There's a guy in Butler Indiana that makes covers tough as Cranes at a
much lower price. Thinking about one for my 44:

http://tinyurl.com/3bsyg

I suppose I should be up front and clarify that it's not actually for
sale. It's up for *auction*. ;)

Steve

Bob wrote:
> I am looking for some diff protection.

 

I would do the Warn gaurds. I saw them at the local 4x4 shop they are sweet
and priced good. Get the black one, no chrome.
The RSE may be good for a rear diff, but not for a front. They leave too
much of the cover un-exposed. BTW - I have one similar to those for a D44 I
will sale you.
The Crane is too expensive.
I can't get the other link to work.

I bought a new cover and some 1/4" steel for my D60. I formed the steel with
a torch so it modeled the cover then welded the steel to the cover. It
worked good. For the money and the labor a Warn would have been just as good
though.

--James

"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

 

I would do the Warn gaurds. I saw them at the local 4x4 shop they are sweet
and priced good. Get the black one, no chrome.
The RSE may be good for a rear diff, but not for a front. They leave too
much of the cover un-exposed. BTW - I have one similar to those for a D44 I
will sale you.
The Crane is too expensive.
I can't get the other link to work.

I bought a new cover and some 1/4" steel for my D60. I formed the steel with
a torch so it modeled the cover then welded the steel to the cover. It
worked good. For the money and the labor a Warn would have been just as good
though.

--James

"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

 

I would do the Warn gaurds. I saw them at the local 4x4 shop they are sweet
and priced good. Get the black one, no chrome.
The RSE may be good for a rear diff, but not for a front. They leave too
much of the cover un-exposed. BTW - I have one similar to those for a D44 I
will sale you.
The Crane is too expensive.
I can't get the other link to work.

I bought a new cover and some 1/4" steel for my D60. I formed the steel with
a torch so it modeled the cover then welded the steel to the cover. It
worked good. For the money and the labor a Warn would have been just as good
though.

--James

"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

 

I would do the Warn gaurds. I saw them at the local 4x4 shop they are sweet
and priced good. Get the black one, no chrome.
The RSE may be good for a rear diff, but not for a front. They leave too
much of the cover un-exposed. BTW - I have one similar to those for a D44 I
will sale you.
The Crane is too expensive.
I can't get the other link to work.

I bought a new cover and some 1/4" steel for my D60. I formed the steel with
a torch so it modeled the cover then welded the steel to the cover. It
worked good. For the money and the labor a Warn would have been just as good
though.

--James

"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

 

I don't think you will be disappointed ; they are very strong 3/4" rod can't
be bad. I have a D30 on the front of my TJ, and the D44 one is enormous ; I
will put it on the front of my Waggy as it won't fit the TJ.

FWIW, here is the price I paid 21st March 2003 ; gives you a ballpark

D- 30 Front Diff Guard....................$ 79.95 (half ring)
D-44 Full Rear Diff Guard...............$ 98.95 (full ring)

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

"Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
news:47b769ae.0406150640.6a9dc355@posting.google.c om...
> Thanks for the tip. Terrible website, but the diff guards look very
> promising and very stout. I've sent them an inquiry on pricing.
>
> I had been thinking of the same setup as Rokihora said; the "Glider"
> in the back on the D-44, and something else (hadn't determined yet)
> for the front. I think I may go with one of these from younger-bros
> for the front, provided the price is reasonable.
>
> /Bob
>
>
> "Dave Milne" <jeep@_nospam_milne.info> wrote in message
news:<sryzc.494$gX6.3757265@news-text.cableinet.net>...
> > 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

 

I don't think you will be disappointed ; they are very strong 3/4" rod can't
be bad. I have a D30 on the front of my TJ, and the D44 one is enormous ; I
will put it on the front of my Waggy as it won't fit the TJ.

FWIW, here is the price I paid 21st March 2003 ; gives you a ballpark

D- 30 Front Diff Guard....................$ 79.95 (half ring)
D-44 Full Rear Diff Guard...............$ 98.95 (full ring)

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

"Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
news:47b769ae.0406150640.6a9dc355@posting.google.c om...
> Thanks for the tip. Terrible website, but the diff guards look very
> promising and very stout. I've sent them an inquiry on pricing.
>
> I had been thinking of the same setup as Rokihora said; the "Glider"
> in the back on the D-44, and something else (hadn't determined yet)
> for the front. I think I may go with one of these from younger-bros
> for the front, provided the price is reasonable.
>
> /Bob
>
>
> "Dave Milne" <jeep@_nospam_milne.info> wrote in message
news:<sryzc.494$gX6.3757265@news-text.cableinet.net>...
> > 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

 

I don't think you will be disappointed ; they are very strong 3/4" rod can't
be bad. I have a D30 on the front of my TJ, and the D44 one is enormous ; I
will put it on the front of my Waggy as it won't fit the TJ.

FWIW, here is the price I paid 21st March 2003 ; gives you a ballpark

D- 30 Front Diff Guard....................$ 79.95 (half ring)
D-44 Full Rear Diff Guard...............$ 98.95 (full ring)

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

"Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
news:47b769ae.0406150640.6a9dc355@posting.google.c om...
> Thanks for the tip. Terrible website, but the diff guards look very
> promising and very stout. I've sent them an inquiry on pricing.
>
> I had been thinking of the same setup as Rokihora said; the "Glider"
> in the back on the D-44, and something else (hadn't determined yet)
> for the front. I think I may go with one of these from younger-bros
> for the front, provided the price is reasonable.
>
> /Bob
>
>
> "Dave Milne" <jeep@_nospam_milne.info> wrote in message
news:<sryzc.494$gX6.3757265@news-text.cableinet.net>...
> > 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

 

I don't think you will be disappointed ; they are very strong 3/4" rod can't
be bad. I have a D30 on the front of my TJ, and the D44 one is enormous ; I
will put it on the front of my Waggy as it won't fit the TJ.

FWIW, here is the price I paid 21st March 2003 ; gives you a ballpark

D- 30 Front Diff Guard....................$ 79.95 (half ring)
D-44 Full Rear Diff Guard...............$ 98.95 (full ring)

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

"Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
news:47b769ae.0406150640.6a9dc355@posting.google.c om...
> Thanks for the tip. Terrible website, but the diff guards look very
> promising and very stout. I've sent them an inquiry on pricing.
>
> I had been thinking of the same setup as Rokihora said; the "Glider"
> in the back on the D-44, and something else (hadn't determined yet)
> for the front. I think I may go with one of these from younger-bros
> for the front, provided the price is reasonable.
>
> /Bob
>
>
> "Dave Milne" <jeep@_nospam_milne.info> wrote in message
news:<sryzc.494$gX6.3757265@news-text.cableinet.net>...
> > 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

 

Wow!

Steve wrote:

> There's a guy in Butler Indiana that makes covers tough as Cranes at a
> much lower price. Thinking about one for my 44:
>
> http://tinyurl.com/3bsyg

--
__________________________________________________ _________
tw

03 TJ Rubicon - Rubicon Express 4.5"
01 XJ Sport

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
-- Dave Barry

Pronunciation: 'jEp
Function: noun
Date: 1940

Etymology: from g. p. (G= 'Government' P= '80 inch wheelbase')
A small general-purpose motor vehicle with 80-inch wheelbase,
1/4-ton capacity, and four-wheel drive used by the U.S. army in
World War II.

(Please remove the OBVIOUS to reply by email)
__________________________________________________ _________