The skidplate protects what it needs to. The side bends are really just there to add rigidity to the skid plate, not provide protection. The stock skid plate was more of a splash guard. Since my design isn't quite as wide, water splash gets inside the engine bay much easier. That isn't a big deal except my engine bay is not *****-and-span anymore. Of course, no skidplate is going to keep water splash out of the engine bay in situations like this...



The only thing I would do differently is extend the plate back to the rear-lower IFS member... mine terminates at the front member and leaves the rear of the oil pan vulnerable. Of course, this makes it easier for me to drain my oil.



That picture is of Brew's integral transfer case crossmember/skidplate. Before making such a low profile skidplate you'd need to do a 2" bodylift and 2" drivetrain lift (as he did). You could still do an integral transfer case crossmember/skidplate, it just would protrude down further than his.

Regards,
Joel