Stronger Dana 44 differential cover?

Chrysler makes a pretty simple cast cover for the Dana 44 and put it on the Recon Rubicon. Somewhere between stock and aftermarket and not too expensive used.

recon.jpg
 
Biggest reason for the low profile covers is not only steering but track bar clearance as well.
You need to set/check bump stops with front axle fully stuffed, both ends all the way up.
 
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Actually, I am asking because the product linked indicates that it fits the "JK" Dana 44, however when one searches the Ballistic Fab website by vehicle and enters "Wrangler Rubicon" there are two results, the part described as "Jeep JK Rubicon Dana 44 Differential Cover" (P/N DIF-2003-3) and another entirely different Dana 44 diff cover described simply as "Dana 44 Differential Cover" (P/N DIF-2003-2) pictured below.

https://www.ballisticfabrication.com/products/dana-44-differential-cover-welded
Dana_44_large.jpg


There is a use note for P/N DIF-2003-2 that reads:

"Differential covers are larger than the stock cover so please be sure to measure for clearance prior to ordering. For Jeep Rubicon TJ/LJ and JK applications, use DIF-2003-3 to clear trac bar and steering."

While this clarifies things a bit, your follow up with the manufacturer to confirm fitment with the TJ/LJ Rubicon Dana 44 would be helpful for anyone considering this option.

TJ and JK covers are interchangeable bud....
 
TJ and JK covers are interchangeable bud....

Thank you for your personal guarantee that the Ballistic Fab "Jeep JK Rubicon Dana 44 Differential Cover" will fit a TJ Rubicon. You are backing that up with your wallet and not just your mouth, aren't you Bud?

Or would you prefer that someone interested in the product contact Ballistic Fab directly to confirm?
 
I have ARB diff covers on my 44 rear and 30 front, they have done very well. Still look brand new (after they were put on by the owner ~20 years ago) even with the red powder coat.
 
Thank you for your personal guarantee that the Ballistic Fab "Jeep JK Rubicon Dana 44 Differential Cover" will fit a TJ Rubicon. You are backing that up with your wallet and not just your mouth, aren't you Bud?

Or would you prefer that someone interested in the product contact Ballistic Fab directly to confirm?

I absolutely guarantee that it will fit on a TJ rubicon. It even says so in the description....
 
Actually, I am asking because the product linked indicates that it fits the "JK" Dana 44, however when one searches the Ballistic Fab website by vehicle and enters "Wrangler Rubicon" there are two results, the part described as "Jeep JK Rubicon Dana 44 Differential Cover" (P/N DIF-2003-3) and another entirely different Dana 44 diff cover described simply as "Dana 44 Differential Cover" (P/N DIF-2003-2) pictured below.

https://www.ballisticfabrication.com/products/dana-44-differential-cover-welded
Dana_44_large.jpg


There is a use note for P/N DIF-2003-2 that reads:

"Differential covers are larger than the stock cover so please be sure to measure for clearance prior to ordering. For Jeep Rubicon TJ/LJ and JK applications, use DIF-2003-3 to clear trac bar and steering."

While this clarifies things a bit, your follow up with the manufacturer to confirm fitment with the TJ/LJ Rubicon Dana 44 would be helpful for anyone considering this option.
Right, the P/N DIFF-2003-03 is built specifically for the TJ/LJ with track bar clearance in mind. As far as I know, Ballistic Fab and Barnett are the only manufactures who build front Dana 44 covers specifically with the TJ/LJ track bar clearance in mind.

Please chime in if there are other manufactures who build hi clearance TJ/LJ Dana 44 front covers.
 
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I absolutely guarantee that it will fit on a TJ rubicon. It even says so in the description....
A lot of covers will, “fit,” but once you start setting bump, certain covers are prone cause interference.

Example being the ballistic fab standard Dana 44 cover that @Mr. Bills mentioned. Sure it will, “fit,” on the Rubicon 44 but once you start checking bump and track bar clearance it will likely cause too much interference, thus making it not a good, “fit.”
 
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A lot of covers will, “fit,” but once you start setting bump, certain covers are prone cause interference.

Example being the ballistic fab standard Dana 44 cover that @Mr. Bills mentioned. Sure it will, “fit,” on the Rubicon 44 but once you start checking bump and track bar clearance it will likely cause too much interference, thus making it not a good, “fit.”

Looks to me like he is questioning the 2003-3 covers fitment on a TJ because the title says JK... Looks like he can't read descriptions.
 
There is a BIG difference between just fitting the housing and actually working clearance wise.
TJs have a problem with after market track bars hitting front diff covers when not checked correctly and set up correctly.
 
Nothing wrong with “trust, but verify.”

That is exactly what I am suggesting. Product descriptions can say anything but that doesn't make them 100% accurate. A phone call or email is cheap insurance when the product name and description aren't exact matches.

One of my favorite examples is a lift kit by one supplier advertised as "bolt on" that contains instructions listing an angle grinder and heavy hammer as the first tools necessary followed by detailed procedures for what needs to be cut, modified and drilled on the vehicle. Apparently their definition of "bolt on" really means "no welding required."
 
Necro bump!

Does anyone have the part number for the Dana thick stamped steel cover? There are too many on RockAuto to guess and none say anything about thickness.

774B607D-E7C0-43A9-8E13-8E2C59AF8B6F.png
 
The diff cover from the late 90s/early 00s Ram 1500 is at least 1/16" thicker than the stock rubicon covers - you can source them from a junk yard for around $10. That may satisfy the thick stamped steel cover @never monday .

Good to know. I looked at the options on Rockauto for a 1999 Ram 1500.


Dana offers a cover for about $39, but it does not have a drain bolt.

screenshot

Screen Shot 2021-10-04 at 1.13.31 PM.png

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Dana also offers an iron nodular cover, but I'm not a fan of the drain bolt being exposed to shear pressure (I'm no expert, but I can imagine the cover failing if the bolt takes a legit impact). Maybe a low profile plug could help reduce exposure, but I'm still not a fan of the functional design (or the price).

Screenshot (gray or blue offerings)

Screen Shot 2021-10-04 at 1.14.43 PM.png


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I don't know if these would clear or not. Just listing what I noticed on RA's website after seeing @rasband's message.