Differential Guards...opinions on different types

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IMO go with a full replacement diff cover, like one from solid, rockcrusher or ruff stuff.

 

Dummy's greatest article ever:
http://www.jpmagazine.com/techarticles/drivetrain/154_0708_bulletproof_test/index.html

(although the ECJ5 coverage is much appreciated and a close second.)

 

If somebody is shooting at me, I've got bigger problems than my rear differential loozing some oil.

IMHO, the bolt diff guards are a half way solution. For how cheap some of the heavy duty diff covers are, why bother with anything else.

I've got the rockcrusher on my rear 44, and its taken a serious beating without any issues. I think i even landed on it once when I lost traction up a rock garden.

 

Yep, the aftermarket covers are pretty bullet proof but most of them are also heavy. I think the first thing I would do is find the heavy factory covers if you want to go the guard route. Scout II 44's had these as did at least the 25's in 63 Willys wagons-and there are no doubt many other applications with these-all made from something around 0.125. As for the guards, I suspect all will offer some protection, but type C will probably collect both dirt and moisture which would likely eventually cause rust problems. That said, I have not used any of the A-C items. If I ever get around to finishing my replacement axles (might have to wait until I blow the existing ones to get ok from boss-"honey, we really need the Willys to get to your favorite fishing"), I am just going to weld up my own skids/guards.

 

Solid Axle has their full cover on sale for $65.http://www.solidaxle.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=31&IDCategory=7 A full cover is the way to go.

 

IH used the heavy covers, some Jeeps as stated above
amazing that there would be some much difference in the thickness of the covers.
if you poke holes thru those, you're gonna have more damage than that...

 

wow, for that price you can't go wrong!

 

SOME IH's used heavy covers, some didn't.
The heavy covers were used primarily in the front so look there first. The heavy factory covers are indeed much thicker than the thin ones.
It's an inexpensive solution if you need just a bit more. I have seen the factory thick covers bend into the ring gear though. That's where the aftermarket heavy covers come in. I have a Riddler cover on the rear 60 waiting to go into the '6. Very heavy duty and well made.
I'm thinking ARB cover for the front as it uses a dipstick for checking oil and also has a drain built into it.
$65 for a heavy cover looks like a great deal!

I just can't get past the "add on" protectors as to me they look, well, added on. Replacement covers just looks so much cleaner and can offer just as much protection with fewer clearance issues.

 

Just looked at the Solid cover in the link. Just beware that cover is for a high pinion diff so the fill plug is much higher than stock. You'll have to watch your lube level when filling it up. I've found this true with many of the aftermarket covers. They seem to build them primarily for the high pinion diffs.

 

Does filling to the higher level have adverse effects?:v6:

 

Your inner axle seals were never meant to keep back that amount of fluid. Even new seals will allow the pumpkin to find its proper level. The oil will make its way out of the tubes, attract buildup of dirt, and keep your brakes well oiled.

 

It can. More possiblily of leaks, throwing it out the vent, aeration of the fluid caused by turbulance, etc.
The high pinion cover is a common mod if you have to tilt the pinion up quite a ways for driveline angles and what not but I wouldn't fill to the fill plug on a stock angled low pinion unit with a high pinion cover. You can make a simple dipstick from piece of wire/metal though so you know how much to fill it. Just use the old cover as a sample as to where to put the marks. Even though spendy that's why I like the ARB cover. It has one built in already.

 

Thanks for the info. I'd never really thought about that before, never changed out the factory cover before.

I just ordered one of them, too good a price to pass up. I talked with one of the owners. Apparently they just bought the company and are offering up the covers as a way to get their name out. I thought I'd pass it on.:v6:

 

i know this is an old thread but i just wanted to pass the word along that solid axle still has the covers for $65 each if anyone is still looking for one. i called and ordered one for my d27 and d44.