What should i get? Diff mod help!

[Kyle]

Okay, im trying to decide on either a trail duty diff cover or a spider rock guard. Whats the pros and cons of each? What would you pick?

http://www.trailduty.com/product_info.php?cPath=112_119_443&products_id=742

http://purplecranium.com/i-63333-chevy-10-bolt-rock-guard.html

 

[frumaker]

I would go with this...http://www.rubberduck4x4.com/store/pc/Rear-Diff-Skid-Plate-c192.htm


FRU

 

[cdarveaux]

I like that one, might get that later

 

[06 H3]

Neither. The trail duty one doesn't look like it will hold up to rocks well and the purple cranium one looks better but the rubber duck one is the best out of those 3 IMO. I am waiting for ruff stuff to come out with their 10 bolt covers. They are bombproof

http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com...&Product_Code=D44COV&Category_Code=diffcovers

 

[06 H3]

I like frumakers one that he posted. It just hinders clearance but offers the protection at driveshaft yoke IIRC. It's all trade offs. For me clearance is importance and strength. Ruffstuff will be making a 10 bolt cover soon. I can take a sledge and not bend it.

 

[alrock]

The H3 rear diff casing is stout. I have not heard of anyone breaking or otherwise damaging it, though of course it may have happened. But if it isn't a significant risk, why add weight and expense while decreasing ground clearance? The H3 already has clearance issues.

You can't protect everything; we need to protect the high risk items where the cost of that protection is reasonable. To me, the loss of ground clearance is not reasonable with those plates.

I did formerly have the BA leaf spring skids. Yes, a loss of ground clearance but they actually provided measurable protection to an area that was truly vulnerable

 

[4speedfunk]

You mean like this?....

 

[frumaker]

I'm gonna build one like the rubber duck. I don't think that 1/2 inch is a bad loss of clearance. Most people are running 35's anyways. I still run 33's and have done a couple of things to hurt ground clearance and I keep up with everyone. These UCP items are built to take a beating so don't be scared to beat em up a little.


FRU

 

[MustangGirl666]

http://rocdoc.net/Product_one.htm

 

[R-code17815]

http://purplecranium.com/i-63422-h3-h3t-hummer-spider.html

 

[Happy Hummer]

The H3 rear diff casing is stout. I have not heard of anyone breaking or otherwise damaging it, though of course it may have happened. But if it isn't a significant risk, why add weight and expense while decreasing ground clearance? The H3 already has clearance issues.

You can't protect everything; we need to protect the high risk items where the cost of that protection is reasonable. To me, the loss of ground clearance is not reasonable with those plates.

I tend to take this thought / approach also. I've not yet personally met to many folks who have even damaged there diff, let alone blow a whole threw it. Of course there is always the exception to the rule. I'd invest in some other area or if possible get a T6061 Alum diff cover made.

Chris

 

[LoJac963]

The differences are pretty self explanatory, you answered your own question posting the links in your first post. The diff cover you posted has cooling fins to help cool the gear oil, 0.5 quart over standard capacity for added cooling, etc. The Purple Cranium is a guard and that is all. The pro to the PC is its price. I have a PC and let me tell you they are works of art. Each one is hand fabricated, there are over 50 powdercoating options and different sticker options available. They are also extremely stout. It may look a little wimpy in the pics but to see it in person and how heavy it is definitely is impressive. Here's mine:

 

[speedy]

Save your money for something else.:wink:

90% of Bebe's wheeling has been in big diff dragging rocks and i never needed to fix the diff cover.

I have had the diff cover off several times and we are still using the original gasket:thumbs:

 

[bebe]

I'll call Dan in the morning and light a fire, probably around $130.00.

Aside from protection, another reason for using a Ruffstuff is for added oil capacity.

 

[SolidusJ]

http://purplecranium.com/i-63422-h3-h3t-hummer-spider.html

That's what I have still holding up like a champ 2 years later, saved my butt a few times I could think.

 

[alrock]

Many diff covers on other vehicles hang below the casing and get caught on rocks thus breaking or at least bending and leaking. I think that's part of the fear ingrained in many wheelers but it doesn't apply to the H3, or H2 either I think. I did get a Purple Cranium as the diff cover itself is more brittle and I did bang on it once, putting a bit of fear in me. Inexpensive upgrade with no significant drawbacks that I could see, other than a bit more weight on the axle and a bit less in my checking account.

 

[Kyle]

Okay, well thanks everyone for your thoughts, i think ill just keep the coin in my pocket for now, and if in fact i start wheeling harder and notice my rear diff starting to take a beating ill upgrade the the PC cover!!


Sent from the top of a mountain in my h3

 

[06 H3]

Alrock does make a good point. I wheel with many jeepers and their diff covers have been bent back and leaked pretty bad. That is probably why they are much quicker to upgrade them.

 

[skippy]

put a locker in then you don't have to back up:giggle:

 

[Kyle]

put a locker in then you don't have to back up:giggle:

already got one!:thumbs:

 

[skippy]

i have two and the diff protector that we made up heavy duty

 

[JGBB04]

i have two and the diff protector that we made up heavy duty

Now if you could just find a way to waterproof them :mock: