Anyone with a 2021 Willy's that has a front diff skid installed?

[Oneshotlucky]

Okay so I thought I would let everyone know. So if this has come up before..? I am trying to find a Front Diff Skid for my 2021 Willys Gladiator JT. So far I have tried the DV8 Skid from extreme terrain, did not fit and returned it. I have the Rancho rear diff skid on the truck, fit perfectly sooo I bought the one in this link below (Then returned it because the bolt was just too short, don't want to modify a part that should fit).

There is an Update to the notes. If you have a 2021 JT Willy's it will not fit. Seems there is a casting change,?? My dealer is still scratching his head. Anyway, I want a bolt on front diff skid, I don't want to change the cover just yet. If anyone bought this and has made it fit with the longer U-bolt supplied by Matt, and they have a 2021 Willys Model I would sure like to know! Other options would be great to know with links as well PLEASE anyone out there with or had my situation I would love to hear from you! Again, follow the link, it has useful info!

https://www.gorancho.com/products/r...ential-glide-plate-dana-44-front-rs62116.html

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[rharr]

This isn't really a must read, it's a please help.

 

[Oneshotlucky]

This isn't really a must read, it's a please help.

Whatever, call it what you will. First time Jeep owner looking to the forums with people that know way more then I do! Thank you for your reply

 

[ShastaJT6]

I am curious - I have a 2021 Willy`s and the DV8 front diff cover - I must have gotten mine before the casting change you mentioned. Can you share a photo of the area / parts that are conflicting? At the very least, this will help other people as they can check for it before making a purchase.

That said, I agree with the other members, may want to change that thread title if you can to something more appropriate.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Build dates can be critical on such things because some minor revisions to castings and parts supplied to Jeep can happen multiple times in a model year. Ask anyone who has worked in a shop and looked for a u-joint for a 197x Ford F250 with V8 and C6 - something like 3 different joints for one model year. I've run into it a lot. And when you have THIRD PARTIES involved, they have to rely on CUSTOMERS to fill them in on such changes made by Jeep or Dana or whoever because they can only build accessories to the models they get to test with or have specs for.
You will have limited return on this query because many Jeep owners will not put on what you are putting on, and there's many choices of parts for those who do - so good luck, but don't get upset if it takes some time and back and forth.

 

[Oneshotlucky]

Build dates can be critical on such things because some minor revisions to castings and parts supplied to Jeep can happen multiple times in a model year. Ask anyone who has worked in a shop and looked for a u-joint for a 197x Ford F250 with V8 and C6 - something like 3 different joints for one model year. I've run into it a lot. And when you have THIRD PARTIES involved, they have to rely on CUSTOMERS to fill them in on such changes made by Jeep or Dana or whoever because they can only build accessories to the models they get to test with or have specs for.
You will have limited return on this query because many Jeep owners will not put on what you are putting on, and there's many choices of parts for those who do - so good luck, but don't get upset if it takes some time and back and forth.

That you for your detailed and informative reply! I personally have never run into this issue with any car I have purchased, so again a learning point!

 

[Oneshotlucky]

I am curious - I have a 2021 Willy`s and the DV8 front diff cover - I must have gotten mine before the casting change you mentioned. Can you share a photo of the area / parts that are conflicting? At the very least, this will help other people as they can check for it before making a purchase.

That said, I agree with the other members, may want to change that thread title if you can to something more appropriate.

No photos, sorry! After fighting with the part I promptly returned it. I'm no mechanic but am quite good at bolt ons! Sunday I bolted up the M.O.R.E. oil pad and transmission skid! Fit was also perfect and it was not too bad of an install! Should have asked for a second set of hands tho! It was heavy and awkward.

 

[Oneshotlucky]

I am curious - I have a 2021 Willy`s and the DV8 front diff cover - I must have gotten mine before the casting change you mentioned. Can you share a photo of the area / parts that are conflicting? At the very least, this will help other people as they can check for it before making a purchase.

That said, I agree with the other members, may want to change that thread title if you can to something more appropriate.

New Title - I'm Learning Quickly! Ha LOL!

 

[ShastaJT6]

No photos, sorry! After fighting with the part I promptly returned it. I'm no mechanic but am quite good at bolt ons! Sunday I bolted up the M.O.R.E. oil pad and transmission skid! Fit was also perfect and it was not too bad of an install! Should have asked for a second set of hands tho! It was heavy and awkward.

Perhaps you could get a photo of the part on the diff where the skid plate wasnt fitting? If there is a specific flange or feature that was conflicting, that would be helpful. If its just generically all wrong of course I understand haha. I am curious about this.

I went a similar route with the rear - there were few options available for the rear differential as the setup was different from the JL, and I ended up customizing (Read - chopping up) a DV8 JL Rear Diff to make it fit.

Being able to handle bolt on parts is a good start, and more than most people can handle! Eventually youll likely get bored with that and start tiptoeing into fabrication..

 

[Oneshotlucky]

Perhaps you could get a photo of the part on the diff where the skid plate wasnt fitting? If there is a specific flange or feature that was conflicting, that would be helpful. If its just generically all wrong of course I understand haha. I am curious about this.

I went a similar route with the rear - there were few options available for the rear differential as the setup was different from the JL, and I ended up customizing (Read - chopping up) a DV8 JL Rear Diff to make it fit.

Being able to handle bolt on parts is a good start, and more than most people can handle! Eventually youll likely get bored with that and start tiptoeing into fabrication..

With the DV8 front skid. There was no way the brackets were gonna fit, was too tight on the drivers side,.. The rancho skid would have fit but the u bolt was too short. I'm still thinking the rancho skid is the way to go about I'm not gonna bend mod or reshape! Didn't have any issues with the rear tho, fit was perfect. One little change has me down the rabbit hole looking for an option that will bolt right up!

Had a chat with north ridge 4x4 and explained the situation. When they reviewed the link to rancho they were unaware of the change now have to change their website as well!

Now reaching out to Rough Country as they may have something? Friends have suggested getting a new cover and be done with it! Problem there is I have a stock steering arm at the moment and need to be careful of clearance! Yup! Down the rabbit hole! I know someone on here has put a skid on a 2021 Willys??? Maybe I get lucky?

 

[aceisback]

New Title - I'm Learning Quickly! Ha LOL!

Nope, still click bait.
Try “Learning Quickly About My Willy”.

 

[Oneshotlucky]

Nope, still click bait.
Try “Learning Quickly About My Willy”.

I like it!! Ha Ha Ha!!!

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Nope, still click bait.
Try “Learning Quickly About My Willy”.

 

[RanchoShocks]

Guys

Just so all know, there was a mid-year change on the front axle of 2021 JL/JT's and RS62116 will NOT fit.
How do you know if you have the change?
Look to see if you have a drain plug or not!
They also added more material around the yolk of the axle too
Some pics in the link

https://www.gorancho.com/products/r...ential-glide-plate-dana-44-front-rs62116.html

PS the diff cover itself still works on the updated housing!!! Just not the GLIDE PLATE.

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