If you're going off-road, protect that front differential from damage/leaking!

[wibornz]

I have had my Rancho diff skids on for over a year. I am getting ready to pull them off and paint them. Seems like I have scrubbed them bad over the past year. Glad they were on there..

I have been touching up paint on bumpers, rock rails, D shackles, when the weather has been nice here. So like two days so far this year.

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[DustinB]

Dumbest location to put a drain plug

Come on Jeep!!

Thats Dana's fault

 

[D60]

I was reading this thread with interest. The m210 drain bolt does indeed set a little proud making it subject to rock damage. I’ve already invested in ARB did covers which have drain bolts. It seams to me the easiest solution would be to back out the bottom drain bolt on the bulb about 3/16”, grind it flat, and then reinstall. It would not get easily caught by rocks and I won’t be using it for oil changes anyway.

I don't disagree, which is why I did what I did in Post #102 here. Same concept, I just made it more complicated

 

[uawho]

I read this thread, and once I finally got my JLUR, saw the problem.
Rancho skids were my first mod.

 

[walweb]

Got my MC front and rear diff covers and skid plates today, need to find time for the install. They sure are well made, and the covers weigh quite a bit.

I installed the same on mine and totally agree, well made quality product. was hoping to try them out this spring at EJS but looks like I'll have to wait a few more weeks.

 

[AZ Hella]

Rough Country has a cheap $75 skid for the M186. It’s pretty ugly with nasty welds but it should do the job for the lesser front axle.

 

[Hudson]

Maximus 3 just showed off a small cheap one ($50) that just covers the front drain bolt. It looks good but I’m wary of a solution that uses the diff cover bolts. I don’t think you can use this with aftermarket diff covers unless they reuse the stock diff cover bolts.

Personally I still prefer the MC skids and covers. Here is a pic of mine:

 

[Swagger]

I like the Metal Cloak design much better than the Rancho for rock crawling. Cleaner and cheaper!

 

[Windshieldfarmer]

I am still thinking about backing the drain bolt out a little, grinding it flat, and screwing it back in. Since my ARB covers have drain bolts, would filling the now recessed bolt with JB Weld make this a none issue?

 

[AnnDee4444]

Maximus 3 just showed off a small cheap one ($50) that just covers the front drain bolt. It looks good but I’m wary of a solution that uses the diff cover bolts. I don’t think you can use this with aftermarket diff covers unless they reuse the stock diff cover bolts.

Do you have a link for the Maximus-3 skid? I can't seem to find it.

Edit: never mind, just found it. https://maximus-3.com/suspension/jl-wrangler/aximus-3-jl-jt-drain-plug-skid

 

[4xFUN]

Do you have a link for the Maximus-3 skid? I can't seem to find it.

Edit: never mind, just found it. https://maximus-3.com/suspension/jl-wrangler/aximus-3-jl-jt-drain-plug-skid

I like the simplicity of the Maximus-3 solution, I just think they missed the mark by providing a large opening for the drain plug...which is a large opening for a jagged rock to catch in...

I wish Metalcloak's front differential skid did not require the use of their front cover...However it is hands down the best front skid I have seen and will have to put it on my to-do list

 

[SolarWizard]

Has anyone installed the rockkrawler rear 4 link with a rear diff slider?

 

[mgroeger]

I can tell you the @RanchoShocks does it's job quite well The Mrs. slammed her front diff onto a rock yesterday and the skid kept everything safe.

 

[twisty]

Tack welded mine in. With a reusable gasket taking the cover off then back on it a breeze. Biggest problem is the HEAVY yukon cover I bought. lol

 

[jt48324]

Are there any front/rear diff skids for Rubicons which just bolt on without having to drain and remove the diff covers? Trying to keep it simple but need some protection before we head to Moab.

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