Front Differential Skid Enough, or Do I Need a Diff Cover Too?

[daverockville]

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if i’m understanding these pictures correctly, i’d be more concerned about relocating that Steering Stabilizer up out of harms way before worrying about dif skids or covers.

FWIW, i did the full Artec Bellypan (with the DEF Tank guard; because, Diesel), Rear LCA mount skids, and their Premium Rock Sliders. i also added Dana dif covers, but more to reduce deflection of the difs with diesel torque and 4.56s turning 37s.

i rarely have a spotter, and even after Rubicon, Moab, etc., it’s all the other armor that shows more evidence of sliding over things than the dif covers.
i have no plans to add dif skids at this point.

a lot depends on where and how you’ll be driving.

That’s a solid point, itcrossed my mind as well. My stock stabilizer took a hit and got crushed, so I decided to upgrade. Since I tow a trailer, the ability to fine-tune the damping for a firmer setting appealed to me, especially for long highway drives out west. I ran my Jeep without a stabilizer for short distances while waiting for the Falcon to arrive, and while it was manageable, I would prefer to protect it rather than risk unnecessary wear on steering components. Worst-case scenario, I could limp off the trail, but ideally, I would like a solid solution to safeguard it. Any recommendations?

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[daverockville]

Admittedly this isn't an apples to apples comparison but your comment reminded me of a totally off topic video. During WW2 the Army needed to decide on where to add armor on WW2 bombers based on where they found bullet holes.


For the OP - I put ARB diff covers on because I'd rather have the protection and not need it than need it and not have it. My reasoning was - I think the diff housing is strong enough for what I'm doing. A skid can both make sliding over things easier and cause you to catch on something you otherwise may not.

The decision is really yours to make and whatever you decide, the internet will let you know it was the wrong one.

Great story and video! That makes a lot of sewe it’s the failures that provide the most insight. At the very least I want a setup that allows me to safely get off the trail, assess the situation, and seek help or troubleshoot from there.

 

[ColonelSanders]

On the Rubicon with only rocker skids I found I bashed up the bottom edge of my diffs, my rear control arm mounts, and there was risk to my rear diff driveshaft input.

For the front you should be good with just a skid, or a cover that is stout enough to protect those lower bolts and edge. Rear diff.. I like something that extends a bit forward like the Next Venture.

Control arm skids.. I can only say Rough Country fit very poorly and one side needed heavy modification to fit.

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