Rear Differential Skid Plate Decision

[Ironiguana]

I am trying to decide between these 2 products. Is there an advantage of one over the other? Any first hand experience would be helpful.

• https://dv8offroad.com/collections/...-gen-bronco-rear-axle-differential-skid-plate
• https://iagoffroad.com/iag-rock-armor-rear-differential-skid-plate-for-2021-ford-bronco/

Thanks.

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[B22-2023]

DV8, though both are good. I was down the rabbit hole on this a while back - bought both and returned or sold them. Each were too heavy duty for my needs (too much armor* based on where I normally hit), plus hard to fit/service with aftermarket coverplate. I went with this AEV that covered where I needed it most and allowed for easy service. All that axle armor seems to me for really technical rock crawling and that's not me. Hanging up on the pumpkin and needing to slide, now that's me on a lot of trails.

*Looking back the DV8 is an even better value - I didn't take into account how it protects the rear link mount, and I've since needed to add (DV8) armor there after some consistent beatings.

 

[5GENIDN]

My biggest concern was twisting a tube... the axle tubes on these Dana 44s are only getting 3 rosettes at the housing. (jeep version at least gets 4) but I am not overly keen on welding the steel tubes to the cast housing... Cracks the casting sometimes if not done right and still may not see the cracks without magnafluxing.... The DV8 physically connects the tubes together with the housing.... That is why I picked the DV8....

 

[B22-2023]

@5GENIDN “My biggest concern was twisting a tube”

That is good information - I never thought about torsional weakness. What is a trail situation that causes that tube to be stressed in that way, one-wheel lockup or something?

 

[5GENIDN]

@5GENIDN “My biggest concern was twisting a tube”

That is good information - I never thought about torsional weakness. What is a trail situation that causes that tube to be stressed in that way, one-wheel lockup or something?

I am on portals so I was extra alert for it... but yea... your trail turn assist... One reason I never use it... But it happens that is why a lot of guys weld their tubes... I am just not a super fan of welding steel to cast....

 

[Mega3000]

My biggest concern was twisting a tube... the axle tubes on these Dana 44s are only getting 3 rosettes at the housing. (jeep version at least gets 4) but I am not overly keen on welding the steel tubes to the cast housing... Cracks the casting sometimes if not done right and still may not see the cracks without magnafluxing.... The DV8 physically connects the tubes together with the housing.... That is why I picked the DV8....

Thanks for posting the pic. I have the Ford HD Diff plate and was looking for something that will work with it.

 

[HoosierSquatch]

Another vote for DV8. Install was pretty easy. Swaybar mount took a few tries to get the bolts all started since the plates can move around until snug, but overall happy with outcome.

 

[5GENIDN]

Thanks for posting the pic. I have the Ford HD Diff plate and was looking for something that will work with it.

Be forewarned.... I had to do a bunch of custom cutting to make it fit with that.... NOT that hard but you do have to cut some... I cut a piece of cardboard to match the skid and then marked and cut away at the cardboard until it matched the rear cover.... leaving a little extra room for the drain plug. Once the cardboard fit, I used it to mark and then cut the DV8 skid plate.... Again, not that hard but it does take some extra effort....

 

[Gluestick]

Also got the AEV and believe it’s a great way to go. And I have it with the ford performance diff cover.

 

[superchar1982]

I went with MetalCloak. Got the rear diff, muffler and shock skids

https://metalcloak.com/ford-bronco-6g.html#subCategory1

 

[Ironiguana]

Thanks for the comments guys. Went with the DV8 rear differential and A-Arm plates.

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