Differential Skid Plate with Pinion Protection for Jeep 8.25
I like my 8.25 but there is one thing about the design that really gives me trouble. The big flange at the cover mounting point. I am sure it was added for strength, but I am really good at hanging it on rocks when crawling. And if I get one in there just right I can’t go forward or backwards to get off it.
Also, after Jennifer broke her pinion due to a miss-fortunately placed rock, I decided to try to add some protection there as well.
I used some 3/16 scrap and cut a trapezoid to cover from the flange to the center of the U joint. I used 4″ muffler clamps to secure the plate to the axle. I then welded wings to each side to connect the plate to the clamps.
At the front, I shaped a piece to make a stand-off from the pinion. I then used some all thread to make studs and made a plate across the two bosses on the diff housing to clamp the front part to the housing.
The finished piece looks something like the USS Enterprise.
I added a stiffener to the cantilevered part to add some strength. It may also help push rocks to the side instead of letting them slide straight under.
The whole thing mounts easily with six 9/16 nuts so it is easy to get out of the way. I had planned a flange at the rear but I am going to try it on some actual rocks before I add that part. I may not need it.
