Ive been taking the path of beefing up my jeep before lifting it and putting on great tires...

I'm getting ready to have the EVO set of armor for the oil pan, tranny and rear drivetrain

Next I'm planning on the ace hardware rock runners

Should I be doing the diff covers somewhere in there?

I was awfully surprised at how expensive the arb diff covers are, I mean $400 for two diff covers?

How important are these in the big picture?

Matthew

 

I think they are very important. I went with Riddler front and rear and they are great.

$200 for both. You won't regret them.

 

I got the Solid diff covers front and rear for around $150 shipped(for both.) Very happy with them so far.

 

X2 on riddler covers. Look good, rock solid, and leave money for other mods.

 

X3 on the riddler

 

Thank you!

I'm feeling pretty good about the riddler option...I'm sure the ARB is a great product but $400 is a lot for two covers, and I have so many places to put money into my Jeep!

Matthew

 

Riddler diff covers are nice and strong thats what i'm running.

 

I want the Riddler diff covers!
They look solid and won't break the bank!

Just thought about it, I'm surprised EVO hasn't started manufacturing diff covers...yet?

 

Here are a few pics of my Solid diff covers in action. They are really heavy duty, come with hardware and even include a tube of rtv silicon(Most recommend lube locker gaskets, but I used the silicone without issue.) For $65 a piece they are a steal.
On my first few trips wheeling I noticed my stock diff cover had made contact with something or other. As soft as the lip is on the stock diff I considered the upgrade a must.

 

To minimize some duplication of costs I replaced the differential cover when I installed sleeves and gussets. Just yanked the housing off the vehicle, drilled, welded and put it back on withe the new covers. It will at least save you the cost of oil and some of your time if you can do it all at once. As you suggest, I did it before a lift, tires or any real off-roading. It is cheaper and easier to install sleeves and gussets before you do some damage!
The first day we got our Jeep we were playing around in some tall grass and backed into a rock. It hit square on the rear diff cover! Luckily it was a light tap or the stocker would have caved in fairly easily.