aFe Pro Series front & rear differential covers

[Kracka]

2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

I ordered this set on Black Friday after taking some trail rock damage to the rear differential housing & cover at Hot Springs Off-Road Park Thanksgiving day (my wife is chasing those badges!).

https://afepower.com/46-7100ab-pro-series-differential-cover-black-w-machined-fins

The rear cover installation couldn't have been easier and literally took mere minutes. I spent the most time just cleaning out old gear oil. I do wish the sight glass was recessed for protection like it is in the front cover.

The front cover installation is possible with the Jeep still on the ground but does require some hand gymnastics to wiggle around all the suspension components up there. I had to reuse 3 of the factory 10mm bolts at the top (out of sight) since I couldn't maneuver a hex wrench or socket up there.

No problems reusing either factory gasket. I'm glad they both have drain plugs too for easy fluid swaps. The sight glass bolts did NOT come pre-installed as the instructions stated so you'll need a 1½" socket to install those. The cover bolts are 6mm hex. Overall, I couldn't find a ton of info on these prior to ordering so wanted to share my impressions. I've been a fan of aFe for over 2 decades and have run their stuff on numerous sports cars and now this Jeep too. They're thick & beefy cast aluminum but should still do a nice job dissipating heat. The front cover holds about 1.5 qts of fluid while the rear takes a little over 2 qts (4 qts is enough to do both). I actually didn't use their included fluid (relabeled Amsoil) and stuck with Redline 75W-85 which I used when swapping out the factory break-in fluid.

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[toothirtyj]

Thank you for this!

I am switching out my blue Dana Nodular Cast Iron covers for these. After cooking two rear, outer pinon bearings, heat dissipation and more fluid capacity is my priority and these covers seem to fit the bill.

@Kracka, Are you still happy with them?

 

[Kracka]

Thank you for this!

I am switching out my blue Dana Nodular Cast Iron covers for these. After cooking two rear, outer pinon bearings, heat dissipation and more fluid capacity is my priority and these covers seem to fit the bill.

@Kracka, Are you still happy with them?

Still very happy! They're doing their job and fluid is staying nice and clean & fresh looking over a year later. My wife has hit them on a few rocks while chasing Badge of Honor trails so they're a little scrapped up, but they took the hits like a champ.

After our last long roadtrip for 5 BoH badges I pulled the magnetic dipsticks to ensure all was well and nothing concerning was found. Just a little magnetic residue so a quick wipe and reinstalled they went.

I'm still running them with Redline 75W-85 GL-5 gear oil.

 

[inJeepious]

2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

I ordered this set on Black Friday after taking some trail rock damage to the rear differential housing & cover at Hot Springs Off-Road Park Thanksgiving day (my wife is chasing those badges!).

https://afepower.com/46-7100ab-pro-series-differential-cover-black-w-machined-fins

The rear cover installation couldn't have been easier and literally took mere minutes. I spent the most time just cleaning out old gear oil. I do wish the sight glass was recessed for protection like it is in the front cover.

The front cover installation is possible with the Jeep still on the ground but does require some hand gymnastics to wiggle around all the suspension components up there. I had to reuse 3 of the factory 10mm bolts at the top (out of sight) since I couldn't maneuver a hex wrench or socket up there.

No problems reusing either factory gasket. I'm glad they both have drain plugs too for easy fluid swaps. The sight glass bolts did NOT come pre-installed as the instructions stated so you'll need a 1½" socket to install those. The cover bolts are 6mm hex. Overall, I couldn't find a ton of info on these prior to ordering so wanted to share my impressions. I've been a fan of aFe for over 2 decades and have run their stuff on numerous sports cars and now this Jeep too. They're thick & beefy cast aluminum but should still do a nice job dissipating heat. The front cover holds about 1.5 qts of fluid while the rear takes a little over 2 qts (4 qts is enough to do both). I actually didn't use their included fluid (relabeled Amsoil) and stuck with Redline 75W-85 which I used when swapping out the factory break-in fluid.

Any long-term feedback on this diff? Curious how it’s been holding up after some miles.

 

[Kracka]

Any long-term feedback on this diff? Curious how it’s been holding up after some miles.

Perfectly! No issues or complaints. I'd buy it again no question.

 

[AmericanPatriot100]

I probably could have looked this up but I’ll ask here. Can these be had for the m186?

 

[Kracka]

I probably could have looked this up but I’ll ask here. Can these be had for the m186?

Yes

 

[Original_Junior]

I've been on the fence with these. I like the idea of a drain bolt but wonder if you had any issues with fluid seapage out of the drain bolt. Also do you jack up the opposite end when draining to get all of the fluid out? Thanks and Merry Christmas.

 

[Kracka]

I've been on the fence with these. I like the idea of a drain bolt but wonder if you had any issues with fluid seapage out of the drain bolt. Also do you jack up the opposite end when draining to get all of the fluid out? Thanks and Merry Christmas.

Multiple trails, parks, and roadtrips later... No seepage or leaks! It has a slight angle to it so no reason to jack anything up.

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