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Better D44 Differential Cover?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by FinoCJ, Aug 8, 2021.

  1. Aug 8, 2021
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    I think a number of us on the recent Colo trip were discussing the importance of a stronger D44 differential cover. So where can I find a stronger or thicker D44 cover? IIRC, the M38a1 had a thicker/better cover? Some on the trip thought the 60-70s GM D44 or maybe scout 44s would have a better cover? I would certainly be open to an aftermarket options as well if its not insanely priced. Guessing a few of us are going to be looking for an upgrade soon.
    thanks
     
    Jw60 likes this.
  2. Aug 8, 2021
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
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    Look for mid to maybe late 70's Ford F250 D44 covers. About 1/8" thick and have a flat for a little more tie rod clearance. I don't recall the Scouts being much better than the Jeep versions but can look in my bone pile. There should still be a 78 Scout II front axle in there.
     
    FinoCJ likes this.
  3. Aug 8, 2021
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
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    Fresh off the pixilator. This is the F250 cover. I'm installing it on the rear of the 3B and the fuel tank is really close at full stuff. The JIC bung was TIG welded in for the vent (the boss for it was stamped in the cover). It just got a little to busy for both the vent and the ARB lines coming out the top of my front axle.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    FinoCJ likes this.
  4. Aug 8, 2021
    oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    St. Charles,...
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    Here’s one by I just posted in the FS section.
    M38
    [​IMG]
     
    FinoCJ likes this.
  5. Aug 8, 2021
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
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    FinoCJ likes this.
  6. Aug 8, 2021
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    Ken - are the M38 covers a bit thicker than the later cj5 covers? I might take you on that sale if they are...
     
  7. Aug 8, 2021
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    might go with both Ken's M38 cover and that skid plate! I punched a good dent in mine on the rubicon a few years ago at the gate keeper, and lucky it wasn't worse or needed any major repair. Then we all watched Tim punch a hole in his the other day and now I think we all want a bit more protection!
     
  8. Aug 8, 2021
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
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    The one on my 71' lastest many brutal attacks and always held up. I'll find out this week on the TJ.
     
  9. Aug 8, 2021
    oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    St. Charles,...
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    The vented m38 cover is .090” thick.
    I don’t have any 1970’s covers or any other covers that I can measure.
    If I recall correctly some are at least somewhat thinner than .090”.
     
    FinoCJ likes this.
  10. Aug 8, 2021
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
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    FinoCJ likes this.
  11. Aug 8, 2021
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    A '74 or later Wagoneer or big Cherokee or J10 has a Dana 44 front axle with the thick cover. That's what I put on the rear axle of my CJ-6.
    I bought mine new - genuine Dana part - from BJ's. 04-6505-Dana 44 Differential Cover Extra Thick

    That article won't show me any pictures unless I accept tracking cookies. "We want ... information."
     
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  12. Aug 8, 2021
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    Tim's link also has some other aftermarket D44 covers and skid protectors....thanks
     
  13. Aug 8, 2021
    Lilbuff63

    Lilbuff63 Member 2022 Sponsor

    Sonoma County Ca
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    I put this on my rear diff. It is a bit overkill but definitely bulletproof! I got the Dana 30 one as well but it’s actually a bit too thick and my tie rod hits it. Dana 44 3/8" Differential Cover
     
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  14. Aug 8, 2021
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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  15. Aug 8, 2021
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

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    I have that issue of JP… I’ll have to dig it out.
     
    Last edited: Aug 8, 2021
  16. Aug 8, 2021
    4S50

    4S50 I’m back!

    Idaho
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    I upgraded to the Dana #39015 many years ago and it has been indestructible. It looks like the stock cover, but is much thicker, and the fill plug is slightly higher.
     
  17. Aug 8, 2021
    supertrooper

    supertrooper Member

    moreno valley, ca
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    Aftermarket diff covers aren't that expensive and i think are a worthwhile investment. I have Solid industries covers front and back and they go for $80 each. Ruffstuff makes a really beefy cover for around $130ea

    Dana 44 Diff Cover

    Dana 44 3/8" Differential Cover
     
  18. Aug 9, 2021
    Wmi68CJ5

    Wmi68CJ5 Let the Sun Shine!

    Twin Lake MI
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  19. Aug 9, 2021
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

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    FYI, the Ford F250 cover is 0.150 thick.
     
    Fireball likes this.
  20. Aug 9, 2021
    Jrobz23

    Jrobz23 Member

    Northern, WI
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    If I were going to get a diff cover, I’d opt for one with a drain in the cover. I have a RR one on my NT30 that is beefy and has a drain.
     
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