Rear Differential Armor - Anyone Running Some?
- Thread starter SOcalTRAIL
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
KidVermicious
New member
I'm about a week away from purchasing a rear diff guard from Low Range, it's weld-on and a 10th the cost of that Budbuilt. I like Buds stuff, but you end up paying for the name these days...
MT4X4
New member
All you need is a basic weld on diff guard that protects the ring gear. The rest of the axle housing and third member can take plenty of abuse from smashing against rocks.
SOcalTRAIL
New member
Exactly, I was more worried about the E-Locker coming into contact with hard things. Bud's deal looked promising because it reinforced the ring housing and gave the E-Lock some protection.
LT- You have any options at Metal Tech?
GrantK
New member
Just for reference, I tried the Inchworm eLocker guard. It didn't fit so I'm thinking about getting the BB diff guard since it should protect the eLocker.
SOcalTRAIL
New member
I think I am gonna order Bud's diff. armor next week. It looks like a nice piece, and I like to support Bud, he's a good dude and makes some nice stuff. Top notch!
phillyd2
Senior Member
SOcalTRAIL
New member
^^^
Good lookin piece, is that the SS version, or silver powdercoat, or raw steel?
Good lookin piece, is that the SS version, or silver powdercoat, or raw steel?
Corbet
Member
You might also check with Slee Offroad. He makes a e-locker guard for the 80 series axle it might fit a 4R too? or he might have a different option.
Personally I don't think its all that necessary. I've got Slee's on my 80 series and I've never hit it in 5 years of wheeling. Even when I only had the OEM 31" tires. But it is piece of mind I guess.
Personally I don't think its all that necessary. I've got Slee's on my 80 series and I've never hit it in 5 years of wheeling. Even when I only had the OEM 31" tires. But it is piece of mind I guess.
SOcalTRAIL
New member
I smacked my rear diff. pretty good last time we were out. I took a good line but slid a bit and ended up going right over a nice bit of granite. Didnt to any damage other than some scrapes but sounded kinda nasty. Like you said, its mostly about piece of mind :wink2:
Mick1
New member
if you are anywhere close to diff fluid change time. do that maintenance as part of the skid install. it takes a lot more motivation to change the diff fluid when there is a skid plate removal involved.....
also, use anti seize on the threads.
and check bolt tightness after a while.
When changing my diff fluid I found one of the bolts on my diff skid had backed out a lot
that is all
also, use anti seize on the threads.
and check bolt tightness after a while.
When changing my diff fluid I found one of the bolts on my diff skid had backed out a lot
that is all
Corbet
Member
I've hit my rear diff plenty. Just never the e-locker skid. (not sure if that was clear on my previous post) I can only assume the 4R diff layout is similar, just smaller than my 80 series.
I've never looked under the trail edition to see as we are planning to buy the LTD. $300 for that Bud Built is a lot of piece of mind. Probably 1/2 of the replacement cost of an actuator? I'd probably risk it personally. I only know of a handful in the 80 series world who have ever damaged one from an impact.Oh, and I've seen your build thread. You could probably build something yourself for much less.
MT4X4
New member
We've never ran an e-locker guard on our FJC and it has been through Rubicon 3 times. Bent a rear axle housing, blown up an inchworm transfer case, taken a transmission out, you name it but our e-locker has not suffered any damage. So in our experience they are not necessary, they are so far up that to have it take a hit would be a freak accident.
I personally like Blue Torch Fab's rear diff cover, however it is weld. It does two things strengthen the axle housing and protect your ring gear.
BTF Toyota 8" Front Kryptonite Differential Cover :: Blue Torch Fab
Corbet
Member
Wiring possibly.
GrantK
New member
Exactly
