For the Flipped 9" Portal Guys....Diff Guards. Yes or no?

[Sean]

Are diff guards for nodular iron 3rds at all beneficial or just added, unnecessary weight?

I could see the purpose for an aluminum third, or something that sees higher speeds (or just bumps at WOT with no regard for positioning....but I'm generally more methodical than that).

An example of what I'm talking about (there are a couple other designs out there but this gives an idea):

WFO 9"/10" LOW Pinion Diff Guard FLIPPED | WFOConcepts.com

Find WFO 9

www.wfoconcepts.com

I'm leaning towards not running them, but is that a bad idea?

 

[Provience]

If you are methodical, don't run them

Easy enough to add in later

 

[JR4X]

The guys running flipped Toyota 3rds don’t run any kind of diff skid. I don’t think you’ll hurt anything without them. The only thing I think you gain with the skid is a better ramp angle and flatter smoother ramp for dragging them over the stone.

We make our own out of AR500 because with no portals we bang the diffs on rocks hard and often. We don’t run yoke guards. Just a nice well supported piece of plate from the pinion down to the bottom of the housing. If we use mild steel, the bend quickly and easily. The AR500 is much more resilient

 

[Sean]

The guys running flipped Toyota 3rds don’t run any kind of diff skid. I don’t think you’ll hurt anything without them. The only thing I think you gain with the skid is a better ramp angle and flatter smoother ramp for dragging them over the stone.

We make our own out of AR500 because with no portals we bang the diffs on rocks hard and often. We don’t run yoke guards. Just a nice well supported piece of plate from the pinion down to the bottom of the housing. If we use mild steel, the bend quickly and easily. The AR500 is much more resilient

I've worked with a bit of AR500...welding worked but eventually developed cracks (never actually failed though). Do you use a special rod or pre-heat/post heat? Drilling it is a nightmare though....I've heard carbide tipped masonry bits work, but I've never had much luck. Wanted to use AR of some type (400-550) for a belly and possibly boat side skids in 3/16" but welding/drilling has kept me from trying it. In the past for skids, I've just used 1/2" UHMWPE and 1/8" aluminum 6061-T6 backer.