Differential Covers

[Jgc650i]

Since Jeep in its infinite wisdom decided to remove the drain plugs on the front and rear differentials starting with the 2022 model year, thereby requiring the entire cover to be removed to change the fluid, I’m thinking of swapping out the covers for ease of future use. Of the various options, I’m leaning towards the ARB Covers. There is some conflicting feedback in the reviews for the front cover that it can be challenging to install, but rear is all positive. Wondering if anyone has any real-world experience with these covers and can offer any feedback? Or, alternatively, any recommendations on any other brands? In my case this will be for a 2022 JLU Rubicon 392XR. Many thanks!

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[CjMiller7]

Following since I’m going to be in the market for covers soon and am also considering ARB.

 

[Byrds8]

Nice, guess Ill be doing this eventually also so I can change my own oil after these are put on.

 

[Jeepin_Donnie]

I just purchased Motobilt diff covers. I'm going to paint the M red and then clear coat them. I like the look of the raw steel and welds. Very cool.

 

[JRobes]

don't have much to add to this, but was there a reason they removed the differential drain plugs from the bottom of the diff? seems like a huge misstep...

 

[CarbonSteel]

I just purchased Motobilt diff covers. I'm going to paint the M red and then clear coat them. I like the look of the raw steel and welds. Very cool.

Same; they are built like tanks:

Front:

Rear:

 

[CarbonSteel]

don't have much to add to this, but was there a reason they removed the differential drain plugs from the bottom of the diff? seems like a huge misstep...

Save a penny and potential damage by hitting them on a rock.

 

[Jgc650i]

Thank you, that’s very helpful.

 

[Roky]

Since Jeep in its infinite wisdom decided to remove the drain plugs on the front and rear differentials starting with the 2022 model year, thereby requiring the entire cover to be removed to change the fluid, I’m thinking of swapping out the covers for ease of future use. Of the various options, I’m leaning towards the ARB Covers. There is some conflicting feedback in the reviews for the front cover that it can be challenging to install, but rear is all positive. Wondering if anyone has any real-world experience with these covers and can offer any feedback? Or, alternatively, any recommendations on any other brands? In my case this will be for a 2022 JLU Rubicon 392XR. Many thanks!

I kept it in house….. went with Dana.. and a Rancho skid, that I color matched……

 

[jaymz]

Plenty of reasons to change the factory diff covers. The addition of a drain plug shouldn’t be one of them. Any nasty bits in the housing will settle at the lowest point. The lowest point will never be on a diff cover. The cover should come off during routine fluid changes to inspect for wear and/or damage.

 

[BDinTX]

I’ve got the ARB front and rear. I thought they were pretty easy to install and I think they look real nice.

I did have two issues though. On both Jeeps, the bolt holes in the diff housing that straddle the axle tube weren’t threaded deep enough. I needed to use a tap to get the new bolts all the way in. You may not have to do it but be prepared to.

One of the covers also had the wrong bolts with coarse threads included with it. Recommend pulling one factory bolt to compare threads before taking them all out.

This pic is after scwacking it on a rock and I ain’t even skurd.

 

[Headbarcode]

I've had front and rear ARB covers for over 3 years and 65k miles. Very strong, still look good, and zero leaks. Don't see what would negatively affect installing the front vs rear.

 

[At Risk Ute]

Hex bolts are too tiny on the Teraflex ones.

 

[mwilk012]

I kept it in house….. went with Dana.. and a Rancho skid, that I color matched……

Damn, for some reason I thought the Dana covers only fit the U44 axles. They look nice.

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