Thanks David! That is a few more things to think about.

 

FWIW, your poll is kinda pointless. do you wheel on rocks? do you need a dip stick or can you measure the old fashioned way? these are things that are important to know before anyone can tell you to keep the stock one or what brand is best for your needs.

if you wheel, and need a dipstick, the ARBs are best
if you wheel and dont need a dipstick and dont mind painting, get Riddler
if you wont wheel on rocks, keep the stock one.

one thing you will find if/when you do upgrade is that the stock is extremely thin. i was surprised how thin my d44 covers were compared to my Riddlers.

my riddler front:
[IMG][/IMG]

 

If you rarely/never change the oil, the extra magnets on the arb would be a definite plus. But as simple as these diffs are to change, no real reason to put off regular maintenance.

http://project-jk.com/jeep-jk-write-...hange-write-up



Post it in the Staging Area. Plenty of folks in the Spings/CastleRock/SouthDenver areas. (but you'll probably want to open it up to an install party instead of diffs only...)

 

I voted for OP to keep his stock cover and save money as I wasn't really sure what his plans were for the JK.

For me, I've been really impressed with the ARB covers given the "hits" they've taken - everything still tight, and no leaks. Other ARB features to consider, for those looking, are the recessed Allen bolts (no smashed bolt heads) and the "slimmer" profile which means less probability of interference issues with other suspension components (i.e., track bars).

 

I have the riddlers and love them. No corners or edges or fins or anything to snag on, stout as hell, edges are flush with the housing, and it doesn't have any useless add-ons. Why do you need a drain in your cover? There's already one in the housing! The dipstick would be alright to have but I'm not dying without one. We've all driven many vehicles without differential dipsticks, so why is it so important now? Save some cash and go with the riddlers. You won't be disappointed. If they're not pretty enough you can always paint em however you want : P

 

If you want to see a really cool and complete test on many different diff covers, check out the article. Remove space after www.

www. jpmagazine.com/techarticles/drivetrain/154_0708_bulletproof_test/index.html

 

i got solid diff covers. love em. and they are beefy! like 10lbs.

 

The Poll was free so it's worth nothing. However it's not Pointless because I want to learn more about something I know little about.Yes I've never done it so I don't know... Do I? I agree. That's why I'm asking questions. That's what I'm not sure about. I don't mind painting at all, One of the few things I'm good at. Colorado is rocky. But rocks make it fun! Then it sounds like I should upgrade, according to you.
Thanks.

Well, there is a reason I put it off. I wanted to learn to do it myself instead of paying the dealership the $275 do it and still having no idea how to do it next time. Between my normal job and guns shows, I'm kinda busy.

Will do! I'm just not sure if my house is the best for large installs (lift kits and that sort of stuff). But I think I have most tools for everything else.

 

Take another look at the write-up. Pics and steps for the whole process.

- remove the fill bolt, place a drain pan under the drain bolt, remove the drain bolt, let it drain, replace drain bolt, fill, replace fill bolt. Takes 10 minutes. Super easy compared to other vehicles, and easier than changing the engine oil.


Pulling the covers takes longer, of course. Good to do it just to check out the insides, but not needed if you haven't found a reason to. (off-color oil, metal shavings, etc)

 

It is cake i did mine in rain and cold outside of my apartment one morning. One thing i suggest is using a Lube Locker. i used "Right Stuff" it works but i think the gasket would make it easier in the future.