Best low profile diff cover for Dana 44 front?
- Thread starter AMS417
- Start date
I'm a big fan of the half cover like the warn as well. There are quite a few manufactures that sell them and I've abused the hell out of them. One build I did a few years ago was a Tj Rubicon on stock suspension, just skids. I wheeled the crap out of that thing for 2 years and the skids got abused like crazy trying to keep up to everyone with big lifts on 35+ tires.
That were I am, running with 37" + JKU's while I am on 33" tires. I don't use the battering ram technic on purpose. Sometimes the rock is just bigger than it looked. Case in point this weekend, one hard hit was a submerged rock in the river. Second was on a muddy hill I was working my way up. Couldn't see the rock due to the water the first time, incline the second. Both stopped me completely. Didn't want to hit either rock.
Decided I am going to use the thicker Ram 1500 cover, bought one off eBay for $44 shipped new with bolts. Will add a shield to it as well. Either a Warn or RH maybe. That way if the shield is damaged I can beat it flat again with a BFH.
Though not cheap, that's the one I'd go for. It's made from the stock Dana cover so its upper stock dimensions mean no interference with the steering and its ramped/beefed up lower half is well done and beefy as hell. I've run it and it's a great cover.
I just installed the Warn on my 30. I also have read that the hp30 cover is a little thicker than the one TJs got but my lp30 was gone before I learned that so I couldn't compare.
Even though the upper edge goes roughly even with the (ZJ) tie rod, it still has plenty of clearance at full lock. I haven't stuffed it up to the drag link yet but if I remember correctly I'll be on the bumps before that happens.
Good to know about the ram cover. That might be a good option for my rear axle next time I happen to have it off for a fluid change. How much higher is the plug? I wonder if it's enough to result in a good fill on an axle that's tilted back for a 4" lift, tuck and SYE on an LJ (which is similar to a 4" lifted but untucked TJ).
Even though the upper edge goes roughly even with the (ZJ) tie rod, it still has plenty of clearance at full lock. I haven't stuffed it up to the drag link yet but if I remember correctly I'll be on the bumps before that happens.
Good to know about the ram cover. That might be a good option for my rear axle next time I happen to have it off for a fluid change. How much higher is the plug? I wonder if it's enough to result in a good fill on an axle that's tilted back for a 4" lift, tuck and SYE on an LJ (which is similar to a 4" lifted but untucked TJ).
In my case, I still fill through the vent tube.
That's what I did on my last fill, but I used a hand pump, which pressurized the axle and blew some oil back out when I pulled the hose off. Not enough to matter but enough to have to clean it up.
I called Currie they sent me to the builder,t&j and they are doing a run of Dana 44 covers now,they are not making the Dana 30 at this time,so I went with the thicker alloy hd Dana 30 cover and a guard on the bottom
Last edited:
Oops!
https://www.rockhard4x4.com/product_p/rh-9053.htm
"OEM differential cover to face of HardHat™ at furthest point RH-9051 Dana 44 mounted HardHat: 3/8"
Naturally, I wonder if it will clear aftermarket track bars and if certain trackbars are engineered for better clearance? Like Rock Jock, for instance. Further measurements required on mine but the G2 full cover interferred with current trackbar. I prefer a standoff diff guard and have an OEM stamped steel cover to replace it with.
Last edited:
As far as I'm aware, that style half cover hasn't ever created a clearance issue. Stuff usually happens on the upper half.
The RockJock track bars are the best fitting.
I ordered the Barnett/Currie one from T&J performance back in August and got it a few weeks ago. I believe they just did a run of them, it may be worth calling to ask for anyone in a rush.
Front & rear Rock Hard for the price of one from T&J. Hmm..
I like the stand off idea, no contact with the actual diff cover, other than the perimeter - but they're probably a good nest for rocks and other debris.
I have the lower half covers on my XJ and like them fine. I call them catcher's masks.
As @jjvw said, the lower half usually isn't the issue - so you're likely fine. Though I don't anticipate needing anything that big for the rear as usually those contacts for me are low speed. Hitting the front with some momentum is more likely. Instead for the rear I have the RAM cover that's 3/16".
Similar threads
