Rough Country Rear Differential Skid Plate Works!

[Wasatch]

I wanted to keep my differential cover stock, but still add protection from rocks. So, took a gamble and ordered the Jeep JL (with the Dana M220 Rear Axle) diff skid.

https://www.roughcountry.com/jeep-jl-m220-diff-skid-plate-10628.html

It fits!

Note the front bracket is angled, this is how it was in the instructions too, but I went ahead and added a metal spacer in-between:

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[RCMUSTANG]

Any room for adjustbility? I do like having my cover too.

 

[Wasatch]

Any room for adjustbility? I do like having my cover too.

I am going to assume no. The tolerances are super tight. I think with a thicker differential cover, it would not fit.

 

[Trigganometry]

I like it! That’s the easiest spot to bottom out for sure. The shock mount protection caps with this is definitely a keeper! Nice mod!!!

Just curious as to what the spacers do? Was the guard in contact with the axel casting other than mount points?

 

[Wasatch]

I like it! That’s the easiest spot to bottom out for sure. The shock mount protection caps with this is definitely a keeper! Nice mod!!!

Just curious as to what the spacers do? Was the guard in contact with the axel casting other than mount points?

The guard was not in contact with anything, it lines up perfect. As you can see from the second photo, without the metal spacer, the bracket sat at an angle when tightened. Perhaps the JL axle is sliiiightly different in shape? Regardless it fits with, or without the spacers.

 

[daniel3507]

This is great. I like this way better than just a different cover. The only skid i was able to find was $300 so this is great news

 

[JACKSMYDOG]

I wanted to keep my differential cover stock, but still add protection from rocks. So, took a gamble and ordered the Jeep JL (with the Dana M220 Rear Axle) diff skid.

https://www.roughcountry.com/jeep-jl-m220-diff-skid-plate-10628.html

It fits!


Note the front bracket is angled, this is how it was in the instructions too, but I went ahead and added a metal spacer in-between:

Nice find! I was so excited, I already have one on order.

$149.99 CAD

 

[Wasatch]

Nice find! I was so excited, I already have one on order.

$149.99 CAD

Right on! Post photos when you mount it up. I would recommend the metal spacer / stack of washers for the bracket (as seen on the third photo).

 

[HenryMac]

Interesting... a Possum deflector for your pumpkin..

 

[daniel3507]

Mine just got dropped off. Pretty hefty! Will hopefully get to install it this weekend.

 

[jblc]

Thanks for letting us all know -- very neat that it fits

General question: the part is fairly heavy. Since this is mounted to an active suspension component, how much does this affect ride quality/etc? Any other side effects, since it's more moving mass? (I use Bilstein 5100 in the rear.)

 

[Wasatch]

Thanks for letting us all know -- very neat that it fits

General question: the part is fairly heavy. Since this is mounted to an active suspension component, how much does this affect ride quality/etc? Any other side effects, since it's more moving mass? (I use Bilstein 5100 in the rear.)

The differential is 'unsprung weight' therefore your ride height will not be effected. Personally, I saw zero difference in ride quality or notice anything different.

 

[daniel3507]

For reference it's about 20lbs. I'm not expecting any changes to ride quality or anything else.

 

[jblc]

I wanted to keep my differential cover stock, but still add protection from rocks. So, took a gamble and ordered the Jeep JL (with the Dana M220 Rear Axle) diff skid.

https://www.roughcountry.com/jeep-jl-m220-diff-skid-plate-10628.html

It fits!

Mine arrived as well -- thanks again for sharing.

Before I install it, another question How close was the diff's bolt pattern to that of the skid plate's, as you tightened it down?
I'm wondering about applying non-designed forces to the differential (eg if something were to hit the plate), if the bolt pattern isn't exact.

Also, did your diff leak at all when you removed the bottom 4 bolts? Anything unexpected during installation?

 

[daniel3507]

@jblc honestly you're better off just replacing the fluid and not worrying about leaks. You're already down there doing half the work so you might as well put fresh fluid in.

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