Front Diff Skid

[Oneshotlucky]

Hoping @Matt can answer my question? I have a 2021 Willys Gladiator and I need a part number for a Rancho Skid that will fit my Front Differential! I did get a Rancho one in the mail but returned it the U-bolt was the issue, no way was I going to force it! Maybe I got the wrong part? I ordered the rear diff skid and it fit perfectly Thanks!

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[RanchoShocks]

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

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

Hoping @Matt can answer my question? I have a 2021 Willys Gladiator and I need a part number for a Rancho Skid that will fit my Front Differential! I did get a Rancho one in the mail but returned it the U-bolt was the issue, no way was I going to force it! Maybe I got the wrong part? I ordered the rear diff skid and it fit perfectly Thanks!

 

[peterpilot379]

So which axle do I have, new or old, if I have a drain plug?

 

[jac04]

So which axle do I have, new or old, if I have a drain plug?

Old.

If you click on the link that RanchoShocks provided, it will lead you to this, which explains the change:
https://www.gorancho.com/skin/frontend/default/gorancho/images/RS62116-Coverage.pdf

 

[peterpilot379]

Old.

If you click on the link that RanchoShocks provided, it will lead you to this, which explains the change:
https://www.gorancho.com/skin/frontend/default/gorancho/images/RS62116-Coverage.pdf

Curious….did they relocate the drain plug?

 

[Oneshotlucky]

Curious….did they relocate the drain plug?

Mine is a 2021 Willys. The front diff is M210, not Dana 44 that the difference and drin plug is not on the bottom. Rancho did not fit but this one does https://www.roughcountry.com/jeep-jl-m210-diff-skid-plate-10627.html

 

[Hootbro]

Curious….did they relocate the drain plug?

From what I understand, they did not relocate it. If using the OEM steel diff cover, you have to now remove it to drain the front diff.

FWIW, I have a 7/21 build WIllys and the front Diff has the drain plug. I do not know when the exact cut in is for the removal.

 

[peterpilot379]

Well that complicates a fluid change for the diff.

 

[Oneshotlucky]

Well that complicates a fluid change for the diff.

As above, I too understand that the cover has to be removed? Not sure, I’d have to look but I think there is another plug but then you would have to suck out the old and pour in the new??

 

[jac04]

As above, I too understand that the cover has to be removed? Not sure, I’d have to look but I think there is another plug but then you would have to suck out the old and pour in the new??

Yes, if you don't have a drain plug, you need to remove the cover to drain the diff. Trying to suck out the oil via the fill plug is going to be tough due to; 1) not easily being able to get a suction tube to the bottom of the diff housing, and 2) the viscosity of the oil.

Since the diff cover has a reusable rubber gasket, it shouldn't be too bad.

 

[kooltoys]

sounds to me that this is a Rubicon/Mojave/HA/Max Tow axles update.. so may not include sport/overland variant axles

 

[RanchoShocks]

We are seeing August/September builds WITHOUT the drain on the bottom

From what I understand, they did not relocate it. If using the OEM steel diff cover, you have to now remove it to drain the front diff.

FWIW, I have a 7/21 build WIllys and the front Diff has the drain plug. I do not know when the exact cut in is for the removal.

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