Dumb Question about Diff Guards

[nwoods]

Sitting in the passenger seat with my wife behind the wheel, I "felt" the need for some decent diff guards.

Question 1:
How do you put them on? Do they go over top the existing housing? If you take off the existing housing, does the goop come out? If so, how do you get the fluids back in, and how much of what recommended fluid?


Question 2:
Why put a diff guard in the rear? Are rearward moving impacts that common?

Question 3:
What diff guards to you like, and why? Would a rear diff guard that wraps around the pumpkin be more protective? Who makes that? What about the add on plates, are they any good, or do you recommend the full one covers like this:

[womb raider 940]

I have this ARB cover. There is a topic over on ROF forum about it. I had problems when I used this an drove across country for vacation. It had the right amount of fluid in it. Some thing to do expansion. Also I got this early on when they came out. Now most websites list this ARB cover as competition only.

Anyways is pretty straight forward on installing this one. It comes with a dipstick and I believe it is the bottom tik mark you go off of. One mag on dipstick and one on drain.

Anyways also check that the tie rod and so forth doesn't create issues with filling. I use a tube to fill it and works great. Some people who have smaller lifts say it hits the cover.

In the rear of my 44. It has a wp tube cover. An add-on skid plate. Has held up good. As I have rammed it many times.

[womb raider 940]

Question 1:
How do you put them on? Do they go over top the existing housing? If you take off the existing housing, does the goop come out? If so, how do you get the fluids back in, and how much of what recommended fluid?

You remove the original diff cheap cover and install the new replacement. ARB is 3/8 thick I believe. Drain the diff. I usually clean most of it out if the cover is off. Use rtv for the seal. Refill on the top hole of the new cover.

Also where the 2 bolts go for the locker. I used some different grade 8 bolts and mounted in original location.

[nwoods]

TombRaider, thanks for your response. I'm a total novice at this, and did not understand everything you wrote. What is the ROF forum? what is a Mag? Where did you get your skid plate for the rear?

[blkTJ]

I find the warn "over the cover" guards to be plenty effective and cheaper than a full replacement unit. You also will not need to drain and refill your diffs.

[womb raider 940]

TombRaider, thanks for your response. I'm a total novice at this, and did not understand everything you wrote. What is the ROF forum? what is a Mag? Where did you get your skid plate for the rear?

I don't think anyone understands me!

rof-Rubiconownersforum
mag-magnets
the skid I picked up at 4 wheel. I think I paid about 50 bucks. that was the vey first thing I bought for my Jeep.

I was in a hurry last night sorry man. i hope this helps. Josh

[Double G]

My thoughts:
Question 1:
Warn makes one that covers the existing stock cover, usually the stock cover is sealed well from the factory and when you remove the bolts needed to install the Warn the cover will still stay sealed up. If you take all the bolts out, well, the "goop" will come out, if you catch it in a pan you can "pump" it back in with a small pump available at an auto parts store. I use a cover from "Riddler", it's tapered on the edges so it's smoother than the ARB in your picture. I use a synthetic fluid, Amsoil as I recall and 3 or 4 pints.


Question 2:
They do happen, always when you least expect them! I would say when you impact the rear it is after getting out of a situation and you "accidentally" smack it, usually hard, with all the jeeps weight bearing on it, good insurance.

Question 3:
I like the ones that are tapered, so it "might" slide up and over a rock easier than the ARB type, the ARB one looks cool though!
I did dent my stock front 44 cover, it takes a lot. I know that feeling having exposed precious items in places they are not supposed to be!

[Schmo]

My thoughts:
Question 1:
Warn makes one that covers the existing stock cover, usually the stock cover is sealed well from the factory and when you remove the bolts needed to install the Warn the cover will still stay sealed up

I've got the Warn diff guard and it's taken a couple of good whacks and hasn't budged. I got the Warn guard after seeing that Stuart had one on his front diff and it seemed to be holding up to the abuse he's put his thru!!! As far at the installation, I tried to cheat and just pull the bolts needed for the guard vs. pulling the cover and draining the diff. Noticed the next day that my diff was leaking a bit so I ended up having to pull the cover off, draining, resealing, and refilling the diff anyway. It seems like the seal will hold if you haven't whacked the stock cover too much on the rocks, but in my case, I'd probably weakened the seal on the rocks and then when the bottom bolts were removed it gave way. Not a big deal . . . 20 bucks worth of stinky lube, a tube of RTV, and a few beers!

[mrchips]

I dont like rtv sealant , so i use a gasket called lubelocker, wont leak, and you can take it off and re-use it if you have too, and still no leaks,,,,www.lubelocker.com, or available through quadratec..

[mrthieba]

I just put a Ruffstuff diff cover on my Rubi last week. Install is easy, I used permatex ultra black gasket maker. I got countersunk bolt holes so there is no bolt head to stick out and get smashed up. It is 3/8" plate steel, which I think is way stronger than cast iron. I give the company 2 thumbs up! Check out their website. Just another option.

[Schmo]

I dont like rtv sealant , so i use a gasket called lubelocker, wont leak, and you can take it off and re-use it if you have too, and still no leaks,,,,www.lubelocker.com, or available through quadratec..

I've heard from a few people that tried the gaskets that they leaked . . . is the lubelocker different than the rest? If these things really work, I'll have to get a set before I do the diffs again. Sure would make the job easier in the future if you dont have to scrape, etc. Any idea how much a they are for the dana 44?

[womb raider 940]

I can't recall my diffs from leaking from rtv. i guess I have just been lucky.

[mrchips]

about $16-18 , and no they do not leak,,,,,

[tony m]

I have a 'solid' cover up front the old ( rockcrusher) strong! And only $99. And a warn in the rear, yes because your rear diff does take some pretty good whacks. Also with the lubelockers frt. & rear and agree no leak. For $16.99 ea. Absolute great investment.

[nwoods]

Anyone here use "Riddler" diff covers? Photos?