Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

Differential covers

Matt H

Matt H

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This is probably a simple no-brainer but I thought I’d post in case there is something I hadn’t considered. I plan to replace the stock covers on my Dana 30/35 diffs. I am not particularly looking at the protection from rock strikes aspect as my environment is more sand, mud and water, but I would like fill and drain plugs and also a better seal against water than the rubber cap on my Dana 35. I am looking at Yukon covers as they achieve this and are on sale for around $125 each. I plan to use Lube Locker gaskets. Is this a simple “just do it” or does anyone have a better suggestion?
 
I wouldn’t consider these better but I bought Spicers off Amazon and have been very happy with them. My main concern was getting a matching set for front and rear 30/35. I was also able to get them open box for around $100 and they were brand new shipped and sold by Amazon. Lastly they look pretty cool and Spicer I believe is the same brand as Dana so figured they know what they’re doing fit wise.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01M23NSAM?tag=wranglerorg-20
 
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I did the same thing - no drain plug is just stupid. I found a used ARB for something like $60 that I put on the rear. Had to buy new for the front, Teraflex's seems to be as good as any, and better than some and was also fairly cheap. The one caveat with the Teraflex is the paint sucks - if you go with them, repaint the thing before you put it on. I used Lube Lockers as well, couldn't be happier.
 
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primetime4 said:
I wouldn’t consider these better but I bought Spicers off Amazon and have been very happy with them. My main concern was getting a matching set for front and rear 30/35. I was also able to get them open box for around $100 and they were brand new shipped and sold by Amazon. Lastly they look pretty cool and Spicer I believe is the same brand as Dana so figured they know what they’re doing fit wise.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01M23NSAM?tag=wranglerorg-20
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply, I’ll look at the Spicers. 👍
 
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Matt H said:
This is probably a simple no-brainer but I thought I’d post in case there is something I hadn’t considered. I plan to replace the stock covers on my Dana 30/35 diffs. I am not particularly looking at the protection from rock strikes aspect as my environment is more sand, mud and water, but I would like fill and drain plugs and also a better seal against water than the rubber cap on my Dana 35. I am looking at Yukon covers as they achieve this and are on sale for around $125 each. I plan to use Lube Locker gaskets. Is this a simple “just do it” or does anyone have a better suggestion?
Click to expand...

Dana produces a steel D-35 cover with a threaded plug for like $75.
 
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Matt H said:
This is probably a simple no-brainer but I thought I’d post in case there is something I hadn’t considered. I plan to replace the stock covers on my Dana 30/35 diffs. I am not particularly looking at the protection from rock strikes aspect as my environment is more sand, mud and water, but I would like fill and drain plugs and also a better seal against water than the rubber cap on my Dana 35. I am looking at Yukon covers as they achieve this and are on sale for around $125 each. I plan to use Lube Locker gaskets. Is this a simple “just do it” or does anyone have a better suggestion?
Click to expand...

I prefer to look at my gears and clean the housing when I change my gear oil.

One thing you need to consider is clearance. Aftermarket are usually bulkier and can conflict with the tie rod or trackbar.
 
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Zorba said:
I did the same thing - no drain plug is just stupid. I found a used ARB for something like $60 that I put on the rear. Had to buy new for the front, Teraflex's seems to be as good as any, and better than some and was also fairly cheap. The one caveat with the Teraflex is the paint sucks - if you go with them, repaint the thing before you put it on. I used Lube Lockers as well, couldn't be happier.
Click to expand...

Yup.

For the OP, if they're going to be submerged in muck often & you'll be changing the fluid often as a result, drain plugs are a great feature. There's nothing stopping you from removing the cover from time to time to check the gears as well. Popping the cover and scraping all the crap off & reapplying it to seal is a pain in the ass, so if you're planning on removing the covers I'd also recommend lube lockers.

There's generally not a lot of love for ARB covers in these parts due to their size, I've had them on my TJ for almost 10 years now without issue, fully cycled the suspension as well to confirm no contact with any other parts. Back when I used to take it off road regularly the diffs were constantly submerged in PA coal dust laden swamp water so I changed the fluid regularly, the drain and fill plugs made it a 10 minute job, & the magnets on the drain plug and dip stick collected everything in there, and they are essentially indestructible when smashing off rocks, one of the best aftermarket purchases I made on the rig
 
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JMT said:
I prefer to look at my gears and clean the housing when I change my gear oil.

One thing you need to consider is clearance. Aftermarket are usually bulkier and can conflict with the tie rod or trackbar.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I agree with opening them up for inspection at regular intervals, hence the Lube Lockers, but I also like the idea of being able to quickly drain and refill them on the fly if concerned about water etc. At least that’s my thinking at the moment.

My set up is stock and I don’t think the clearance will be a problem, but thanks for pointing that out.
 
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Westtown Willy said:
Yup.

For the OP, if they're going to be submerged in muck often & you'll be changing the fluid often as a result, drain plugs are a great feature. There's nothing stopping you from removing the cover from time to time to check the gears as well. Popping the cover and scraping all the crap off & reapplying it to seal is a pain in the ass, so if you're planning on removing the covers I'd also recommend lube lockers.

There's generally not a lot of love for ARB covers in these parts due to their size, I've had them on my TJ for almost 10 years now without issue, fully cycled the suspension as well to confirm no contact with any other parts. Back when I used to take it off road regularly the diffs were constantly submerged in PA coal dust laden swamp water so I changed the fluid regularly, the drain and fill plugs made it a 10 minute job, & the magnets on the drain plug and dip stick collected everything in there, and they are essentially indestructible when smashing off rocks, one of the best aftermarket purchases I made on the rig
Click to expand...

That’s pretty much my thinking on this so thanks for affirming that it has worked well for you. 👍
 
Westtown Willy said:
Yup.

For the OP, if they're going to be submerged in muck often & you'll be changing the fluid often as a result, drain plugs are a great feature. There's nothing stopping you from removing the cover from time to time to check the gears as well. Popping the cover and scraping all the crap off & reapplying it to seal is a pain in the ass, so if you're planning on removing the covers I'd also recommend lube lockers.

There's generally not a lot of love for ARB covers in these parts due to their size, I've had them on my TJ for almost 10 years now without issue, fully cycled the suspension as well to confirm no contact with any other parts. Back when I used to take it off road regularly the diffs were constantly submerged in PA coal dust laden swamp water so I changed the fluid regularly, the drain and fill plugs made it a 10 minute job, & the magnets on the drain plug and dip stick collected everything in there, and they are essentially indestructible when smashing off rocks, one of the best aftermarket purchases I made on the rig
Click to expand...

That’s pretty much my thinking on this so thanks for affirming that it has worked well for you. 👍
 
I originally went with Alloy USA differential covers that had drain plugs . They were a pain to fill with gear oil . The first time I had to change the fluid due to a high water crossing , I went back to the factory covers and a LubeLocker gasket . To clean and inspect you have to remove the cover anyway . It's nice to have reusable gaskets .
 
Even for those of us who want to do an inspection, drain plugs still make sense as they're more controllable and less messy than just prying off the cover. YMMV and all that.
 
Matt H said:
Thanks. I agree with opening them up for inspection at regular intervals, hence the Lube Lockers, but I also like the idea of being able to quickly drain and refill them on the fly if concerned about water etc. At least that’s my thinking at the moment.

My set up is stock and I don’t think the clearance will be a problem, but thanks for pointing that out.
Click to expand...

My top option when I was considering this:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...MIzOams93jkgMVh8_CBB29hRDVEAQYASABEgIMRfD_BwE
 
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