Introduction

Based on broad user experience, several points in the Jimny's underbody have been identified as relatively weak and/or most exposed points which can sustain collision damage when driving off road.

Even if you don't do hardcore offroading, you are going to hit a rock sooner or later. It's just a question of a moment when you lose your concentration for that tiny amount of time, or the vehicle could slide sideways to a rock despite your best efforts.

OEM underbody protectors

Suzuki makes only the following underbody metal protectors:

1. Fuel tank protector, which is a standard factory fitment and is adequate for normal off road driving.
2. Front axle protector as an optional accessory. It is pointless because it further reduces the ground clearance because it "widens" the hanging part of the differential casing.
3. Side body steps / rock sliders as optional accessories. They exist in several designs and are quite expensive. They span from the front wheel arch to the rear wheel arch, and they might be useful to prevent paint chipping, due to small rocks flicking under the wheels. They are also useful as steps if you have roof bars or a roof box.

Aftermarket or DIY metal protectors

There are several aftermarket "factories" which make underbody metal procetors for Jimnys.

You can also fabricate your DIY protectors if you have the skills.

A protector will pay of with VAT the first time it gets hit!

The following list contains the most useful underbody protectors:

1. Radius arm chassis mounts (four guards for four radius arms).
2. Transfer box guard
3. Rear shock absorber guards near the rear axle mounting points (two guards).
4. For hardcore offroading, a thicker/stronger fuel tank guard would be advised.
5. Rock sliders or steps on vehicle's sides (between the front and rear wheel arches).