it occurred to me today that the weakest part of a diff housing is the back of the diff (or front of the diff if talking about the front). the metal in those areas are the thinnest and can easily be dented or punched in causing damage to the ring gear which is spinning not more then an inch from the housing.

SO,,,, i have come up with a simple idea and ran it buy a few hard core off road guys at the metal fab shop. gonna make a couple prototypes to attach to my my rig.

rock rails i should have prototypes within a month or so and grill i should have some design soon. need to determine material for the grill surround. thinking aluminum or light gauge steel.

probably light gauge steel as it is cheaper and easier to weld. key is keeping costs down for you guys but still making something that you guys pull from a box and think is a work of art.

 

There are a lot of diff guards on the market. The most fool proof solution is a pipe cap that costs about $50.

 

I've seen the pipe cap, works well. Plus you get 2 guards from 1 cap. Requires cutting and welding skills though.

 

Yes, they are good, but do nothing to protect the bottom or u-joint area. Then there is the question of the rear diff, put a cap on it for when you are going backwards, but what about your normal wheeling, it won't do squat for that diff.

 

QT front and rear diff guards.................Nuff said

 

The bottoms will take a lot of abuse.
I don't recall any diff guards on the market that also protect the u-joints (not to say there aren't any), but there are several u-joint protectors on the market.
Joe didn't mention any plans for his to also protect the u-joints.

 

once i have mine cut on a laser and put in place you will see what i am talking about,,,

 

i have seen the pipe caps and am not a fan for some reason

 

Yeah, I suppose some people might not like the looks, but you can't make a stronger one that's an add-on.

 

QT makes a great diff guard.