They gained freedom by moving away from their previous diff cover manufacturer and as a result could produce a more stylized product.

 

Ive got the Poison Spyder for my 30 and ill be getting the new 44 very soon

 

Yes, you are right! Just for this little job it is worth to buy a torque wrench, if you don't have one. You can't just "play it by ear" or touch rather LOL. These specs are mission critical!
First round = 15 lbs, second round = 35 lbs; plugs 35 lbs.

 

Haven't people had problems breaking bolts trying to torque to 35ft/lbs?

 

Have you looked at the size of the bolts? No way if they used a torque wrench!

 

No complaints on my Riddler covers. Got them from Dave at Northridge with the lublockers.

BTW: My buddy with a TJ broke bolts on his Riddler install, but his was way before mine was done. Maybe a bad batch of bolts caused all these complaints. No problems with my shipped version.

 

I just paid for my riddler in the rear of my jk.

 

So I'm trying to decide on protection for my diff's...what's the benefits of having a newer Dif cover such as Riddler (if I go this route, I would get) or having a bolt on skid plate for the diff's, like Warn makes?

 

Depends on what kind of wheeling you so. Rancho and Warn make those slider diff covers but can also cause you to hangup on something you thought you could clear could cause more damage. Most aftermarket diff covers like Riddler, warn, G2, Arb all have there benefits and faults. I had a guy at 4wheel parts tell me that riddler are pretty damn strong. I dont hardcore wheel few trails up at local OVR park. Ive seen slider that protect the whole rear diff and drive shaft

 

Factory steel covers are very thin and will dent (leak when hit) very easily. To protect them you can add a skid plate. An aftermarket replacement cover ist thicker and stronger than stock. It also dissipates heat a lot better than stock and ! it usally holds a lot more fluid for better cooling.