Diff Cover Bolt Opinions

[Marky]

I just retired my old diff covers and put on new ARB covers with dipsticks and drain plugs to make checking/replacing fluid easier. When installing the rear cover I found it impossible to get one of the bolts in because it was lined up perfectly with the relocated track bar. The new cover is thicker along the axle line and uses a longer bolt in that position. The cover I replaced was actually missing a bolt (no idea where that ran off to) so it gave me an idea... I only put in the 9 I could get to for now and called it a day. I figured in the next few days I could disconnect one end of the track bar and get the last bolt in, but then I thought what would happen if I need to open it on the trail? The question is should I get that last bolt in knowing it will make it significantly more difficult to open it on the trail or is it fine with only 9? Opinion?


PS - I now have two Rancho D44 diff covers if anyone wants them. It's missing one bolt, and the rest are obnoxious 12 point 5/16 heads. They're well worn but still sturdy and still better than stock. They also have a nifty max fill hole that fluid drains from to prevent overfilling. LMK if you're interested.

[ChrisD]

Would a button head socket cap screw fit?

[Marky]

No, the thicker design coupled with the longer bolt to reach the housing makes the head size immaterial.

It's this one:

[MDSRACING398]

Can you jack the body up, raising the track bar out of your way?

[Marky]

Can you jack the body up, raising the track bar out of your way?

Hmmmm... that may work. I'll try that.

[Frank]

Sometimes putting that bolt in the cover first will allow you to tilt the cover in a way to get it in. If 9 were holding fluid with no leak ??????? Sounds good to me but Marks idea just might be the ticket. FjR68

[JeepAddict]

I'm glad you posted this. I was shopping for covers my the new one and ARB was on my list.

[Marky]

Thank you, Mark. Raising the body moved it out of the way so I could slip it right in.

If anyone wants the old ones - $50 obo takes them both. I can post a pic if interested. They look like this (but not nearly as shiny)

[JeepAddict]

Are they both Dana 44? If so, consider them sold

[Marky]

Are they both Dana 44? If so, consider them sold

All yours! I x-posted this in for sale / wanted with actual photos so you can see the condition.
http://baystatejeepers.com/forum/viewto ... f=6&t=6434

[Frank]

Noice ! They have a fill and a spill hole . Awesome , someone was thinkin . FjT68

[Marky]

Noice ! They have a fill and a spill hole . Awesome , someone was thinkin . FjT68

Except don't make the mistake I did once... I jacked up the Jeep to make it easier to work on and filled it while jacked up. Once lowered, the actual level was higher than the hole. Had a little extra come out the ends...

[Car Jack]

How about put in a piece of threaded rod, then a nut on the end of the rod. Bam!

[Marky]

How about put in a piece of threaded rod, then a nut on the end of the rod. Bam!

How do I turn the threaded rod? Should I weld the nut to it first? Isn't that basically a bolt?

Besides, it's in now!