Differential cover replacments?
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Colorado- West of Denver
Thinking of replacing my front and rear diff covers as well (Dana 44s) on my Rubicon with a 3" lift and 35s. My front trackbar is a JKS and the rear is a Rock Krawler. My main concern is interference, which is why I have not done it yet. I have read that the Teraflex does not cause any interference but many have a lip that needs to be ground down- saw a review as late at 9/2015. I have read several reviews where the ARB and Poison Spyder ones do cause interference. Trying to pick the best ones is not easy, given this issue.
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Grosse Pointe, MI
I got the front replaced this weekend. Now I have to do the rear, then I'll post some pics. I wanted to say GREAT call on the Lube Locker gaskets. I couldn't even imagine trying to do this install with RTV sealant by myself. I would have to hold the diffy cover with one hand while trying to thread bolts with the other, all while trying to keep the cover straight so as to not get RTV smeared all over the place with gravity working against me. Now if the axle was off and I had gravity working with me, then RTV might be a one person job. The Lube Locker gaskets made this install much easier. Now to make sure no leaks.
One thing I didn't particularly like about the Solid covers when doing the front is with the supplied replacement mounting bolts. They're allen wrench head bolts which made the install more difficult than it needed to be. I was highly considering re-using the OE standard hex head bolts instead but the Solid bolts were longer and due to the thicker cover, combined with the lube locker gasket, I didn't feel comfortable with the shorter length of the OE bolts. The first problem was that I didn't own any allen sockets and needed to go out and purchase some of those so I could put them on my torque wrench. The other problem is tightening the top 3 bolts of the cover is that there is TB interference where there is not enough space to fit a rachet with an allen socket, so I was forced to use a standard allen wrench to tighten the top 3 bolts. Standard Hex head bolts would have been much more preferred since I could use a shallower socket or an open end wrench in the limited space situation on the top 3 bolts and I have a lot more standard hex head tools in my tool boxes to work with for the install. I wonder why Solid chooses to supply allen head bolts with their covers since there seems to be no benefit over standard hex head bolts? The only thing I could figure out is some cosmetic preference.
One thing I didn't particularly like about the Solid covers when doing the front is with the supplied replacement mounting bolts. They're allen wrench head bolts which made the install more difficult than it needed to be. I was highly considering re-using the OE standard hex head bolts instead but the Solid bolts were longer and due to the thicker cover, combined with the lube locker gasket, I didn't feel comfortable with the shorter length of the OE bolts. The first problem was that I didn't own any allen sockets and needed to go out and purchase some of those so I could put them on my torque wrench. The other problem is tightening the top 3 bolts of the cover is that there is TB interference where there is not enough space to fit a rachet with an allen socket, so I was forced to use a standard allen wrench to tighten the top 3 bolts. Standard Hex head bolts would have been much more preferred since I could use a shallower socket or an open end wrench in the limited space situation on the top 3 bolts and I have a lot more standard hex head tools in my tool boxes to work with for the install. I wonder why Solid chooses to supply allen head bolts with their covers since there seems to be no benefit over standard hex head bolts? The only thing I could figure out is some cosmetic preference.We are fans of the Solid covers. For the price, there is nothing better. Downside is that they are not a very slim profile and cause some challenges on late model D60s.
Thread Starter
JK Jedi
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 221
From: SE Michigan
I just finished putting on a Mopar 2in lift and with that lift I added the Teraflex HD adjustable front Track Bar.
It seems the Solid covers with those reinforcement fins don't play well together with the TF Monster Track Bar. I'm getting rubbing clanking and creaking sounds anytime I go up/down small hills and hit bumps. It seems there may be too much of a good thing going on with these Solid HD covers.
I may change these out for the slimmer profile Teraflex covers.
It seems the Solid covers with those reinforcement fins don't play well together with the TF Monster Track Bar. I'm getting rubbing clanking and creaking sounds anytime I go up/down small hills and hit bumps. It seems there may be too much of a good thing going on with these Solid HD covers.
I may change these out for the slimmer profile Teraflex covers.
Last edited by Rednroll; Aug 1, 2016 at 06:04 PM.
Thread Starter
JK Jedi
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 221
From: SE Michigan
JK Super Freak
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 2
If your trackbar is hitting the "fin" thing, you can shave it down. My trackbar contacted mine as well, I simply shaved a little off. I would start there before I bought an entire replacement, but I like my money... It's hard to tell in this picture, but the top right fin is the one I shaved.
Thread Starter
JK Jedi
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 221
From: SE Michigan
If your trackbar is hitting the "fin" thing, you can shave it down. My trackbar contacted mine as well, I simply shaved a little off. I would start there before I bought an entire replacement, but I like my money... It's hard to tell in this picture, but the top right fin is the one I shaved.
Last edited by Rednroll; Aug 2, 2016 at 03:42 AM.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 2
I'm running 1" of bumpstop on mine with 2.5" of lift and 37s, my tire hits the grill under full stuff but my trackbar still doesn't touch the diff cover. I do have the Rock krawler track bar so I have it rolled forward too.