[MisfitSeven]

now that i have my 8.8 installed i had to take off the ruffstuff diff cover because it was too long and was hitting my gas tank. it is 3 3/4", and the stock tin foil cover is only 3" tall. does anyone have any recommendations for a diff cover that is closer to stock? or any measurements are appreciated. thanks.

[CB3]

Barnett diff covers will give approx same clearance as stock, especially if you use gasket compound instead of a lube locker gasket. My first thought is Barnett.

Also, Crane chromoly cast diff covers, and Alloy USA stamped covers (thick stamped steel) have more clearance than most aftermarket covers. Not Alloy USA cast covers (lack clearance).

All those are strong. The Crane and Alloy USA are very strong. Barnett has the most clearance and is strong enough for a front diff on a rockcrawler - so more than strong enough for a rear diff and has greatest clearance.

I know Crane makes a cover for your 8.8. Not sure if Barnett and Alloy USA also make one for that.

One of those will solve your issues.

[06WranglerX]

I got a Riddler on the back and like it very much, I just barely kiss the gas tank with it but it just rubbed the paint in that area no big deal. When I mount my Savvy skid i do not think this will be an issue any further. I like the quality of the Riddler and the price it is a very beefy cover.

[MisfitSeven]

maybe i should mention that i have the rokmen gas tank skid. but i am still looking for measurements. thanks guys.

[sportcoupe]

The Riddler is the most "low profile" diff cover you can buy for the 8.8 rear. See my 3 page thread, it has measurements and pictures comparing different covers for the 8.8

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/low-clearance-8-8-diff-covers-659592/

.

[UTWeezul]

Buy a Savvy gas skid and forget about it. You don't want to use the stock 8.8 cover if you do any kind of off road driving...especially in the rocks.

[MisfitSeven]

Originally Posted by UTWeezul

Buy a Savvy gas skid and forget about it.

what is so special about the savvy skid plate besides the 1 3/4" more ground clearance than stock? do you work for them? the rokmen skid moves the stock tank back 3/4".

Originally Posted by UTWeezul

You don't want to use the stock 8.8 cover if you do any kind of off road driving...especially in the rocks.

hence the whole reason for this thread.
thanks sportcoupe for your help.

[Divinitous]

Originally Posted by 06WranglerX

I got a Riddler on the back and like it very much, I just barely kiss the gas tank with it but it just rubbed the paint in that area no big deal. When I mount my Savvy skid i do not think this will be an issue any further. I like the quality of the Riddler and the price it is a very beefy cover.

I have the 8.8 riddler cover and the savvy skid. No problems.

[BYuen]

Originally Posted by MisfitSeven

what is so special about the savvy skid plate besides the 1 3/4" more ground clearance than stock? do you work for them? the rokmen skid moves the stock tank back 3/4".

Savvy skid is aluminum and much MUCH lighter than say the Rokmen one but just as competent in protecting your gas tank. It also won't rust like steel of course. The Rokmen skid is like 60 lbs while the Savvy skid is around 30+/-. Don't get me wrong the Rokmen skid is great (I run one. Fantastic clearances and design), but the savvy skid is just as good and much lighter if you're looking to save on weight.

[BYuen]

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/new-gas-tank-skid-plate-can-you-say-aluminum-773797/

[alecmcmahon]

Im running a ruff stuff cover on my 8.8 and havent had any issues with the stock tank.

3.5" of lift & 1.25" BL

[06WranglerX]

Originally Posted by Divinitous

I have the 8.8 riddler cover and the savvy skid. No problems.

Awesome good to know, i figured it wouldn't be an issue but wasn't positive, suppose its time I drag my lazy self and install it hah.

[MisfitSeven]

Originally Posted by alecmcmahon

Im running a ruff stuff cover on my 8.8 and havent had any issues with the stock tank.

3.5" of lift & 1.25" BL

do you have any pics?

[CB3]

I have a Rokmen gastank skid too. It's made from cold rolled steel, which is way harder and stronger than the typical hotholled stuff. Mild hotrolled steel is way harder than aluminum, and the Rokmen's cold rolled is much harder yet. So it will slide off a rock easier than a softer material (like aluminum) would. I'm all in favor of saving weight up front, but in the rear I like to add some weight. It helps balance out a front heavy, front engine, short wheel base Jeep. So give me the super strong, super hard, super heavy Rokmen skid any day. And the price is excellent too.

I'm running an ARB D44 diff cover in the rear and it barely clears the Rokmen gastank skid, but it does clear. I'd estimate around 1/4" clearance. No paint scruffing on diff cover or gastank skid.

=====

For my front D44 diff I've owned ARB, but had to remove it because not nearly enough clearance in front.

Then I owned Riddler on my front, but am soon going to remove it because not quite enough clearance in front. Riddler has a cult following, but it's not entirely deserved. Strong, yes. Cheap yes. Way to heavy, yes. Excellent clearance, hell no. Well, mabye good clearance compared to the worst clearance covers like ARB and others, but not good clearance compared to the better clearing covers.

I have recently bought a Crane chromoly D44 diff cover for the front diff, and I measured it against a second Riddler cover. The Crane cover has 1/4" to 1/2" more clearance than the Riddler does. An Alloy USA stamped steel cover (5/16" thick stamped steel) has even more clearance than the Crane. The Allow USA stamped covers offer almost as much clearance as stock covers. The Barnett cover offers the same clearance as stock on its upper 2/3 which is basically a stock cover. The lower 1/3 is armor plated and would offer the same or similar clearance for rear diff as a Crane would, though for the front Barnett offers by far the most clearance.

Riddler isn't even a contender for most clearance. Trust me, I know. I own an ARB, Riddler, Crane, and have looked at Alloy USA and Barnett covers. Of those, the ARB has the worst clearance, the Riddler the second worst clearance. The clearance of a Riddler is nothing to brag about. If a Riddler clears a tank tank skid, give the skid all the credit. If a Riddler clears an aftermarket front trackbar (won't clear a stock front trackbar), give the aftermarket trackbar all the credit (new Currie HD trackbar).

A Riddler would be great, if it clears your other stuff. Same with ARB. However, they often don't clear. Those other covers I mentioned are also great for strength, etc, but are more likely to clear trackbars and skidplates.

For the front diff, the Barnett probably offers most clearance with Alloy USA stamped covers and Crane offering second best clearance. For rear diff, I think Alloy USA offers the most clearance, followed by Barnett, followed by Crane.

P.S. - Crane and Barnett also offer the same sloped lip and recessed mounting holes that Riddler offers.

P.P.S - with any of these covers that have a raised logo, if clearance looks close/tight, take a grinder and remove the raised logo to increase clearance by 1/8" to 3/16". You don't need the logo.

[alecmcmahon]

Originally Posted by MisfitSeven

do you have any pics?

sure, just snapped this one.

and just notice is did kiss the corner of the skid a few times, very small dent.


note: i just upgraded from a RC 2.5" lift to a RE 3.5" lift, so who knows at what height was the problem.

havent noticed any ' clunks ' or bottoming out with it offroading.


savvy skid will prob. come after I replace my clutch and get a job