Okay, what is the all the hype regarding these $60-$200 bolt-on housing protectors? Do they really work? I mean, if you slide and smack your pumpkin on a rock with the cover on, won't it just break the bolts holding it on and ruin your day still?



Anyone with any experience with these I hope you post up. Saw them, looked neat and started thinking... is this just a fad?


I look forward to your inputs!

-84XJSS

 

I would just go with a new diff cover from Solid or another reputable company rather than getting a guard for the stock one. Just my 2 cents.

 

Here is the one I plan to buy:

http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/D30COV.html

The aluminum covers look cool, but as far as bash protection goes...cast aluminum ain't the best. Seems like you could punch a hole, dump the oil and grind to a halt in pretty short order.

 

Yeah, I would just buy a new diff cover. Ruff stuff, riddler, solid, Ox etc. As for the bolts there are some diff covers that protrude further up allowing the bolts to be somewhat set in.

 

Yup... just get a cover. The riddler ones are awesome- super stout. Both my axles do take a bit more fluid with the riddlers though.

 

I have SOLIDs on my XJ and on the 14bolt under my truck. Super beefy! Riddlers and ARBs also seem like nice units.

 

Riddler FTW

 

 

I painted mine the exact same way lol

 

Keep in mind that with the larger diff covers, you may run into clearance issues. (Track Bar, Drag link). I have a 6.5" lift, Currie steering, and an IRO track bar and no issues but it can happen depending on where your jeep is at.

The only company that I know of that sells a strong cover with lots of clearance is the Barnett. http://barnettperformance.net/index....roducts_id=956 The rest (Riddler, Solid, ARB, etc.) all stick out significantly more than stock.

 

This is what I did. Went to the J/Y and picked up a Dana 30 cover and cut it out as shown. Bolted it on with 1/4" spacers to off set it. The pictures are when I first built it, is now 3 years later and taken many big hits without any problems.

 

I love this

 

With the 10 bolts clamping it on, it would be almost impossible to break the bolts off.......................You could winch off that, or lift your Jeep with it.......


The stock steel one is pretty thick from the factory, and will take a mild hit with no problem....(mine took a couple before I replaced it..........Was still fine. )
The only reason I took it off, I got this used from a friend for $50





The rear one took some hits......................and almost peeled enough to leak (but was still sealed)











The Iron ones are pretty stout! The Welded steel ones are even better!
I don't know if I would trust an aluminum one to not crack if I hit something with it..................


This is the one I went for on the rear...........I drilled and tapped it for an 1/8" pipe thread drain plug before I mounted it..........

 

i don't like the those covers. and i wouldn't buy arb, so i went with warn diff covers front and back.


regardless, you want to cover a d44 as the stock covers are paper thin.

10 years strong and hardly a mark.
vv internet photo vv

 

When it comes to guard and covers, why buy spend about the same amount of money on half the material?