Diff Covers

[Casper_]

I didn't realize they had a drain plug in them.

I don't think they do have a drain plug. Did I miss something?

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[Muskoka Minute]

I don't think they do have a drain plug. Did I miss something?

When you watch the video at 0:27 he mentions it and at 2:25 you can see it.
This is the rear Diff, Not sure about the front.

 

[jac04]

I don't think they do have a drain plug. Did I miss something?

In the video posted, the cover that the guy paints green does not have a drain plug, but the one shown when he is cleaning the flange has a drain plug.

The covers that Dana specifies for use with the JL/JT Advantek axles do not have a drain plug:

But, the cover for "Various" Dana 44 axles (non-Advantek)has a drain plug:

 

[Jtphoto]

Awesome Info!!
I didn't realize they had a drain plug in them.

Thanks for sharing.

Well apparently I have the first gen Advantek M210 and M220 covers. Mine don’t have drain plugs.

 

[Casper_]

In the video posted, the cover that the guy paints green does not have a drain plug, but the one shown when he is cleaning the flange has a drain plug.

The covers that Dana specifies for use with the JL/JT Advantek axles do not have a drain plug:

But, the cover for "Various" Dana 44 axles (non-Advantek)has a drain plug:

IMO this is kind of dumb on DANA's behalf, at least w/o giving us an explanation. To make things worse, instead of including longer bolts to allow for the use of the reusable factory gasket, the guy in the video just says that they're too short and use RTV silicone instead (which is a pain to clean after each oil change).

The ARB cover has a drain, and looks as solid as the DANA does, so that might be a (better?) alternative.

 

[Jtphoto]

IMO this is kind of dumb on DANA's behalf, at least w/o giving us an explanation. To make things worse, instead of including longer bolts to allow for the use of the reusable factory gasket, the guy in the video just says that they're too short and use RTV silicone instead (which is a pain to clean after each oil change).

The ARB cover has a drain, and looks as solid as the DANA does, so that might be a (better?) alternative.

Interestingly enough the bolts I got with mine were plenty long enough to use with the factory gasket. And if it didn’t already have a neoprene gasket I would have bought Lub Locker gaskets. So much nicer and easier to do lube changes/inspections.

 

[Kracka]

I wonder if they sell just the front? I got no need for a aftermarket rear differential cover. My factory one works just fine. Plus because mine's a 2021, I have that rear drain plug. No need for a new diff cover, just a rear skid plate in my case.

https://afepower.com/afe-power-46-71030b-pro-series-front-differential-cover-black-w-machined-fins

 

[Tncdrew]

Interestingly enough the bolts I got with mine were plenty long enough to use with the factory gasket. And if it didn’t already have a neoprene gasket I would have bought Lub Locker gaskets. So much nicer and easier to do lube changes/inspections.

Lube Locker's website doesn't seem to have any listings for the newer Dana/JL M-Series axle covers.

 

[Jtphoto]

Lube Locker's website doesn't seem to have any listings for the newer Dana/JL M-Series axle covers.

Hmm… I Wonder if there is no market since they already come from factory with them…

 

[Nokones]

Buy covers that have a drain plug and are powder coated. Buying cheap will cost more in the long run in either your time and/or money.

 

[roaniecowpony]

That depends on how many times you decide on changing the oil. Usually diff oil only needs to be changed once a year if that. Unless of course you put on a lot of miles or suspect you got water in the diffs. Changing oil never hurts so even pumping out the old oil and refilling even second time is better then not doing it at all.

I had an El Camino that went 500,000 miles on one diff oil change. Sold it and the diff was still going fine.

 

[Terrymo]

I don't mind though. Dropping the cover is not hard and I get to inspect everything and clean everything.

^
This. Even removing a diff skid and cover is worth it to me for the peace of mind of knowing if there’s any unusual wear or metal debris in there.

 

[Windshieldfarmer]

Just a PSA…when I changed out my diff covers to ARBs a couple of years ago I used the opportunity to pot my locker sensors. Once the cover is off…its pretty easy to remove the sensor and get this done. Two years later…no problems with sensors or anything related to the covers. The potting procedure is outlined in several locations on this forum.

 

[ROK HEMI]

I ran that rear skid for awhile. Until it bent and took out my pinion seal. Which required pulling over and filling up the diff 3 times on the way home haha. I also ran the stock cover and put a big dent in it on fordyce. Very lucky to not damage the gears lol.

Why it bent so bad I’m not sure. Could have loosened up allowing it to shift.

I removed it on the way back from which hill 4 to highway 80. Funny enough I did not hit my axle/ diff again. That skid definitely makes you lose clearance.

I went with the Dana spicer cover after this.

Wow, your differential skid plate and seal are just mangled. I still stand by the metalcloak skid plate and it seems like mine is pretty far away from that seal. The thickness is 3/16 inch steel which doesn't sacrifice a lot of ground clearance in my opinion, while providing significant protection for the castings on the bottom of the M220 rear differential. I have hit mine, but nothing like the damage done to yours so far.

 

[Pig-Pen]

Looks like Banks doesnt make diff covers for our jeeps so i guess we’re all screwed!

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