Ruffstuff Specialties rear differential install

[mpk1996]

In my quest to do a whole bunch of maint now that i'm about at the 100k miles mark, changing out the rear differential fluid was on the list. And since I was pulling the cover, it was a good chance to upgrade the rear cover. I really like the look of the Ruffstuff cover, and its beafy as hell. I never had an issue with the stock cover, but i don't think this will be the weak link anymore.

I like the raw color flamed look from the heat of the welding, so i sprayed it with some rustoleum clear to protect it against rusting.



Then it was pretty easy to take off the old cover. Just remove the spare tire to gain a little room and unbolt it. I used a small storage bin i got from Lowes as a catch pan (same thing i used for the trans fluid change). I ordered the bolts with the kit (i've always been a sucker for 12 pt bolts) and for $9 its not a hard choice. But i did reuse 3 of the factory bolts to remount the brake line keepers. I also ordered a lube locker gasket as i didn't feel like using RTV. either is a good choice.



It took exactly 4 quarts of AMSOIL gear oil. i ordered the squeeze bags (they are the same price as the regular quart bottles). It makes filling the diff real easy, no funnel or anything needed.





some teflon tape on the thread of the plug and its all done. Oh, and make sure you have a BIG allen wrench for the plug. I forget what i used (luckily i had one already) but its not a "normal" size. It would suck to get it all put back together and then have to run to the store to get the right size.

 

[pastorwug]

That looks really good, and sounds functional.
What weight of Gear oil did you use?

 

[mpk1996]

That looks really good, and sounds functional.
What weight of Gear oil did you use?

75w-140

 

[badm0t0rfinger]

That looks killer! And if those Gale Banks videos are to be believed thats probably a better design for the diff than the bigger high capacity covers.

 

[RadRaptor]

Awesome. RuffStuff are clients of mine and great people.. love it!

 

[Otis857]

I really like the look of this cover, the price is right, steel vs aluminum, etc. And I'm in the same boat with 100K miles coming up soon. But,... my only reservation is the lack of a drain plug. I know its not a big deal to loosen the bolts and let it drain, but why break a gasket seal if you don't have to? and if yo need to drain the oil due to a water crossing, broken axle, or just want to be more proactive on maintenance, a simple drain plug would make it a better cover option to a Mag-Hytec. Since they are a small production company, I wonder if they would be up to adding a drain plug as an option?

 

[sixshooter_45]

I really like the look of this cover, the price is right, steel vs aluminum, etc. And I'm in the same boat with 100K miles coming up soon. But,... my only reservation is the lack of a drain plug. I know its not a big deal to loosen the bolts and let it drain, but why break a gasket seal if you don't have to? and if yo need to drain the oil due to a water crossing, broken axle, or just want to be more proactive on maintenance, a simple drain plug would make it a better cover option to a Mag-Hytec. Since they are a small production company, I wonder if they would be up to adding a drain plug as an option?

I agree, why not have a drain plug. I'd purchase one down the road if they ever design one with it.

 

[pastorwug]

I agree, why not have a drain plug. I'd purchase one down the road if they ever design one with it.

I believe someone in another thread on this diff cover had a drain plug welded in.

 

[mpk1996]

I believe someone in another thread on this diff cover had a drain plug welded in.

I called them and asked if they would do it. They said no. I guess the could have had it done somewhere else. But figured I haven’t changed it in three s long. I’ll live

 

[gtxracer]

I've used a ton of Ruffstuff parts on my Jeep. Dan is a great guy and he constantly helps people out. I've had my Raptor out at KOH a few times and they're always helping people with welding and parts. Glad to see they make diff covers for us as I want some extra capacity when towing. Nice install!