I might need to replace my rear diff cover and I have a spare front axle laying around. Will the front cover fit the rear diff? Also, if I need to replace a couple of the cover studs, where can I get those? Who makes good armor (skid plate) for the rear diff? I can fab my own, but would purchase if the price is reasonable.
Differential question
- Thread starter Goslow
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Vic,
The front axle diff has a solid cover that doesn't come off. When I looked at locking the front end, the only way to do it was to remove the third member and go that direction...so I didn't do the front. Cover studs you should be able to pick up at Napa as long as you know the tread info. SOR should also have them I'd assume. Heck...even Ace or the local mom and pop hardware store may have them in the specialty bins (amazing how much stuff they have). As far as armor...I haven't ever looked at that.
The front axle diff has a solid cover that doesn't come off. When I looked at locking the front end, the only way to do it was to remove the third member and go that direction...so I didn't do the front. Cover studs you should be able to pick up at Napa as long as you know the tread info. SOR should also have them I'd assume. Heck...even Ace or the local mom and pop hardware store may have them in the specialty bins (amazing how much stuff they have). As far as armor...I haven't ever looked at that.
Assuming you have a 9.5" (sorry, don't know much about 40's), they have this one:
http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/LCDC.html
I know Nitro Gear makes one as well, but I'm sure it's pricier, but it does look a bit better.
http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/LCDC.html
I know Nitro Gear makes one as well, but I'm sure it's pricier, but it does look a bit better.
I'm not sure that they have studs, but Big R has a good selection of fine-thread metric hardware at reasonable prices.
I don't know what type of rear diff you have, but Trail-gear has reasonably priced weld on armor for toyota 8".
Hey Vic, food to thought, what about just leaving a couple upper studs for alignment and changing the lowers to just bolts? I know studs are technically stronger, but it seems bolts would be much less prone to damage.
Also, I made my own front diff cover by using a spare and cutting it up to weld over the original. Double thick. Might be cheaper and easier ways, I couldn't go with an aftermarket or the steering drag link would make contact. Cheap and custom.
Also, I made my own front diff cover by using a spare and cutting it up to weld over the original. Double thick. Might be cheaper and easier ways, I couldn't go with an aftermarket or the steering drag link would make contact. Cheap and custom.
- Thread starter
- #9
I bought three new studs for $1.67 each at Liberty, saving the hassle of searching for them at Ace, Fastenal, etc. I like that cover at RedLine; I may pursue it. I also like the idea of using bolts. I've dragged the rear diff over rocks for so many years that I've ground the studs down and it leaks. I've also ground off the drain plug and its guard ring. I've owned my Cruiser since 1987 and it's been on countless trails. I have a date with the cold concrete floor this weekend (thank goodness for carpet scraps to lay on).
That is awesome Vic. I hope to say that 30 years from now with my cruiser.