Reviews for Rancho RS62116 RockGEAR Front Dana 44 Differential Glide Plate for 18-20 Jeep Wrangler JL & Gladiator JT Rubicon
Performs as expected
Excellent quality and appears very durable. Main reason I bought was to protect the very vulnerable front differential drain plug. Install was fairly simple. Only issue I had was u-bolt didn't want to fit correctly. I had to bend it slightly to get the threads to protrude enough to start nuts on both sides. Otherwise easy straight forward install.
Oh, yeah the Red didn't match my Mojave Orange trim, so I had it powder coated black. Should sell them in black too
Easy to install. Fit is good.
NOTE: Does not fit '21 JL Rubicon. See the manufacturer's web site for more detail.
I should have read the reviews.
I bought the rear cover and it went on properly.
So with that that process I thought that the front cover would work the same.
It doesn't!!
As Robert K, mentioned the you bolt is about .5 inches too short.
I called the manufacturer and they give me the same story. About using a Jack to reduce the gap, that won't work, I am an A&P mechanic who used to work on Airplanes, I wanted to laugh at the rep who told me the exact thing that Robert K. was told.
In short the plate aligns correctly on the differential face, I am giving it the low rating because they know that this kit needs to be fixed but yet the are selling it knowingly that it doesn't fit a 2021 Gladiator
Tried to install for an hour, U-Bolt was too short for the Dana44 axle version. Emailed rancho and got the following response:
Robert,
I apologize, the U-bolt is a bit short and needs to conform. However, we’ve been able to install the nuts and washers using the following technique:
1) Install a nut on one side with only a couple of threads
2) While pushing down on the U-bolt, install a nut on the other side with a couple of threads
3) Slowly tighten, alternating between the sides.
4) When you get enough treads on one side, remove the nut and install the washer and nut.
5) Repeat on the opposite side.
6) Slowly tighten, alternating between the sides.
We are in the process of supplying longer U-bolts – but it will probably be a couple of months before we are able to make them available.
I followed this process but had to use C clamps when loosening the nuts to add the washers. The amount of tension on he system was a bit worrisome, but I did not have a problem. It is installed and it does work, but this is very challenging with the short U-Bolt. Not sure why they are still selling them if they know the kits are defective.