Diff protechtion (1 Viewer)

[Mikey]

Hey guys I was wondering why there are not to many people making front and rear diff skid plates. I know there are some for the rear to protech the e-locker I found that by searching. Are the diffs that strong that we don't need them? I do know that there is a ring proteching the drain plug, and the diff do seem pretty strong. The Rover's diffs are pretty strong stock but they have tons of skid plates avilable for them (but the aftermarket has had forever to come up with them the diffs haven't cahnged that much in years). Just looking for some input Thank! Please don't blast me for the Rover comment I have converted

 

[landtank]

there is a guy in the vendor area that makes a diff hat that looks pretty damn tough.

 

[RavenTai]

Not having removable thin pie tin covers* reduces the need for protection, any point in the axle can hold the weight of the vehicle.

I guess long term dragging over rocks could eventually cause problems. seen several heavily wheeled diffs, only problems were tips of the lower 3rd studs getting mangled making the stud and nut come off together, just be prepared to replace them when you pull the third. The protection ring around the drain plug can also be pounded where you cannot get a socket in there, internal hex (allen) plugs help here.

*except for early semi floating rear axles

 

[Mikey]

Thanks guys for all the info. I kinda figured the diff was more than strong enough. In all the pics that I have seen no one has ever really had any protechtion even the rock guys. I don't have to many rock here in MN just the one that jump out at you and wrech your day. Some times they are covered grass, moss, and such so they are hard to spot. I guess I just worry to much.
Thanks
Mike

 

[Tools R Us]

The axles are pretty strong, if you play hard in the rocks there are a few weak points. The diff covers are thin and can be dented, Marlin, Trail Gear and a few others make armor for them. Or an 8" for the front and 10" on the rear, weld on pipe cap can be cut down and welded on for very effective, cheap armor.

The drain plug gets banged up from sliding on rocks, the bigger risk is catching it on a rock and loosening it, leading to fluid loss on the trail. The first trick is to replace it with a Camry allen head plug from C-Dan, Marlin, Trail Gear, etc., they are only a couple of bucks and a direct swap. The more hardcore wheelers weld them up solid and drain the fluid by removing the two lower diff mount studs.

The locker actuators are tucked up out of harms way pretty well, but are expensive little units, so armor may be a good investment if you intend to play hard in the rocks. Some of the mini wheelers have good things to say about the Inchworm actuator armor, but I don't know if it will fit the 80?

Alvaro's install thread with pix;

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=76861

Premade pipe cap armor by Mud member pygpen;

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=72790