In the market for a front Dana 30 diff cover

TerryMason

TerryMason

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Staff member
Looks like I've dented, and possibly punctured my front diff cover, so I'm in the market for a Dana 30 diff cover. I'd say that my requirements are that it be under $150, and have a fill hole.

I'm replacing stock, and don't know much about them, but from what I've read, cast iron is recommended.

I'm not really a fan of having a huge log on my cover, however the poison spider one does look cool. What does everyone think of these:


https://www.amazon.com/Poison-Spyde...+30+differential+cover&qid=1633132313&sr=8-20

cacheJeepzImage.php


https://www.amazon.com/DV8-Offroad-...+30+differential+cover&qid=1633132313&sr=8-10

cacheJeepzImage.php



https://www.amazon.com/RuffStuff-Sp...a+30+differential+cover&qid=1633132313&sr=8-8
cacheJeepzImage.php



The DV8 fill plug looks much higher than the others. I'm now sure if I actually filled up to that plug, if the fluid would leak down my axle tubes, and out or not.
 

I just noticed that the DV8 claims it is for a JK with Dana 30 (I have a 2005 TJ). I didn't realize they were different. The other ones don't mention what year Jeeps they are for, only that they are for the Dana 30.
 
Something to consider.

Will the track bar hit it when articulating?



Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up - Jesse Jackson
 
Thanks for the tip. I just bought the Spicer cover from RockAuto - I like to drain and fill holes, and it looks pretty good. It was a toss up between the Yukon and Spicer, as they both look pretty good.
Just by eyeballing it, I think the Spicer may have a bit more clearance for the trackbar though.

jeep-diff-cover.PNG

More Information for DANA 10023534

https://www.amazon.com/Spicer-10023534-Differential-Cover/dp/B01MF6D03D


What fluid do you recommend? I do have an Aussie locker in the front (lunchbox locker). In the past I've used Mobil 1 80w-90.
 
Conventional 80W90 unless you tow distances or live in HoT climates.
Add trac loc if you have limited slip.

D30 1.8 qts
D45 2.0 qts



Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up - Jesse Jackson
 

I'm pretty happy with the results.
Off with the old

1.jpg

3.jpg

The new cover if beefy and has a plethora of drain / fill plugs

2.jpg

4.jpg

5.jpg

The only fault I can find is that the drain plug hangs a little lower than I'd prefer. We'll see if that ends up being an issue.
 
Last pic looks like the track bar might rub @ full flex. I could be wrong. Check it in a controlled setting. Like on a lift. Better to find out now than on the trail.

Drain plug??
Hit it with some paint you clean out later. OR, Just drain like you did last time.




Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up - Jesse Jackson
 
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I'm not really sure where the dent in the factory cover came from, or if the new cover would have handled it better.

I think I didn't clean up enough before putting the new one on though - as I have a small leak / drip. I'll need to take the cover off again and clean up before putting it back on.
 
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