Overview
The Artec Industries JK2003 is a bare steel heavy-duty crossmember for the 2007–2018 Jeep Wrangler (JK) Unlimited four-door.
The JK HD crossmember gives the Wrangler better protection underneath than the factory sheet metal. It is designed from CAD files for a fit with factory components, and it is made from 1/4″ thick steel that is CNC cut and formed. It is meant to be paired with the Artec JK Under Armor Bellypan kit.
On a JK, the factory skid plates are thin stamped steel bolted to captured nuts in the frame crossmembers. This crossmember replaces that mounting point with a 1/4″ steel piece. The captured nuts change from M12 to 3/8″, so factory M12 skid bolts will no longer fit. Buy 3/8″ bolts and possibly wide washers separately, since the bellypan kit carries its own hardware. The crossmember is bare steel and should be finished to prevent rust. It is made for the Unlimited four-door JK and suits installers with basic hand tools.
Key features
- Designed using CAD files directly from the manufacturer
- 1/4″ thick steel, CNC cut and formed
- Offers better protection than the factory sheet metal.
- Changes the factory captured nuts from M12 to 3/8″ to suit the JK Under Armor Bellypan kit
- Bare steel finish
- No cutting or drilling required
Skid plate hardware and fit
A crossmember is part of the frame’s underbody protection, and it is the piece that a skid plate bolts to. Changing the captured nut size means the mounting hardware must change too, so check the bolts, washers and nut thread before tightening. Keep the old factory hardware aside in case an alternate setup is needed.
Bare steel will rust if left unfinished, so clean the crossmember and apply paint or a coating suited to the frame before installing. Pay attention to fastener thread condition, and avoid trapping moisture between the crossmember and the skid plate.
After the first trail runs, check the bolts and washers for loosening, and inspect the crossmember for bends or cracks where the skid plate has taken impacts. Underbody protection works best when it stays tight and free of damage.
- Finish bare steel before installing
- Check bolt and washer fit before tightening
- Re-check fasteners after the first trail runs
Specifications
| Brand | Artec Industries |
|---|---|
| Part number | JK2003 |
| Product type | Undercarriage skid (heavy-duty crossmember) |
| Material | 1/4″ thick steel, CNC cut and formed |
| Finish | Bare steel |
| Captured nut change | Factory M12 to 3/8″ |
| Installation | No cutting or drilling required |
| Fitment type | Direct fit |
Vehicle fitment
It is made for the 2007–2018 Jeep Wrangler (JK) Unlimited four-door.
The stored list covers JK Unlimited four-door trims only. The two-door JK Wrangler and the JL or TJ are not on the list. Confirm your vehicle’s year, model and trim before ordering.
Installation notes
The captured nuts change from M12 to 3/8″ so the crossmember works with the JK Under Armor Bellypan kit. New skid plate hardware comes with the bellypan, not the crossmember. Plan on new 3/8″ bolts and possibly extra wide washers for use with factory skid plates. The installation calls for general mechanics skills and basic tools.
What’s included
New skid plate hardware comes with the bellypan kit, not with the crossmember.
Not included: New 3/8″ bolts and extra wide washers, which may be needed for use with factory skid plates.
