When I had a WJ I didn't ever remember the factory gas tank skid plate being a problem. I drug that thing across (literally, they hang LOW) Hell's Revenge, Fin's and Things, PSM and others in Moab........never even dinged it. When I did my gas "tank lift" I remember it being around 1/8 inch thick.
If you can live without the rear tire storage cubby a gas tank lift is an awesome option. I was able to raise mine 10-12". Since everyone likes pictures:
Hack out the spare tire cubby. IMHO it adds nothing to the unibody structure:
Cut a hole in the Unibody for the fuel filler to pass through:
Weld it back up:
And enjoy never dragging the butt of your WJ again....
Now a belly skid on these rigs is needed BAD! The trans/ t-case are so exposed it makes them pretty suspectable to "love taps from rocks"........that front radiator hangs down low:Wow1: now THAT needs a skid plate more so than the gas tank!!