Installed: Dana 44 M220 AdvanTek Nodular Differential Cover (From Jeep JL Wrangler) -- DIY

[broncorik]

please let me know. I used the dana spec sheet for rebuilding an m220 rear axle on a jeep JL.

It looks like ill be redoing this install. I used the information on dana's website and referenced the ford shop manual to find a happy medium, but after more research, id feel better replacing the gasket with a fresh one instead of reusing it.

Waaaay too high on the torque...14.75 ft lbs and an additional 25 degrees is what ours calls for. I imagine yours would be fine to reuse, but if you torqued it as high as that Dana spec sheet indicates then there is a chance it was compromised. Install diagrams posted above.

Sponsored

 

[NatureBoy]

Thank you for sharing this. There a probably a lot more jeep parts and accessories that can be used on the Bronco. God knows they would be cheaper.

 

[Wolfeman]

I noticed AEV is also selling a diff cover for the Bronco. I'm not so much interested in their diff cover but I do love their bumpers that they make for the Jeep Wrangler. Would love to see them venture more into Bronco territory.

 

[0ne]

A how-to turned into a re-do, lots of good info but remind me to never put myself out there, the B6G brain trust will have me second guessing myself

 

[Arokcrwlr]

If it's not leaking, I wouldn't re-do unless it starts to, but that's just me.

 

[Karl_in_Chicago]

A how-to turned into a re-do, lots of good info but remind me to never put myself out there, the B6G brain trust will have me second guessing myself

Yup, share anything around here and there's 99 net nannies to tell you everything you did wrong!

 

[Wolfeman]

Yup, share anything around here and there's 99 net nannies to tell you everything you did wrong!

Maybe if you did it wrong, you might want to know?

Gotta have thick skin if you're gonna make it in this world.

 

[710-oil-614]

The advantage for me is strength against a rock strike. The cover is made from cast iron, so instead of getting a dent or torn open on a rock like the OEM stamped metal cover, it will get a scratch and be less likely to leak due to the rigid nature of the cast iron. we are planning a trip to Moab, UT in July from CT so ultimately it's about getting us home so I can inspect it versus being stranded on the side of a trail 2,000 miles from home. I planned on making a skid plate under the differential in the coming months for added peace of mind.

That is the rear of the differential no? You would have to be driving in reverse to cause a rock strike against the differential cover.

Or you would have to be high centered where the rock caught the front of your differential, then the bottom, and the weight of the bronco was on the rear diff as you drug the bronco across it and finally onto the rear cover for the differential.

It's definitely a better cover but the protection you gain from it is extremely marginal unless you've taken an awful line and powering through it regardless of the damage you're causing to the vehicle already.

 

[broncorik]

That is the rear of the differential no? You would have to be driving in reverse to cause a rock strike against the differential cover.

Or you would have to be high centered where the rock caught the front of your differential, then the bottom, and the weight of the bronco was on the rear diff as you drug the bronco across it and finally onto the rear cover for the differential.

It's definitely a better cover but the protection you gain from it is extremely marginal unless you've taken an awful line and powering through it regardless of the damage you're causing to the vehicle already.

That...so I went with this...

https://www.foutzmotorsports.com/pr...ential-skid-plate?_pos=2&_sid=054fd66d8&_ss=r

 

[BigMeatsBronco]

Howdy, what’s the advantage of this compared to stock besides the cool sticker?

The real Advantage here is how the new cover ads a lot of stiffness to the cast iron diff housing. The original housing is very thin and is known to flex under heavy loads or acceleration. The new Stronger ribbed covers do add quite a bit of rigidity to the differential itself and keep the ring and pinion from distorting under load. In my opinion this is why Jeep use this on the powerful Gladiator.

 

[james1414d]

Thank you for sharing this. There a probably a lot more jeep parts and accessories that can be used on the Bronco. God knows they would be cheaper.

To your point, I used Mopar 75-85 synthetic. It was half the price of the Motorcraft fluid on Amazon.

 

[ITLRUN]

After much research, I found a cheaper alternative to the ford performance M220 diff cover. The rear Dana 44 installed in our broncos is nearly identical to the rear axle used in the Wrangler JL Jeep.

At $140.76 for the Dana Spicer OEM cover (Part # 10040651), it is far cheaper than what you pay for the Ford Performance Parts M220 diff cover at $295 (Part # M-4033-R). You are basically paying for a sticker!

Where did you find this cover for $140.76? Would you mind sharing a link? Thanks

 

[Nchiappetta5]

Where did you find this cover for $140.76? Would you mind sharing a link? Thanks

Amazon link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GNJLCPC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_3tczeyIfgYltH

 

[broncorik]

Amazon link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GNJLCPC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_3tczeyIfgYltH

Does it clear your track bar under full stuff and full droop?

 

[2023bronco]

The real Advantage here is how the new cover ads a lot of stiffness to the cast iron diff housing. The original housing is very thin and is known to flex under heavy loads or acceleration. The new Stronger ribbed covers do add quite a bit of rigidity to the differential itself and keep the ring and pinion from distorting under load. In my opinion this is why Jeep use this on the powerful Gladiator.

Exactly. I have a similar cover on a GM 12 bolt rear, which also has two studs that place 10 ft-lb of pressure on the bearing caps to keep them from distorting under load.

These housings are totally open on the back, allowing distortion. The Ford 9 inch is the opposite - with a cast housing on the front side holding the pinion and bearings.

Sponsored