Diff Guards Bolt-On Verse Weld-On

IT'S A VITAL PIECE OF PROTECTION THAT IS OFTEN OVERLOOKED. MICHAEL SHOWS YOU HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT DIFF GUARDS FOR YOUR 4WD!

When it comes to buying protection for parts of you 4WD, one of the most overlooked items is also one of the most exposed and vulnerable. We all seem to worry about big bull bars and sidesteps, yet forget to protect the bits that are one of the lowest points on our rigs and are most prone to smashing into rocks, stumps and whatever else could be hiding along our favourite track.

Generally, all it takes is a split second lapse in your otherwise amazing driving ability and your vehicle may be incapacitated from a bent leaking diff housing or broken ring gear. This sort of situation is all too common off-road whether it's from impacting a covered rock or stump, or even from being in one of those situations where you need just a bit more acceleration to pop it up onto a ledge.

Sometimes it can even be from just reversing and not being able to get the rear end into the right position.

These types of dangers

Make diff guards an absolute must, not only for the serious offroad enthusiast, but anyone who could find themselves in a tricky off-road position. Differential guards are considered one of the most basic and essential items for any 4WD that sees dirt time.

But when it comes time to add some protection, what types of guards are available and what should I look for to suit my vehicle. Some key points to look for when selecting the right style are: 6mm thick steel as a minimum for weld-on style, integrated gussets and fill-hole locations. Bolt-on guards with flat straps and even cutouts near the center of the ring gear provide minimal increases in strength.

Ideally they should have

a small gap to the OE housing and also have the support strap or profiles that mount at non critical points on the housing, so that any forces are absorbed in places that won't cause critical failure.

Fabricated or press formed sections provide additional strength by creating a dome much like the original housing, dissipating forces. A key feature to look for in any diff guard is full strength plates at the centerline of the axle or the middle of the diff pumpkin!

This is usually

the point at which impact will cause the housing to damage the crown wheel or diff center. Sure protecting the bottom 3rd of the center is still important, but it's like comparing alloy side-steps to real sliders, one will take small impacts and the other will protect your vehicle!

Weld-on Diff Guard

Weld-on: This type of guard is the ultimate when it comes to strength and durability, but it's not for the beginner DIYer. The average backyard tinkerer with moderate welding skills and a bit of patience should have no problem in fitting these guards.

Weld-on diff guards offer a permanent maintenance-free solution to added diff strength, this style is often fitted in conjunction with the additional diff bracing kits which add strength to the main tube section and knuckles on solid axles. Due to the inherent design, additional support for the diff housing can reduce bending and distortion of the thin pressed center section on some diffs.

In some drop-out center diffs, added stiffness and support for the 3rd member can help reduce gear mesh issues and increase strength if used in conjunction with high tensile studs or mounting bolts.

Bolt-on Diff Guard

Bolt-on: This type of guard simply bolts onto your diff housing utilising plates or clamps. They are attached to the main axle tube or the diff center section and often rely on the shape of the housing to hold them in place.

Additional mounting points to items such as the radius arm or link brackets are always preferred to gain extra strength. Ideally to add further protection the diff guard should also have a profile following closely but not against the diff housing to help share the impact load, whilst allowing clearance for aftermarket Panhard rods and other suspension components.

Where possible, the lower section of the guard should incorporate a skid plate to help protect the underside of the diff from damage.

Stealth Diff Guards

Superior Engineering offers the 'Stealth' range of diff and pinion guards which are designed to suit most current 4WD vehicles. These are 100% bolt on and made from 6mm 250 grade steel for the ultimate in protection. Pinion guards simply bolt onto your diff housing in conjunction with the bolt-on Stealth diff guard, utilising the supplied hardware. They provide a smooth ramp to prevent snagging on rocks and tree stumps at the front of the diff center and join seamlessly with the rear bolt-on section. As with any suspension components you may need, contact your local 4WD suspension specialist for information on the best parts for your vehicle.