Like anyone is going to pay that. I know it’s new and all, but $100-125 is about fair.
The spicer ones look better dollar for dollar
ROFL, aluminum diff covers? Surely they jest. Not only that, but they are also blunt faced lol. The OEM covers are actually exceptionally strong (watch the sledge hammer test on youtube), in fact, I have never seen anyone actually puncture one. The issue with OEM covers on JKs was that they had a tiny lip which could "peel" on an obstacle releasing all the fluid. They are actually stronger than MANY MANY MANY "HD" covers you find online, made of cheap and porous pig iron. I would put up OEM stamped steel vs aluminum covers any day of the week. Having said ALL that, on my JK, on the front, I run an ARB cover, first, it increases sex appeal by 300%. Second, I like the dipstick. Third, it is actually engineered to strengthen the entire housing to slightly improve stress load distribution. Finally, it solves the lip problem. On the JL, there is no such problem, so "upgrading" the OEM cover is 100% for looks and convenience of checking fluid levels (if you get a cover that allows you to check said levels.)
I agree, at the time those were the only options. Several have come out I would prefer in the past six months(although also expensive compared to the JK)
I've dented a JK cover, but never punctured one. I did have a buddy that had the lip peel back like you mentioned draining the fluid on the trail. Luckily we were able to "re-form" it so it held fluid for the trip home.
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I may be wrong but I believe this was just with the factory stamped steel diff covers on the JK which hung over the diff just enough to catch while dragging in the rear. The Dana/Spicer covers look to be cast iron.
Exactly. The stamped steel is super strong, and IF you managed to dent it to the point of being in the way of a ring gear, you can beat it back out with a rock and get off the trail. The biggest misconception in the Jeep community is that some of the parts on the Jeep need "upgrading." The truth is, many components on the jeep are superior to MOST aftermarket stuff, and changing them out not only drains your wallet, but also, downgrades the actual strength of the part. Some such parts include (but not limited to)...aftermarket diff covers, aftermarket skids, aftermarket steering stabilizers, aftermarket springs, aftermarket rock rails, aftermarket headlights, etc. You wont find many people criticizing parts they spent their hard earned money on, so there is a LOT of misinformation out there, but if you've been in this game long enough, its easy to see and easy to cut through the BS.I agree, at the time those were the only options. Several have come out I would prefer in the past six months(although also expensive compared to the JK)
I've dented a JK cover, but never punctured one. I did have a buddy that had the lip peel back like you mentioned draining the fluid on the trail. Luckily we were able to "re-form" it so it held fluid for the trip home.
Looking at those covers again(never seriously considered due to pricing), while they are attractive and I like idea of the sight glass. The thing that bothers me more than them being cast alluminum is the extra drain plugs at the lower front/rear of the covers. I can easily see them catching and damaging the covers beyond trail repair.
I'll take a set of inexpensive cast iron covers when they become available and use my finger or a piece of string to take my measurements(And of course paint them for the bling
