Yeah, a picture's work a thousand words! I have sliders too - glad to have them, but I've only had to "use" them a few times, the diff covers I use more. Most of the time I don't even notice it until I get home and check underneath.

 

yeah it depends the wheeling area, ive put my sliders thru hell also. Either way I know the op will get them both eventually anyway!

 

Yeah, it's pretty rocky here in AZ too, but yeah I'm glad to have both!

 

How do you know that for sure? Lol jk..
I got a list of stuff that would make Santa's naughty list look short.

 

Diff covers first and keep an eye on Craigslist for some rubicon sliders. A bent stock diff cover is a guarantee for a long annoying day if it leaks out its guts

 

He has rubi sliders...

 

missed that, so I still say diff covers and then LCA skids . Rubi sliders are good enough 90% of the time.

 

They're equally important. Might as well get the sliders while they're on sale. Diff covers are pretty much always cheap. Plus you could start with just the front.

 

I'd recommend you replace those differential covers before that 4" lift so you can fill the differential up to the proper level without it spilling out (as the axles rotate with the new lift height, stock fill caps get lower). So, however that timing works for you.

 

Another thought to confuse you- diff. cover AND slider. I have AEV covers, and diff. sliders. (AEV on the rear- can't remember the brand on the front). Mine have been used and abused. Not entirely sure I'd recommend AEV on the rear for one reason- it leaves the actual seam of the diff. cover exposed. They say they do this to accommodate different size covers-. As you can see the slider has been hit a ton on the edge where the seam is exposed- and my seam is still perfect. So it does do the job- but 1/4" more steel and I wouldn't have to worry about it. (Note to self; test fit BEFORE powder coating). There are those who think these are overkill but I'll take any protection I can get.If you have Rubi rails I'd go for covers. But if not I'd go sliders- then covers- then diff. sliders if $$ permits.