Rear diff guard

[HoosierZ]

I’m going to build a rear diff cover guard like the one I made on my ‘08 Silverado. It’s strictly for looks since I don’t plan on actually putting it to the test against any rocks. I traced the cover outline and hole locations while I had the cover off to change the oil. Used some cardboard to make templates for the pieces that I’ll cut from 1/4” steel. 

[HoosierZ]

[maillet282]

This is interesting. I understand why the need to protect the rest diff. But if you have no intent to wheel your rig why make something like this?  

[davester]

Well, the other obvious reason would be for appearance.  Lots of people put things on their trucks that aren't needed for the conditions they drive in, leveling kits, wheels, fender flares, diff/transmission covers, rollover bars, grilles, lights, probably lots more bits..

 

That looks professionally made, very nice.

[HoosierZ]

As I stated, it’s strictly for looks, not function. Several years ago I made and sold several of them for Colorados/Canyons. The one I had on my ‘08 Silverado was actually the one I had on my ‘07 Colorado. The hole pattern was the only difference. This will give me something to work on in the garage this winter. 

Edited November 30, 2020 by HoosierZ

[HoosierZ]

Fast forward almost 6 yrs and I finally started cutting out pieces for this forgotten project. Luckily, I found the cardboard templates. It is going to be made of 3/8” thick steel instead of 1/4”.

[HoosierZ]

Pieces are all cut and ready to weld. 
 

 

[HoosierZ]

Finished the guard today. 

 

 

[asilverblazer]

I like it.

 

I wonder though - if you backed into something that would warrant the need for this. Instead of smashing the plain cover and maybe damaging replaceable parts inside the diff if it might blow out some of the mounting holes cast in the main housing requiring an axle housing replacement... 

 

Not a criticism, just thinking out loud. 

 

I saw someone who had a grill guard hit a bollard in a parking lot. Ruined the grill guard and bent up the bumper. If the grill guard wasn't there the damage to the bumper would have been similar and might have also included the grill. Probably ended up costing more to buy the grill guard twice, plus the bumper rather than the bumper once and a new grill. 

[HoosierZ]

It would take one hell of a hit to damage the housing considering the 3/8” thick steel tying 8 of the bolts together and reinforcing the cover mounting flange. I don’t plan on putting it to the test. Again, the guard is mainly for looks.