It’s true: the drain plug has been removed from the front diff on Rubicon

[GATORB8]

In the absence of the vulnerability, you don't really need the additional (costly, heavy) armor. No?

I managed to shave down one of my rear diff bolts pretty good on a rock a few weeks back, a solid cover is probably enough to prevent that, though.

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[Heimkehr]

The rumors are true. The front Rubi diff no longer has a drain plug.

In any event, I don’t like it.

The boss is front and center on the casting.

Drill, tap, insert plug. Done.

 

[jellis4148]

I like the no drain plug. You can use the fluid evacuator to get it out. That way you don't break the cover seal. That's how I would change it if I didn't have the drain plug.

 

[entropy]

Seems to me it's the other way around. Deficiencies in the axle housing design, such as a threaded drain hole in the housing, or a cover with insufficient overlap, dictate the need for axle skids to protect these vulnerabilities.

In the absence of the vulnerability, you don't really need the additional (costly, heavy) armor. No?

it isnt "expensive body armor" it is a $150 10lb plate that protects the differential. It is true that the differential can take plenty hits. But the front diff takes hits all the time. Every single time I go out, my front diff takes a hit. So why risk it?

 

[entropy]

Selec-Speed Control added to 3.6L Rubicons, replacing Hill Descent Control.

useless. we gonna get "goat modes" now too?

 

[CarbonSteel]

It's good and bad:

good - nothing to snag on and it strengthens the differential housing by not having a hole in it.

bad - makes it difficult to just do a drain and fill because you have to remove the cover when you may not need to (yes; I do open my diffs to check them out, but not on every OC--but then again, I change my diff oil much more frequently than most).

 

[Outrun]

Good riddance.

 

[AcesandEights]

I don't think I've got select speed or descent control on my rubixcube.

 

[bjm00se]

Turns out she scraped the front so hard that her diff cover got involved and the fluid slowly leaked out.

I thought this was a JK specific problem?

As I recall a couple years ago, the "Jeepers Jamboree" required or recommended diff skid plates for JK trim Wranglers. But I can't find it now.

 

[bjm00se]

Anyhow, if some Jeep engineer is reading this thread to gauge community reaction, I for one, think you got it right.

 

[WagzDad]

The reusable gasket makes draining thru the front easier, but more importantly, where's the magnet now?

At the locker sensor

 

[NewJLU2019]

I ordered my 2021 Rubicon Jan 11th. Came in Feb 26th and it has the drain plug.

 

[AcesandEights]

I ordered my 2021 Rubicon Jan 11th. Came in Feb 26th and it has the drain plug.

Of what year?

 

[DaltonGang]

I like the ease of just taking out a plug, when changing the fluid. It isnt a sign of manliness, or a dedicated Jeeper, to take the covers off. Work smarter, not harder. If, and when I plan on doing some rock hopping, common sense will have me put some skids on. Running rocks without skids is foolish.

 

[Cypher]

7/25/21 rubicon build date, mine does still have the drain plug. so cutoff was between 7/25 and early August based on what dates have been posted.

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