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Differential Cover vs. Glide Plate
Posted: Tue May 13, 2014 8:09 am
by Rottwheeler
I had great fun bouncing around on the 2' to 3' rocks at Schwartz Canyon... but I realized that I still have a weakness that I have not protected my rig from. Those intermediate size rocks had a tendency to move around a bit as I rolled onto or off of them. What appeared to be a good line for protecting my diffs changed under me and I banged them pretty hard a few times. So... in preparation for running the Rubicon trail next month, I am going to add some diff protection and am seeking your opinions...
Should I use a sturdy diff cover... or a diff glide plate?
Posted: Tue May 13, 2014 8:23 am
by iaccocca
I have an opinion. Up front I'm running the Warn 1/2 skid cover, because it is supposed to not interfere with the steering. In the back I am going to run the Riddler cover. It is heavy duty, is recessed as to not effect the Rubicon locker mechanism, and the price was right considering what other heavy duty covers cost. To be honest, my decisions were based on web-wheelin' and not based in real life, 'cause I have not wheeled with them on yet. So, my 2 cents might be worth half of that.
(Riddler paint job is all me.)
Posted: Tue May 13, 2014 8:38 am
by TJDave
I had the same question a few years ago and researched a little. Depending on your particular steering setup and suspension, you could run in to clearance problems with most aftermarket diff covers. Up front it's the trackbar that will usually hit at full stuff.. Out back could be the gas tank skid or trackbar.
A wise old Jeeper told me when I was picking up my rear axle I bought from him years ago..
I asked him if I should get a fancy cover for it. He said he runs Johnson Valley regularly and wouldn't bother with a rear cover unless he decided to start running it in reverse
OEM cover with a half guard or a Barnett cover give the best clearance up front.
Posted: Tue May 13, 2014 4:22 pm
by White trash
http://diy4x.com/cart/index.php?route=p ... duct_id=75
I've ran covers like this and bounced them hard off of rocks with zero issues.
Posted: Tue May 13, 2014 6:55 pm
by Dryside
How about a decent spotter?
Posted: Tue May 13, 2014 8:21 pm
by White trash
Dryside wrote:How about a decent spotter?
Spotters aren't handy at all times so it's better to be prepared than not.
Posted: Wed May 14, 2014 5:25 am
by Rottwheeler
Dryside wrote:How about a decent spotter?
Sometimes the spotter lines you up perfect... and then the rock moves!
Posted: Wed May 14, 2014 5:44 am
by iaccocca
I hit a rock so hard, hidden in the snow last winter with the front diff it stopped the Jeep, and I was flying... heck the speedo was just about to start reading.
Posted: Wed May 14, 2014 8:06 am
by mattawajeep
If a cover hits the steering you can always take a grinder to it.
Posted: Wed May 14, 2014 8:19 am
by Rottwheeler
So... no votes for the glide plate so far eh?
I was thinking it was a viable alternative since it protects both the diff cover and the rest of the housing and u-joint area...
I've got a monster track bar that does limit the space a new front diff cover could take. Maybe the 1/2 cover is the right way to go on... thanks Lee.
Posted: Wed May 14, 2014 8:42 am
by mattawajeep
Rottwheeler wrote:So... no votes for the glide plate so far eh?
I was thinking it was a viable alternative since it protects both the diff cover and the rest of the housing and u-joint area...
I've got a monster track bar that does limit the space a new front diff cover could take. Maybe the 1/2 cover is the right way to go on... thanks Lee.
Some glide plates looks like they might actually help, and others looks like anchors. I'd with the cheaper option, I don't know if anyone has destroyed a front driveline running the trails we do out here.
A half cover is probably a good idea. This thread reminds me that I need to fix my own. Been like this for a year.
