Jeep Wrangler PCM and module repair and replacement

Differential Covers

When I bought my TJ, the PO had installed a G2 diff cover on the 8.8. It looked cool but hit the gas tank skid plate occasionally. I ended up selling it and getting a Motobilt cover off eBay.
And I installed the same skid plate as Irun on the front. Both are doing great.
 
I have a TJ that I use for a toad on my motorhome. I have not pulled it yet, but read on an RV forum that RV'ers are putting on larger capacity diff covers to provide better lube to the gears. I have looked at as many replacements as I can stand and rarely does the manufacturer mention increasing the volume of the oil. I am not looking to off road in any manner and intend to use the jeep for a regular driver at destination. I really like the looks of the ARB but cringe at the price. Do any of you fine gentlemen, or ladies, have a recommendation for an increased capacity diff cover that doesn't break the bank? I'm looking to replace front and back.
 
Rob W said:
I have a TJ that I use for a toad on my motorhome. I have not pulled it yet, but read on an RV forum that RV'ers are putting on larger capacity diff covers to provide better lube to the gears. I have looked at as many replacements as I can stand and rarely does the manufacturer mention increasing the volume of the oil. I am not looking to off road in any manner and intend to use the jeep for a regular driver at destination. I really like the looks of the ARB but cringe at the price. Do any of you fine gentlemen, or ladies, have a recommendation for an increased capacity diff cover that doesn't break the bank? I'm looking to replace front and back.
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Why would a vehicle that is being dragged around need "better lube to the gears" than one that is being driven? Following RV forum logic, the TJ front diff cover should have been larger than the rear from the factory because the front is mostly not driven.
 
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jjvw said:
Why would a vehicle that is being dragged around need "better lube to the gears" than one that is being driven? Following RV forum logic, the TJ front diff cover should have been larger than the rear from the factory because the front is mostly not driven.
Click to expand...

Hey, I'm new to the Jeep thing. I'm here to gain knowledge. I understand the gears in the diff turn even when dragged, stands to reason that increased lubrication would be a good thing. If you feel differently, please explain it to me.
 
A little off topic...but what is correct fill level when they have 2 fill plugs?
cover.webp
 
Rob W said:
Hey, I'm new to the Jeep thing. I'm here to gain knowledge. I understand the gears in the diff turn even when dragged, stands to reason that increased lubrication would be a good thing. If you feel differently, please explain it to me.
Click to expand...

Adding oil capacity doesn't change the actual lubrication quantity nor quality. A stock, or stock profile cover is all that's needed. Fill it correctly and you're good. Changing to another cover is done for better resistance to rock strikes when off road and/or to add a drain plug which is why I changed mine. ARB makes a fine cover, its WAY overpriced, but its strong. It also doesn't appreciably change the oil capacity - I don't think any do.
 
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Rob W said:
Hey, I'm new to the Jeep thing. I'm here to gain knowledge. I understand the gears in the diff turn even when dragged, stands to reason that increased lubrication would be a good thing. If you feel differently, please explain it to me.
Click to expand...

Gears in the diff turn every time the Jeep is driven. When the Jeep is driven, the gears are working to push the weight of the Jeep. When the Jeep is being towed the gears are pushing the weight of an unloaded driveshaft. Think that through.
 
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tworley said:
They really are not
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They're fine if you can find one used, I think I paid $70 for mine (Dana 35) with a lubelocker gasket thrown in. I put a (new) Teraflex cover on the front Dana 30 - its only real problem was a sucky paint job.
 
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Rob W said:
I have looked at as many replacements as I can stand and rarely does the manufacturer mention increasing the volume of the oil.
Click to expand...

Ask yourself why it's so rare and you should find your answer.
 
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Those Spicer covers look cool, and I would love a drain plug, but that drain plug wont make it one season if you do rocks.
 
All you need is stock, especially towing. The gears are just turning. They’re not under load when being toad. 🤣
 
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Intimnasc said:
Tell me more tell me more. They look beastly and a dipstick to boot. Eh rarely check the fluid but pretty cool to have when you want to.
Click to expand...

IF you submerge the thing in water & smash the diff off of big rocks on the regular I'd say it's a good cover to have; you won't be able to damage it much less what's behind it, afterwards you can pull the stick to see if you've had any water infiltration, and when you go to change the oil the drain plug is helpful. Also the magnetized stick & tip on the drain plug are nice to monitor metal shavings floating around in your diff... I put them on my TJ 10 years ago & never regretted the decision, though I did all of the above so it panned out well. Had it remained a street machine as it now is however, it would've been a complete waste of money
 
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