Rear Differential

[Roky]

For those with the diff skids do you find that it also increase the chances that you hit the diff to begin with?

Not that you’re gonna believe me, but… No.

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[longfiredragon]

I agree with all this. I figure if I peel back one of the ARB covers a skid probably wasn't going to help anyways. Obviously none of us try to purposely hit either dif on a rock but it does and will happen. I actually need to change out that darn bottom drain plug on my front diff because I must've dragged it across something when wheeling and it has the some slight film of fluid now. For those of us with the M186 front no diff cover will protect that because it is in the actual housing. I can see why a skid makes sense here.

The stock covers are from my little experience pretty stout. Judging from how I high centered mine the other day.

However as stated if you use your jeep off road at some point you will likely hit the diff.s

Skid plates seemed like fairly cheap insurance except maybe in really harsh impacts. But even then skids may help minimize damage.

 

[longfiredragon]

i run the rancho diff skids. had them installed in less than 20 mins with my hand tools. Ive hit them a few times and they have held up nicely.

Rancho RockGEAR RS62124 Skid Plate - dana 30 front skid
Rancho RockGEAR RS62117 Skid Plate - dana 44 rear

Thanks for posting. I plugged in the RS62124 into ranchos search and this number doesn't come up at all?

And I don't find it anywhere on their website?

Nevermind, I found it.

 

[BDinTX]

Not that you’re gonna believe me, but… No.

What about additional protection for the pinion? I didn't think about that until later.

 

[Maverick909]

Thanks for posting. I plugged in the RS62124 into ranchos search and this number doesn't come up at all?

And I don't find it anywhere on their website?

Nevermind, I found it.

was going to say thats right off their website. gorancho.com

 

[Maverick909]

What about additional protection for the pinion? I didn't think about that until later.

some people make their own but likely hood is much lower to hit the pinyon than that of the diff. could always go bigger tires for more clearance

 

[BDinTX]

some people make their own but likely hood is much lower to hit the pinyon than that of the diff. could always go bigger tires for more clearance

I like where your heads at!

 

[AlgUSF]

But I'm a m186 in front and I am not seeing a lot of options for it. Like a lot of stuff mfg's just want to cater to Rubicons. Still looking.

Sounds like time to upgrade your front axle. ?

 

[Roky]

What about additional protection for the pinion? I didn't think about that until later.

No protection from the Rancho skid, but I’ve yet to have a need…..don’t judge I didn’t paint the strap, ran out, I’ll get to it…..?

 

[Maverick909]

No protection from the Rancho skid, but I’ve yet to have a need…..don’t judge I didn’t paint the strap, ran out, I’ll get to it…..?

its ok. I have yet to paint over the red myself. I am sure ill get to undercoating it at some point or bed lining it. LOL

 

[longfiredragon]

Both the front and rear diff. Covers from rancho appear to be out of stock. Go figure.

 

[longfiredragon]

Metalcloak does not offer both front and rear. Really wanted to match from the same mfg.

 

[jac04]

What about additional protection for the pinion? I didn't think about that until later.

Next Venture makes a skid/slider that protects the pinion: https://nextventuremotorsports.com/...t/products/jl-rds-m220?variant=40696448286913

IMO, if you are playing in the rocks, the rear pinion needs some protection. For reference, here is an AEV diff slider on my JK, and you can see that it's been doing its job protecting the pinion:

 

[longfiredragon]

Next Venture makes a skid/slider that protects the pinion: https://nextventuremotorsports.com/...t/products/jl-rds-m220?variant=40696448286913

IMO, if you are playing in the rocks, the rear pinion needs some protection. For reference, here is an AEV diff slider on my JK, and you can see that it's been doing its job protecting the pinion:

Thanks for posting. I do see the need for the skid, and I like that some cover the pinion as well.

I also really like Next Venture. Issue for me is the cost. Just the rear plate alone is like gold, then add a color and your at almost $500. I will keep them in mind though. Thanks.

 

[jhackathorne]

Metalcloak does not offer both front and rear. Really wanted to match from the same mfg.

Huh? They do offer front and rear.

Front:
https://metalcloak.com/jl-wrangler-stock-differential-cover-skid-plate.html

Rear:
https://metalcloak.com/jl-wrangler-m220-rear-differential-skid-plate-dsp.html

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