Rugged Ridge 16597.30 Skid Plate, Differential, For Dana 30, Black

Very easy install. Great fit. Good quality welds. Good thickness.

I'd really give these guards 4.5 stars, but since that isn't an option, we will go with the 5 star rating. I installed this guard on my 2013 Jeep Wrangler. Installation was very straightforward and the fit was spot on. The steel on this guard appears to be more than sufficient to protect my differential cover from damage for the type of trail use I see. I like how the guard still allows you to access the fluid fill opening without removing it. The only thing I don't like about the guard is the mounting hardware. There are 6 screws included that require a hex key to install. I found that the threaded post wasn't any longer than the factory bolts, which I would have expected to make up for the extra thickness of the guard. Since the screws were the same length and it would be a pain to use a hex key to install and remove the guard, I opted to mount it into place using the factory bolts. It's a fairly minor detail, but one I felt is worth mentioning. For those who are curious, I installed one of these on the Dana 44 on the rear axle as well.

My one and only complaint about this product are the bolts they throw in. Allen head bolts? hello? why? XD I went to my local hardware store and got the right length and thread, you can take one off the top of your diff cover to bring with, or a different review might have to correct size. i I went with a grade 8 that was about 1/4-3/8 longer than stock, with washers, the guard went on perfect ! and i didn’t need to drain fluid or anything. Solid construction with some goofy thick welds. mine had a minor scratch on the face but it’s been beat to s*** since i installed it so i wasn’t very pressed about it. it’s a skid guard after all. Great look for the d30 and it’s held up against some pretty sharp rocks. would recommend.

Great product but garbage bolts. I followed another reviewer in using different bolts. I used 5/16 by 3/4L at 18TC but used grade 8 flange style bolts and installed it with a 12 point 3/8 drive socket which fit on the upper side driver bolt better then a 6 point socket. It was a 20min install with no problems. This will protect the front lower half of diff cover well and I think it was great for the price👍.

Extra protection where your differential needs it the most. Thick, sturdy construction, simple to install by anyone with a wrench in hand. This also did not interfere with my modified steering tie rods and drag link.