Diff. cover recommendations?

Macdaddy4738

Macdaddy4738

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 1, 2005
In turn, Diff Fluid recommendations?

I have to change out the diff fluid anyways, so why not go ahead and replace the cover since its already off either way.

Its a D30 (not going to replace the 35...I hope to get rid of the 35 soon, so its not worth the cost). Any recommendations on a good cover?
 
I'm not sure who makes diff covers for a 30 cause I've never had anyone buy one but I use Solid and Ruff Stuff covers. As far as gear oil goes, I run plain jane costal 80w 90 in most rigs. The fluid never stays in for more than a couple months so why pay insane prices for gear oil. If you were running Baja it would be a different story.
 
shameless plug http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-135306-dana-30-diff-cover.html

the only solid cover i ever installed, sent me some hex head bolts w/ it you could not tighten them b/c they would not clear the cover, i had to source some allens at the hardware store 20minutes from my shop. that really ppissed me off. they look a little cooler than RS covers but RS covers bring the beef and come with bolts that work.
 
The D30 isnt that bad, its 1/8" thick. Save your money on the cover and buy synthetic or semi-synthetic fluid. Unless you're really bashing some rocks, the Dana cover should hold up fine.
 
For gear oil, I was thinking about using Royal Purple...

That is, IF I can find the gear oil...I havent actually seen it in any stores ive been too lately.
 
I run Open diffs and open covers...I ain't Scarred...:driver:

All of the Above would be good covers...

Solid, Rockcrusher, Riddler, Crane, ARB, Fab Fours are Cast Steel probly 1/4" or so thick w/ Ribs on outside of some of these.

Ruff Stuff, Great Lakes, BTF are laser Cut and Welded in various thickness'...

Depends on how hard you wheel, how much you wanna spend.

You can also "Beef" your stock cover with Bolt rings and flat bar or bent tube around the diff, etc...all kinds of options

Some folks even have steering or link brackets built in...:beer:
 
I've always taken my axles apart or broken them well before time for a fluid change.
 
Macdaddy4738 said:
Under extra features...is the counter sunk holes worth it?
Click to expand...
If you're going to bash it regularly, I'd say yes. It'll keep the bolts from getting trashed. Also, it will keep your cover firmly in place if you attach a hydro-assist mount to it.
 
4 props for that cover, so I'll be ordering it tomorrow.

I havent bashed the current cover with rocks, mostly because I didn't know how much it could handle without breaking open, I try to keep it off the rocks.

Should I just go ahead and get the drain plug and counter sunk bolts as well?

EDIT*

just ordered from Ruffstuff. Went with the countersunk and drain plug. Better safe than sorry with that stuff Id suppose.
 
I used to eye those when I had a D30. But I think at the time they were about $130/ea (maybe that was a pair). When I pulled my diff and washed out the axle tubes, there was about 10lbs of dirt/mud/sand per side, so I was thinking about getting some, but never could justify the cost. It is a definite problem, but a pricey solution.
 
Check with Chase at East Coast Gear and get a set of AlloyUSA tube seals, I think they are cheaper than Superior's and just as good. That's what I've been running for years and it has helped keep crap out of the axle housings. I've had them on 2 d-30's and one Rubicon 44.

East Coast Gear Supply
Differential Sales & Service
Guaranteed lowest price on Gears, Lockers, ect.
Eastcoastgearsupply.com
919-672-2705
 
x2 on the tube seals from Chase at East Coast Gear Supply. He installed a set in my D30 when he installed the ARB, gears, and Ruffstuff diff cover.
 
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