betcha those tubes add quite a bit of rigidity though

 

Let's test! I'll go without. It would be a great road trip, normally . . .


In the end, a solid skid with proper connections could perform the same stiffening, if that is the intended purpose.

 

Hope all is well over there.

 

As good as it could be. Hopefully the same for you.

Hang tight!

 

So you don't think they should be removed?

 

Do not. I repeat DO NOT install the skid. Send it to me and I’ll do testing to ensure your safety

 

They can be removed, just a little more twist or wiggle in the frame... probably won't notice it. The skid may work in a similar manner, as @tonered mentions.

 

Pulled mine off when I put on the RCI trilogy of skids. It's almost *too* rigid now - serious vibration noises from it all after offroading until I pull them off to clean and reinstall.

 

I left the braces on. With the RCI transfer skid plate it's a bear to grease the rear zerk on the front driveline.
You need a flex grease hose, small hands, and then it is a "feelie" .
Sometimes a rock gets stuck between skid and crossover pipe making funny sounds until you remove it.

 

Was actually able to get them back on after installing the skid

 

Ahhh, I was brainfarting and thinking it was a transmission skid. That of course would go forward to the suspension crossmember, and possibly stiffen things. The transfer only skid won't accomplish any benefit of that sort.

Nice job getting them mounted up.