Anyone ever installed an FSJ engine 'splash' shield?

[Wesdog]

I am not certain that the term 'splash shield' is correct but I used to have a 65 ford van that had a factory metal shield under the engine that would prevent water/dirt from getting up into the front of the engine area. It only covered the front portion of the area under the engine/radiator so heat could still exit the rear area.

What I've been considering is using a sheet of galvanized steel to fabricate a piece to cover the area between the frame under the radiator and the engine up to the oilpan sump. My thought is to prevent splashing water up into the front of the engine area when going through puddles/streams/lakes etc. Looking under the engine it appears to be a fairly simple thing to do and I can't see that on my vehicle that it would interfer with suspnsion travel or steering.

Has anyone on the board done this on an FSJ? :rolleyes:

[ June 20, 2003, 08:42 PM: Message edited by: Wesdog ]

[Bob Barry]

Not yet, but I've been considering a similar thing, but with rubber inner-tube material reinforced with aluminum strips. Mine would hang free until it hit water or mud, at which point it would provide some protection.

Only drawback of a rigid unit is difficulty in accessing the front of the motor.

[brent]

Funny you should ask. I saw a homemade one at the boneyard this morning under an 80-something Wag. Looks like the PO had a hard rubber urethane shield curving out from under the rad and stopping dead center of the oil pan. I doubt AMC/Iacocca made anything like it. It was bolted on various places around the frame. Looked like it was a good fit, maybe he got it mail order or something.
Was looking for a new 4WD shift lever and noticed a lot of newer Dodge trucks (must wreck easy?) had these shields, too.
Brent