Diff skid plates/protection. What's your pick?
 

I am looking for some diff protection. I'm tired of bashing my poor
unprotected Dana30 front and Dana44 rear diff into rocks. Yes, I'm
careful, but sometimes it happens ;-)

Anyway, I wanted to get you guys' (and girls) opinions on the
available protection options for diff covers. The choices I'm
currently considering include:

A) Crane High-Clearance Differential Covers ($185~$196)
http://www.highclearance.com/diffcover/index.htm

B) Turbo City Rock-It Gliders (~$94)
http://www.nagca.com/grandtech/rockit_gliders.htm

C) Warn Differential Skid Plate (~$60)
http://www.gowarn.com/detail.asp?product_id=19980&GID=

D) RSE Differential Guard (~$80)
http://www.4wheelsupply.com/cat.cgi?...tial+Guard&c=Q

The Crane diff covers look awesome, but they're damn expensive. I like
that the RSE guards use all the diff cover bolts, which means they
distribute the stress around the cover better, but they leave a large
portion of the diff still unprotected. The Turbo City Gliders look
cool in that they fully protect the bottom of the diff and the lip of
the cover, but they do cut off an additional 1/4" of clearance...plus
they don't lip up very far in the front of the cover. Finally, the
Warn guards definitely are priced right, but they (as all the covers
except from TurboCity) do nothing to protect the bottom of the diff
pumpkin, and they only use the bottom 5 or so bolts to secure, which
means the stresses from impacts are not evenly ------ out as well as
with the RSE diff guard or the Crane cover.

What do you all like and dislike when it comes to differential
protection?

Thanks,
Bob

Re: Diff skid plates/protection. What's your pick?
 

"Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
news:47b769ae.0406142023.779936d6@posting.google.c om...
> I am looking for some diff protection. I'm tired of bashing my poor
> unprotected Dana30 front and Dana44 rear diff into rocks. Yes, I'm
> careful, but sometimes it happens ;-)
>
> Anyway, I wanted to get you guys' (and girls) opinions on the
> available protection options for diff covers. The choices I'm
> currently considering include:
>
> A) Crane High-Clearance Differential Covers ($185~$196)
> http://www.highclearance.com/diffcover/index.htm
>
> B) Turbo City Rock-It Gliders (~$94)
> http://www.nagca.com/grandtech/rockit_gliders.htm
>
> C) Warn Differential Skid Plate (~$60)
> http://www.gowarn.com/detail.asp?product_id=19980&GID=
>
> D) RSE Differential Guard (~$80)
> http://www.4wheelsupply.com/cat.cgi?...tial+Guard&c=Q
>
> The Crane diff covers look awesome, but they're damn expensive. I like
> that the RSE guards use all the diff cover bolts, which means they
> distribute the stress around the cover better, but they leave a large
> portion of the diff still unprotected. The Turbo City Gliders look
> cool in that they fully protect the bottom of the diff and the lip of
> the cover, but they do cut off an additional 1/4" of clearance...plus
> they don't lip up very far in the front of the cover. Finally, the
> Warn guards definitely are priced right, but they (as all the covers
> except from TurboCity) do nothing to protect the bottom of the diff
> pumpkin, and they only use the bottom 5 or so bolts to secure, which
> means the stresses from impacts are not evenly ------ out as well as
> with the RSE diff guard or the Crane cover.
>
> What do you all like and dislike when it comes to differential
> protection?
>
> Thanks,
> Bob

Check out Poison Spyder Customs Rock Rings.

Re: Diff skid plates/protection. What's your pick?
 

"Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
news:47b769ae.0406142023.779936d6@posting.google.c om...
> I am looking for some diff protection. I'm tired of bashing my poor
> unprotected Dana30 front and Dana44 rear diff into rocks. Yes, I'm
> careful, but sometimes it happens ;-)
>
> Anyway, I wanted to get you guys' (and girls) opinions on the
> available protection options for diff covers. The choices I'm
> currently considering include:
>
> A) Crane High-Clearance Differential Covers ($185~$196)
> http://www.highclearance.com/diffcover/index.htm
>
> B) Turbo City Rock-It Gliders (~$94)
> http://www.nagca.com/grandtech/rockit_gliders.htm
>
> C) Warn Differential Skid Plate (~$60)
> http://www.gowarn.com/detail.asp?product_id=19980&GID=
>
> D) RSE Differential Guard (~$80)
> http://www.4wheelsupply.com/cat.cgi?...tial+Guard&c=Q
>
> The Crane diff covers look awesome, but they're damn expensive. I like
> that the RSE guards use all the diff cover bolts, which means they
> distribute the stress around the cover better, but they leave a large
> portion of the diff still unprotected. The Turbo City Gliders look
> cool in that they fully protect the bottom of the diff and the lip of
> the cover, but they do cut off an additional 1/4" of clearance...plus
> they don't lip up very far in the front of the cover. Finally, the
> Warn guards definitely are priced right, but they (as all the covers
> except from TurboCity) do nothing to protect the bottom of the diff
> pumpkin, and they only use the bottom 5 or so bolts to secure, which
> means the stresses from impacts are not evenly ------ out as well as
> with the RSE diff guard or the Crane cover.
>
> What do you all like and dislike when it comes to differential
> protection?
>
> Thanks,
> Bob

Check out Poison Spyder Customs Rock Rings.

Re: Diff skid plates/protection. What's your pick?
 

"Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
news:47b769ae.0406142023.779936d6@posting.google.c om...
> I am looking for some diff protection. I'm tired of bashing my poor
> unprotected Dana30 front and Dana44 rear diff into rocks. Yes, I'm
> careful, but sometimes it happens ;-)
>
> Anyway, I wanted to get you guys' (and girls) opinions on the
> available protection options for diff covers. The choices I'm
> currently considering include:
>
> A) Crane High-Clearance Differential Covers ($185~$196)
> http://www.highclearance.com/diffcover/index.htm
>
> B) Turbo City Rock-It Gliders (~$94)
> http://www.nagca.com/grandtech/rockit_gliders.htm
>
> C) Warn Differential Skid Plate (~$60)
> http://www.gowarn.com/detail.asp?product_id=19980&GID=
>
> D) RSE Differential Guard (~$80)
> http://www.4wheelsupply.com/cat.cgi?...tial+Guard&c=Q
>
> The Crane diff covers look awesome, but they're damn expensive. I like
> that the RSE guards use all the diff cover bolts, which means they
> distribute the stress around the cover better, but they leave a large
> portion of the diff still unprotected. The Turbo City Gliders look
> cool in that they fully protect the bottom of the diff and the lip of
> the cover, but they do cut off an additional 1/4" of clearance...plus
> they don't lip up very far in the front of the cover. Finally, the
> Warn guards definitely are priced right, but they (as all the covers
> except from TurboCity) do nothing to protect the bottom of the diff
> pumpkin, and they only use the bottom 5 or so bolts to secure, which
> means the stresses from impacts are not evenly ------ out as well as
> with the RSE diff guard or the Crane cover.
>
> What do you all like and dislike when it comes to differential
> protection?
>
> Thanks,
> Bob

Check out Poison Spyder Customs Rock Rings.

Re: Diff skid plates/protection. What's your pick?
 

"Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
news:47b769ae.0406142023.779936d6@posting.google.c om...
> I am looking for some diff protection. I'm tired of bashing my poor
> unprotected Dana30 front and Dana44 rear diff into rocks. Yes, I'm
> careful, but sometimes it happens ;-)
>
> Anyway, I wanted to get you guys' (and girls) opinions on the
> available protection options for diff covers. The choices I'm
> currently considering include:
>
> A) Crane High-Clearance Differential Covers ($185~$196)
> http://www.highclearance.com/diffcover/index.htm
>
> B) Turbo City Rock-It Gliders (~$94)
> http://www.nagca.com/grandtech/rockit_gliders.htm
>
> C) Warn Differential Skid Plate (~$60)
> http://www.gowarn.com/detail.asp?product_id=19980&GID=
>
> D) RSE Differential Guard (~$80)
> http://www.4wheelsupply.com/cat.cgi?...tial+Guard&c=Q
>
> The Crane diff covers look awesome, but they're damn expensive. I like
> that the RSE guards use all the diff cover bolts, which means they
> distribute the stress around the cover better, but they leave a large
> portion of the diff still unprotected. The Turbo City Gliders look
> cool in that they fully protect the bottom of the diff and the lip of
> the cover, but they do cut off an additional 1/4" of clearance...plus
> they don't lip up very far in the front of the cover. Finally, the
> Warn guards definitely are priced right, but they (as all the covers
> except from TurboCity) do nothing to protect the bottom of the diff
> pumpkin, and they only use the bottom 5 or so bolts to secure, which
> means the stresses from impacts are not evenly ------ out as well as
> with the RSE diff guard or the Crane cover.
>
> What do you all like and dislike when it comes to differential
> protection?
>
> Thanks,
> Bob

Check out Poison Spyder Customs Rock Rings.

Re: Diff skid plates/protection. What's your pick?
 

I reasearched high and low. I ended up with the Rock It Glider in the rear on
my 44 and cheaped out with the Warn up front.
My thoughts were, for the rear.. The Glider would be best even with the slight
loss of clearance. Normally you "should" hopefully be going foreward where a
rock ring wouldnt help much in the "peel" effect, so better to glide over it.
There is still protection to help you glide even when backing up. Hopefully
glide instead of stop dead. It has taken a beating and held up very well.
Up front usually takes a beating so I went with the lower cost Warn. Thought
Id use it for the time being as I had won some gift certs and used them. It
has taken a hell of a beating and is holding up strong.
I will say after numerous beatings on 4+ trails both front and rear covers have
started leaking a bit, since the install of both skids. Maybe that was install
error, but they have been hit alot. If anyone has any ideas on how to avoid
this Id love to hear them.
Just my opinions
Tony

Re: Diff skid plates/protection. What's your pick?
 

I reasearched high and low. I ended up with the Rock It Glider in the rear on
my 44 and cheaped out with the Warn up front.
My thoughts were, for the rear.. The Glider would be best even with the slight
loss of clearance. Normally you "should" hopefully be going foreward where a
rock ring wouldnt help much in the "peel" effect, so better to glide over it.
There is still protection to help you glide even when backing up. Hopefully
glide instead of stop dead. It has taken a beating and held up very well.
Up front usually takes a beating so I went with the lower cost Warn. Thought
Id use it for the time being as I had won some gift certs and used them. It
has taken a hell of a beating and is holding up strong.
I will say after numerous beatings on 4+ trails both front and rear covers have
started leaking a bit, since the install of both skids. Maybe that was install
error, but they have been hit alot. If anyone has any ideas on how to avoid
this Id love to hear them.
Just my opinions
Tony

Re: Diff skid plates/protection. What's your pick?
 

I reasearched high and low. I ended up with the Rock It Glider in the rear on
my 44 and cheaped out with the Warn up front.
My thoughts were, for the rear.. The Glider would be best even with the slight
loss of clearance. Normally you "should" hopefully be going foreward where a
rock ring wouldnt help much in the "peel" effect, so better to glide over it.
There is still protection to help you glide even when backing up. Hopefully
glide instead of stop dead. It has taken a beating and held up very well.
Up front usually takes a beating so I went with the lower cost Warn. Thought
Id use it for the time being as I had won some gift certs and used them. It
has taken a hell of a beating and is holding up strong.
I will say after numerous beatings on 4+ trails both front and rear covers have
started leaking a bit, since the install of both skids. Maybe that was install
error, but they have been hit alot. If anyone has any ideas on how to avoid
this Id love to hear them.
Just my opinions
Tony

Re: Diff skid plates/protection. What's your pick?
 

I reasearched high and low. I ended up with the Rock It Glider in the rear on
my 44 and cheaped out with the Warn up front.
My thoughts were, for the rear.. The Glider would be best even with the slight
loss of clearance. Normally you "should" hopefully be going foreward where a
rock ring wouldnt help much in the "peel" effect, so better to glide over it.
There is still protection to help you glide even when backing up. Hopefully
glide instead of stop dead. It has taken a beating and held up very well.
Up front usually takes a beating so I went with the lower cost Warn. Thought
Id use it for the time being as I had won some gift certs and used them. It
has taken a hell of a beating and is holding up strong.
I will say after numerous beatings on 4+ trails both front and rear covers have
started leaking a bit, since the install of both skids. Maybe that was install
error, but they have been hit alot. If anyone has any ideas on how to avoid
this Id love to hear them.
Just my opinions
Tony

Re: Diff skid plates/protection. What's your pick?
 

check out

http://younger-bros.com/Diff%20Guards.htm

Be careful about getting a D44 one for the rear - there wasnt quite enough
clearance for mine between the after market petrol skid and the diff.

Dave Milne, Scotland
'91 Grand Wagoneer, '99 TJ

"Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
news:47b769ae.0406142023.779936d6@posting.google.c om...
> I am looking for some diff protection. I'm tired of bashing my poor
> unprotected Dana30 front and Dana44 rear diff into rocks. Yes, I'm
> careful, but sometimes it happens ;-)
>
> Anyway, I wanted to get you guys' (and girls) opinions on the
> available protection options for diff covers. The choices I'm
> currently considering include:
>
> A) Crane High-Clearance Differential Covers ($185~$196)
> http://www.highclearance.com/diffcover/index.htm
>
> B) Turbo City Rock-It Gliders (~$94)
> http://www.nagca.com/grandtech/rockit_gliders.htm
>
> C) Warn Differential Skid Plate (~$60)
> http://www.gowarn.com/detail.asp?product_id=19980&GID=
>
> D) RSE Differential Guard (~$80)
> http://www.4wheelsupply.com/cat.cgi?...tial+Guard&c=Q
>
> The Crane diff covers look awesome, but they're damn expensive. I like
> that the RSE guards use all the diff cover bolts, which means they
> distribute the stress around the cover better, but they leave a large
> portion of the diff still unprotected. The Turbo City Gliders look
> cool in that they fully protect the bottom of the diff and the lip of
> the cover, but they do cut off an additional 1/4" of clearance...plus
> they don't lip up very far in the front of the cover. Finally, the
> Warn guards definitely are priced right, but they (as all the covers
> except from TurboCity) do nothing to protect the bottom of the diff
> pumpkin, and they only use the bottom 5 or so bolts to secure, which
> means the stresses from impacts are not evenly ------ out as well as
> with the RSE diff guard or the Crane cover.
>
> What do you all like and dislike when it comes to differential
> protection?
>
> Thanks,
> Bob