Tell me about your front/rear Differential Skids

[Batlou]

Searching for some Front and Rear Diff Skids. On my trip to Windrock Park last week I left a bit of Gladiator DNA on a rock from both front and rear Diff. Probably a good idea to use some protection. Any suggestions or personal experience for something well built but not to hard on the budget?

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[Sempe-Fi Rubicon]

Just started that process myself. I decided to go the buy once cry once route with a rear diff skid plate. I went with Next Venture Motorsports after researching and fellow forum members endorsements. After I received the rear plate from them, I painted, let hardened for several days and then installed, So Impressed with it I ordered the front one. I can see them being the ultimate in protection super well made and a little extra protection for the pinion.

 

[taintedsaint]

I second the Next Venture skids. I've crashed down on mine and zero damage to diffs. They are beasts. Yes they're pricey, but worth every penny.

 

[Zachanadandy]

The center section is cast steel and thick with huge ribs that hang down. You'll never damage it dragging it on rocks. The covers are recessed above the lip unlike old Dana axles so even peeling the cover open on a rock is very unlikely. In the rear I could see adding one so the axle slides over stuff better as it's not at all smooth on the bottom. Up front I've never seen the need. I like the Rancho skids for both price and being very low profile to minimize clearance lost.

 

[jac04]

I know the OP is looking for something 'not too hard on the budget', but the AEV Rear Slider doesn't impact ground clearance as much as some of the other ones out there:
https://www.aev-conversions.com/product/differential-skid-plate-jl-wrangler-gladiator-bronco/

 

[Batlou]

Awesome, thanks for the feedback. I will do some more homework on them this weekend. I do like that the Next Venture covers part of the drive shaft.

 

[Silverator]

Awesome, thanks for the feedback. I will do some more homework on them this weekend. I do like that the Next Venture covers part of the drive shaft.

For me, the Rancho's (both front and rear) offered the best protection balanced with cost. They are super robust, install (and remove) easily, and have been everything I need - I just need protection, not build a rock crawler on a vehicle not designed for it.

 

[drewcnit]

Awesome, thanks for the feedback. I will do some more homework on them this weekend. I do like that the Next Venture covers part of the drive shaft.

^^ THIS - I had rear pinion seal issues from dragging that rear pumpkin around until I put the Next Venture Diff skid on the rear. The extra coverage in that region appealed to me over other options on the market.

 

[Glad Jeeper]

I put on ASFIR last year prior to Moab trip. Love this product. I got the complete skid plate package. Super easy to install.

 

[jac04]

I do like that the Next Venture covers part of the drive shaft.

The AEV diff skid covers the pinion area as well, in a much more compact design:

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