Diff Cover Experts Weigh In

[OversandJL]

What are your thoughts on the new Diff Cover from Fabtech with integrated skid plate? Looks pretty stout to me! Better than a bolt on diff skid?

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[vegasblue]

I'm not an expert but my first thought was I'd rather have the skid independent of the cover. I don't know if a few hits would effect the seal over time or not, but if you told me it did, I wouldn't question it. I like my golden diaper. (metalcloak)

 

[BDinTX]

Banks Power did a nice video discussing diff covers.
The shape of the fabtech one, while not completely flat, it also isn't completely curved.

 

[OSCAR II]

Banks Power did a nice video discussing diff covers.
The shape of the fabtech one, while not completely flat, it also isn't completely curved.

Saw this when it came out, makes some interesting observations. Like to see them come up with one for a jeep... or have they by now?

 

[BDinTX]

Saw this when it came out, makes some interesting observations. Like to see them come up with one for a jeep... or have they by now?

Not that I'm aware of. The cooling scoop they use would be a no-go for us and I think he addresses how ineffective fins alone are. Both AEV and ARB make solid covers that follow the curve nicely. Not sure if there are others.

 

[brewski]

What are your thoughts on the new Diff Cover from Fabtech with integrated skid plate? Looks pretty stout to me! Better than a bolt on diff skid?

Personally I don't think that looks like it will have good flow characteristics, but I haven't done a ton of testing to know where those sharp bend limits are. IMO AEV makes the nicest one with ARB a close second. Also I wouldn't be too concerned with how stout it is, everything I've seen on the market is plenty stout enough to handle a hit. Most covers get hit on the underside lip, and on the rear this can bend a thin piece of metal leading to a leak. OEM is pretty thin, I have not seen someone make an aftermarket one that thin.

I put ARB 2nd because I don't like the dipstick approach. I like AEV because it is designed for the right fluid level and the large opening for filling. Both have excellent shape for good fluid flow internally.

 

[BDinTX]

There is no contest between the two. The manual for the ARB covers says that it improves looks underneath by 300% AND it comes in red...

But seriously, you make valid points. I wonder if the fill cap on the AEV is plastic though, I wouldn't like that.

 

[OSCAR II]

Not that I'm aware of. The cooling scoop they use would be a no-go for us and I think he addresses how ineffective fins alone are. Both AEV and ARB make solid covers that follow the curve nicely. Not sure if there are others.

My intent is to add an ARB locker and there cover. But after seeing this I don't know if ARBs cover is better then stock. I get the rock crawling but I do more highway driving then any kind of severe rock crawling.
I'd like to see one.

 

[CarbonSteel]

Saw this when it came out, makes some interesting observations. Like to see them come up with one for a jeep... or have they by now?

Just remember that Banks created these videos to hawk his new cover, there are no established standards to objectively compare the data he created (only his own), and it's highly questionable at best as to what he proved or disproved--so there's that, i.e. take it with a grain of salt.

To answer your question, I would go for separate cover and skid plate. There are better differential covers and separate skid plates versus the one that you posted. I went with motobuilt covers and next venture skid plates.

 

[OversandJL]

Just remember that Banks created these videos to hawk his new cover, there are no established standards to objectively compare the data he created (only his own), and it's highly questionable at best as to what he proved or disproved--so there's that, i.e. take it with a grain of salt.

To answer your question, I would go for separate cover and skid plate. There are better differential covers and separate skid plates versus the one that you posted. I went with motobuilt covers and next venture skid plates.

Thanks. That's what I was leaning towards as well.

 

[sourdough]

You have to look at the whole picture.

Rancho skid is all you need. You'll not hit the factory cover because the tie-rod is in the way.

 

[BUSHRVN]

For you folks who “actually need” one,(I don’t) the bottom skid would/could get caught on a rock and put all the momentum force into snapping the small pan bolts along the bottom edges, pulling them outwards. A separate pan and skid are best for this reason in my opinion. If the underside separate skid shifts at all it has no effect on the critical pan seal and bolts. Pan is more for a direct frontal hit, not a straight up or outward force.
Just my humble opinion, I personally wouldn’t be comfortable with that design.

 

[sourdough]

BTW, Banks did a very good job explaining and demonstrating how important the curve is and how without the oil gets air whipped into it. I had a high dollar($285), high capacity aluminum aftermarket mag-tech cover on my Ram 3500. Pulled it and put the factory unit on as soon as I saw Banks video. Live and learn.

 

[Aonar]

At the 11:35 mark he discusses the upper fill plug. Sounds heavy when he puts it down on the bench but cannot be sure. I suspect because they stress their cover is made from nodular iron, it too would be of the same material.

I am planning on the AEV's as soon as the tax refund comes back.

 

[Headbarcode]

You have to look at the whole picture.

Rancho skid is all you need. You'll not hit the factory cover because the tie-rod is in the way.

Yes, but a colorful cover looks so damn cool...

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