Who Makes a Rear Differential Skid Plate

[Octous]

I searched the forum and the web, but could not seem to find anyone who makes a rear differential skid plate for the 100 series (mine is a 1999). I just got back from an awesome Cal4wd Sierra Poker Run where we ran Brewer Lake and Bald Mountain. Came back with a bunch of scrapes on my diff housing and I'm looking for armor to add there. I couldn't seem to find anyone who makes rear diff armor for the 100 series.

So I ask the collective . . . . . . does no one make it b/c the 100 series rear diff is so tough and doesn't need it? Or is there someone who does and I haven't found them yet.

 

[nukegoat]

I searched the forum and the web, but could not seem to find anyone who makes a rear differential skid plate for the 100 series (mine is a 1999). I just got back from an awesome Cal4wd Sierra Poker Run where we ran Brewer Lake and Bald Mountain. Came back with a bunch of scrapes on my diff housing and I'm looking for armor to add there. I couldn't seem to find anyone who makes rear diff armor for the 100 series.

So I ask the collective . . . . . . does no one make it b/c the 100 series rear diff is so tough and doesn't need it? Or is there someone who does and I haven't found them yet.

Probably fine without it

 

[travelingteach]

This is the only one I've seen, and it looks to be pick up only.

100 series/LX 470 Rear Differential Skid

This is a bolt on skid plate for the rear diff. Fits 98-07 100 series/LX 470 WITHOUT OEM E-locker. Comes in raw metal finish with all mounting hardware. note: This product will not fit on 100 series with the OEM electric locker. FOR OFFROAD USE ONLY

marshfaboffroad.com

But it won't work with an OEM electric locker, which I believe most 99 models have.

 

[Patassa]

I searched the forum and the web, but could not seem to find anyone who makes a rear differential skid plate for the 100 series (mine is a 1999). I just got back from an awesome Cal4wd Sierra Poker Run where we ran Brewer Lake and Bald Mountain. Came back with a bunch of scrapes on my diff housing and I'm looking for armor to add there. I couldn't seem to find anyone who makes rear diff armor for the 100 series.

So I ask the collective . . . . . . does no one make it b/c the 100 series rear diff is so tough and doesn't need it? Or is there someone who does and I haven't found them yet.

Seems like if you're hitting something hard enough to crack or pierce the diff housing (which is pretty thick cast? steel), a thin skid plate isn't going to save you. If you're just worried about dragging it across something, there's plenty of meat on the housing to not worry about that, in my opinion.

 

[Zjohnsonua]

There are plenty of places to beef up a 100. The rear third isn't one of them. Could (and have) dropped the whole truck on the thing with no dramas. Now, adding armor to the relatively thin sheetmetal covering the ring gear...totally different story...though it doesn't sound like you're needing it yet.

 

[AustinJoe]

This is the only one I've seen, and it looks to be pick up only.

100 series/LX 470 Rear Differential Skid

This is a bolt on skid plate for the rear diff. Fits 98-07 100 series/LX 470 WITHOUT OEM E-locker. Comes in raw metal finish with all mounting hardware. note: This product will not fit on 100 series with the OEM electric locker. FOR OFFROAD USE ONLY

marshfaboffroad.com

But it won't work with an OEM electric locker, which I believe most 99 models have.

Holy crap! I was just in Baytown yesterday. I wish I had seen this a few days ago.

 

[travelingteach]

Holy crap! I was just in Baytown yesterday. I wish I had seen this a few days ago.

Looking at his recent Instagram post seems like he may ship, contrary to the website.



Worth an ask!

 

[abuck99]

That looks sort of promising- I’ve seen a few for 80’s that I thought should fit 100- but they had been inobtanium for 2yrs.

Cracking the housing shouldn’t be a concern but for anyone who runs rocks I can see these benefits: protects the flange, yoke, drain and lower front facing carrier studs that can get rounded off.

 

[AustinJoe]

That looks sort of promising- I’ve seen a few for 80’s that I thought should fit 100- but they had been inobtanium for 2yrs.

Cracking the housing shouldn’t be a concern but for anyone who runs rocks I can see these benefits: protects the flange, yoke, drain and lower front facing carrier studs that can get rounded off.

Agreed. I took out a big chunk of my flange on Upper Swimming Hole at Katemcy Rocks.

 

[abuck99]

This one was made by Ballistic for the 80- but NLA

 

[jLB]

Holy crap! I was just in Baytown yesterday. I wish I had seen this a few days ago.

I’m not in Baytown, but I’m closer than Austin. If it came down to it, I could probably help transport one to the Austin area, on my next family visit, if needed.

 

[Octous]

Thanks for all the info and offers to help! Unfortunately none of those fit a 1999 with a rear e locker ….. so looks like I’m out of luck for now.

 

[hoser]

I don't think it's needed for most people. Plus you lose ground clearance.

 

[Octous]

I would have agreed not needed thill last weekend!

 

[saucebox]

I would have agreed not needed thill last weekend!

View attachment 3110372

Save yourself some future headache though and swap that drain plug for one of the socket heads. Like these: OEM Magnetic Differential Plug Kit - https://absolute-wits-end.com/oem-magnetic-differential-plug-kit/. After a few more good hits, the little ring that "protects" the drain bolt head can/will deform enough to make getting a socket on that bolt almost impossible.

 

[hoser]

I would have agreed not needed thill last weekend!

I've ran those trails and more difficult ones over the years. My rear diff housing is fine. The drain plug takes a bit of work or you can siphon from the filler plug (less desirable but acceptable). The area of concern is the backside of the diff but it's protected by the sway bar.

 

[AustinJoe]

I’m not in Baytown, but I’m closer than Austin. If it came down to it, I could probably help transport one to the Austin area, on my next family visit, if needed.

Appreciate it. I'll probably be back down there in a few months.

 

[Octous]

Save yourself some future headache though and swap that drain plug for one of the socket heads. Like these: OEM Magnetic Differential Plug Kit - https://absolute-wits-end.com/oem-magnetic-differential-plug-kit/. After a few more good hits, the little ring that "protects" the drain bolt head can/will deform enough to make getting a socket on that bolt almost impossible.

Thanks saucebox. I've ordered one. For $15 much cheaper than armor

 

[Octous]

I've ran those trails and more difficult ones over the years. My rear diff housing is fine. The drain plug takes a bit of work or you can siphon from the filler plug (less desirable but acceptable). The area of concern is the backside of the diff but it's protected by the sway bar.

View attachment 3110406

Thanks hoser for the sage advice. This is the kind of first hand know how I was looking for from this forum!

Thanks again.