The JL/JT Rear Diff Skid (RDS) is designed to provide protection for the vulnerable ribs on JL and JT Rear Differentials, and provides a smooth surface to slide over obstacles.

Looking for a matching Front Differential Skid? Check out our JL/JT M210 Front Diff Skid here.

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JL JT Rear Diff Skid (RDS) for M220

The JL Rear Diff Skid (RDS) is a heavy duty skid designed to protect the vulnerable ribs on the JL rear differential and provides a smooth surface for you to slide over obstacles. All components are CNC laser cut and formed by a CNC press brake for a precise fit. We proudly fabricate and hand-weld this product in the USA.

The new JL Wrangler axles are a fantastic upgrade over the previous models. However, their shape is not ideal for rock crawling. The thin, exposed lip on the back of the housing is a rock grabber. It also creates a potential risk of cracking a housing or fluid loss if hit hard enough or worn through over time.

As any rock crawling enthusiast will tell you, every inch of ground clearance matters. Anything on your Jeep's underside that can be smooth should be, or it's likely to catch on an obstacle. Our JL Rear Diff Skid (RDS) is CAD designed with 3D modeling to retain every bit of possible ground clearance for critical protection you need on the trail. Additionally, you gain clearance to any adjacent skid plates.

If you find yourself watching the Lite Brite YouTube channel, and come across their 2019 King of the Hammer’s videos… this is one of the many pieces of metal you will hear banging against — scratch that, breaking — some of the rocks in Johnson Valley underneath their JL.

You can also check out this install video of the RDS by JL Life Offroad!

Product Details

We build the JL Rear Diff Skid (RDS) from a combination of 1/4" and 3/8" thick steel. This diff skid ties into multiple locations on the differential flange, as well as clamping tight to the snout of the differential. As a result, you will distribute any force -- such as the weight of the vehicle on a rock -- over a much larger area. This skid also extends your coverage to the pinion seal and yoke/flange where the rear driveshaft attaches.

This skid fits both the JL and JT rear M220 Differentials.

*This skid is designed and recommended for use with our HD JL Rear Diff Cover * It has been successfully test fit with TMR, CavFab, Ballistic, Under Cover Fab, and Motobilt Diff Covers by customers. It will *not* work with the Spicer aftermarket covers due to the shape/fin features. Incompatibility has also been found with G2, MetalCloak and Artec/Yukon covers.

Installation with a factory cover is possible but requires a shim/spacer to account for the factory cover's thinner material. While a stack of washers may do the job, we also offer this laser cut spacer for a clean, 1 piece solution. For ultimate strength, protection, and rigidly tying into all 12 mounting points that the axle offers, we recommend using this product in conjunction with our HD JL Rear Differential Cover. 

 

Included with purchase:

(1) Rear Differential Skid Plate with Top Clamp
(2) Hardware Sticks with hardware/bolts
(12) 12 Point Flange Bolts Class 10.9 Chromed (enough for matching hardware all the way around the rear diff cover)

FAQs

• Do I need to empty my differential fluid before installation?
  In our experience, no. The factory gasket in addition to the very thick/ rigid flange on our HD Diff Covers has not leaked any fluid when removing the lower 6 bolts on the cover, as long as the upper 6 bolts are left in place during installation.

 

• This ties into the diff cover; will it cause the gasket to begin leaking fluid if hit hard enough?
  In our experience, that would be unusual. When properly torqued with a good gasket, the clamping force of the differential cover bolts along with a very thick/ rigid flange. This prevents most impacts from compromising the integrity of a good gasket/ seal between the cover and differential. Our diff skid extends so far forward, it arguably offers more leverage than the diff cover itself. This is why the pinion/ snout clamp components and hardware are so substantial.

Our Standard Semi-Gloss Black Wrinkle Powder coat option may add 10 days to lead time prior to shipping. Other colors may add a lead time of 14+ days. Please call for a more accurate lead time.

The JL Front Diff Skid (FDS) is designed to provide protection for the bottom of the JL Front Diff, and provides the differential and pinion a smooth surface to slide over obstacles.

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JL Front Diff Skid (FDS) for M210

The JL Front Diff Skid (FDS) is a heavy duty skid designed to protect the JL front differential's drain plug and provides a smooth surface for you to slide over obstacles. All components are CNC laser cut and formed by a CNC press brake for a precise fit. We proudly fabricate and hand-weld this product in the USA.

The new JL Wrangler axles are a fantastic upgrade over the previous models. However, their shape, and bottom mounted drain plug is not ideal for rock crawling.

As any rock crawling enthusiast will tell you, every inch of ground clearance matters. Anything on your Jeep's underside that can be smooth should be, or it's likely to catch on an obstacle. Our JL Front Diff Skid (FDS) is CAD designed with 3D modeling to retain every bit of possible ground clearance for critical protection you need on the trail.

Product Details

We build the JL Front Diff Skid (FDS) from a combination of 1/4" and 3/8" thick steel. This diff skid ties into multiple locations on the differential flange, as well as clamping tight to the snout of the differential. As a result, you will distribute any force -- such as the weight of the vehicle on a rock -- over a much larger area. This skid also extends your coverage to the pinion and yoke/flange where the front driveshaft attaches.

*This skid is designed and recommended for use with our HD JL Front Diff Cover * It should fit with TMR and Motobilt Diff Covers. It will *not* work with the Spicer aftermarket covers due to the shape/fin features.

Installation with a factory cover is possible but requires a shim/spacer to account for the factory cover's thinner material. For ultimate strength and protection, we recommend using this product in conjunction with our HD JL Front Diff Cover. *Front Diff Cover Not Included*

Included with purchase:

(1) Front Differential Skid Plate with Top Clamp
(2) Hardware Sticks with hardware/bolts
(6) Class 10.9 12 Point Flange Bolts

FAQs

• Do I need to empty my differential fluid before installation?
  In our experience, no. The factory gasket in addition to the very thick/ rigid flange on our HD Diff Covers has not leaked any fluid when removing the lower 6 bolts on the cover, as long as the upper 6 bolts are left in place during installation.

 

• This ties into the diff cover; will it cause the gasket to begin leaking fluid if hit hard enough?
  In our experience, that would be unusual. When properly torqued with a good gasket, the clamping force of the differential cover bolts along with a very thick/ rigid flange. This prevents most impacts from compromising the integrity of a good gasket/ seal between the cover and differential. Our diff skid extends so far forward, it arguably offers more leverage than the diff cover itself. This is why the pinion/ snout clamp components and hardware are so substantial.

Our Standard Semi-Gloss Black Wrinkle Powder coat option typically adds 7 days to lead time prior to shipping if a pre-powder coated unit is not available. Please call for a more accurate lead time.

Hydro Assist Axle Mount for Jeep Wrangler JL & Jeep Gladiator JT
Updated Design As of 1/25/2021 for additional clearance and compatibility with recently introduced steering systems.

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Hydro Assist Steering - Axle Mount for JL Wrangler & JT Gladiator

These are laser cut, cnc formed, and hand welded with pride right here in the USA from 1/4" A36 Pickled and Oiled Steel.

This bracket ties into 2 factory mounting points: the sway bar and the lower trackbar mounting position. This requires no drilling or welding, and includes the longer bolt required for proper thread engagement of your lower trackbar bolt. This bracket uses a 1" mounting width and 5/8" bolt hole for ram mounting.

Shipped bare metal unless ordered with powder coat. Bare metal products may have scratches/surface imperfections from raw material handling/manufacturing/fabrication that are easily covered up with a textured powder coat. Additional finishing/sanding/prep work will likely be required if you wish to have them finished in a smooth coat or paint.

Lead time on these right now is 2-3 days typically but you can call or e-mail us for more up to date lead times if you would like!

HD Rear Diff Cover for Dana M220 (Advantek Dana 44 Rear/2018 JL Jeep Wrangler 12 Bolt Differential Cover)

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These are heavy duty differential covers ready for the next generation of Jeep, and whatever the trail can throw at it! Upgrading to heavy duty covers are a must for "heavy users" or anyone looking to protect their axles while playing near rocks. We focus on having the best product to market rather then the first to the market, but this product happened to be both! We pride ourselves on these because of the (not so) minor detail of machining the mating surface flat unlike many of the other fabricated covers we've seen out there. Good hot welds will leave covers like these warped unless machined post welding.

CAD designed using 3D models for a precise fit, and to maximize clearance to the trackbar/suspension. These are constructed from a 3/8" steel laser cut flange, and 1/4" steel laser cut and CNC formed body. These are beautifully hand welded inside and outside for the utmost strength.

These are decked flat/drilled in one of our in-house CNC mills *after welding*. This ensures that the mating surface is flat, and the bolt pattern is a precise match, regardless of any heating/cooling/warping that would be the result of the welding process. Because of this, RTV sealant is optional, and a factory style re-usable gasket can still be used.

Hardware kit and fill plug are included. Made with pride in the USA.

This differential cover can be used standalone, but is also designed to work with our NV JL Rear Diff Skid for even more coverage, and to provide your axle with a smooth surface to slide over rocks/obstacles.

We now stock these in bare metal, textured black powder coat, hammertone gray and a smooth red powder coat; there is typically no additional lead time for these colors. If you want a different color, call us for a lead time.

*Some photos may be of early prototypes; actual product may differ slightly visually - but are functionally the same* Current units ship with the stainless steel NV Trail Eagle badge.

We have all heard this conversation on the trail:
Driver:"What am I stuck on?"
Spotter: "A rock!"
Driver: "No, what part of the Jeep?!"
Often times, the answer to that question is the lowest hanging part of your Jeep - your differential. The factory covers do a great job of keeping fluid inside where it belongs, and dirt/debris outside. Where they don't always excel is rock crawling... where a factory cover flange can be peeled away from the cover and break the seal. Not only is cleaning that gear oil up off the trail time consuming, the damage done to your ring and pinion or bearings due to lack of lubrication can ruin your day too!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the torque spec for the included M8 Grade 12.9 bolts? It is 34 ft lbs as measured on a torque wrench.

Where is the drain plug on this thing? Do you have to remove the diff cover to drain it?
Removing the cover/pumping is unnecessary. Unlike the old Dana 44, these new axles already have a drain plug/boss cast into the pumpkin. Removing the cover for a thorough inspection and wiping down any residual used oil may be beneficial though.

Do I need to use the factory gasket?
Yes. The reusable factory gasket is quite thick and this cover is designed for use *with* it. Clearance to internal components may be decreased without it.

Is this available with a raised fill hole?
Yes, please just give us a call! A raised fill plug is not necessarily recommended for most configurations. There is some simplicity to using the bottom of the fill plug as the "full level" like the factory covers; but we can certainly build them with a raised fill plug for those of us with pinion angles that have been rotated significantly. Most JL's running 0 to 3" of lift will not have a significant rotation of the rear pinion angle and therefore will have a "fill level" that is very close to factory.

Jeep®, Wrangler, Rubicon, and the Jeep grille design are registered trademarks of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). Next Venture Motorsports, has no affiliation with FCA. On the site, the terms Jeep®, Wrangler, MOPAR®, & Rubicon are used for identification purposes only.

Dana, Dana Limited, Spicer, SPL and Ultimate Dana are registered trademarks of Dana Limited. Next Venture Motorsports, has no affiliation with Dana Limited. On the site, the terms Dana, Spicer, SPL and Ultimate Dana are used for identification purposes only.