Description
The factory rear lower control arm and shock mounting area on the 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK sits directly in harm's way. Rocks, ledges, and trail obstacles can quickly turn these low-hanging brackets into a weak point.
The Rebel Off Road Grinder Rear Control Arm Skid Plates provide heavy-duty protection for this vulnerable area while maintaining your Jeep's factory shock mounting position and full suspension travel.
Originally developed and trail-tested as part of our RECON coilover suspension systems, the Grinder has been redesigned for use on virtually any Jeep Wrangler JK—whether you're running factory-style suspension or an aftermarket lift.
Heavy-Duty 3/16" Steel Construction
Each Grinder is constructed from fully boxed 3/16" steel and hand welded for strength and durability.
Rather than simply reinforcing the factory bracket, the Grinder surrounds and protects the lower control arm mounting area, creating a smooth, heavy-duty surface designed to take the abuse that would otherwise be transferred directly into the factory mount.
Keep Your Shock Where Jeep Intended It
Many rear control arm skid and shock relocation systems gain ground clearance by moving the lower shock mounting point upward.
While that sounds good on paper, changing the lower shock mounting position also changes the effective operating range of the shock. Depending on the suspension setup, this can reduce available up-travel and potentially cause the shock to bottom out before the suspension reaches its intended compression point.
The Rebel Grinder does not relocate your lower shock mount.
Your shock remains in its intended mounting position, allowing you to protect the vulnerable lower bracket without unnecessarily sacrificing shock travel, suspension articulation, or ride quality.
No Special Shocks Required
Because the Grinder retains the original shock mounting location, there is no need to purchase a special-length rear shock simply to accommodate the skid plate. The system is designed to work with factory-style and aftermarket Jeep Wrangler JK shocks using the factory lower mounting location.
Designed for Real Trail Abuse
These aren't decorative skid plates.
The Grinder was developed around Rebel Off Road's own suspension systems and has been trail tested on Jeeps built to see serious off-road use. The fully boxed construction provides substantial protection for one of the lowest and most exposed suspension mounting points on the JK rear axle.
Whether you're crawling through rocks, dropping off ledges, or dragging the rear axle across an obstacle, the Grinder gives you a sacrificial surface designed to take the hit.
Why We Ship Them Raw
Grinder skid plates are intentionally supplied in raw steel.
Why?
Because they're skid plates, and if you're using them properly, they're eventually going to get scratched.
Instead of paying for a premium powder-coated finish that will inevitably be dragged across rocks, simply apply your favorite inexpensive spray paint before installation. After a hard trail trip, clean up any exposed steel and give it another quick coat.
Simple, inexpensive, and easy to maintain.
Features
- Fits 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK 2-Door and 4-Door
- Designed for the factory Dana 44 rear axle housing
- Protects vulnerable rear lower control arm mounting areas
- Fully boxed 3/16" steel construction
- Hand welded
- Retains the factory lower shock mounting position
- Does not raise or relocate the lower shock mount
- Maintains available suspension and shock travel
- Compatible with factory-style and aftermarket JK shocks using the OEM mounting location
- Works with stock-height and lifted Jeep JK applications
- Trail tested through Rebel Off Road's RECON suspension program
- Grade 8 mounting hardware included
- Ships raw for easy painting or custom finishing
- Sold as a pair
- 100% Made in the USA
Installation
Installation requires modification of the factory rear axle brackets.
The factory sway bar link mount and lower shock bracket must be cut from the axle housing and the remaining surfaces ground smooth before the Grinder assemblies are bolted into position.
Cutting and grinding are required for installation.
Professional installation is recommended if you are not comfortable modifying the factory axle brackets.
What's Included
- (2) Rebel Off Road Grinder Rear Control Arm Skid Plates
- (2) Grade 8 mounting bolts
- (4) Grade 8 washers
- (2) Grade 8 Nylock nuts
Finish: Raw Steel
Location: Rear Lower Control Arm / Shock Mount
Vehicle: 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK / JKU
Rear Axle: Dana 44
Sold As: Pair
Country of Origin: USA
