Built for serious off-roaders, the Rusty’s JL Front Differential Skid is engineered to protect the vulnerable drain plug on the JL/JT M210 front axle while providing a smooth, impact-resistant surface to slide over obstacles with ease. Precision-cut using CNC laser technology and formed on a CNC press brake, this skid plate ensures a perfect fit and rock-solid durability. As always, Rusty’s proudly fabricates and hand-welds this product right here in the USA.

Why You Need Rusty’s Front Diff Skid

The JL Wrangler and JT Gladiator axles are a major upgrade from previous models, but the low-hanging drain plug is a weak point when navigating rocky terrain. Any experienced rock crawler knows that maximizing ground clearance is key—anything that can snag an obstacle is a potential problem. Rusty’s Front Diff Skid is designed to maintain the highest possible clearance while delivering the protection your Jeep needs on the toughest trails.

Heavy-Duty Construction & Superior Coverage

Rusty’s JL Front Diff Skid is built from a combination of 1/4” thick steel, designed to withstand hard hits and distribute impact forces across multiple mounting points. The skid ties into multiple locations on the differential flange while also clamping securely to the differential snout, reinforcing critical components. Additionally, this skid extends protection to the pinion and yoke/flange where the front driveshaft connects, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

Compatibility & Installation

For the best fit and protection, Rusty’s JL Front Diff Skid is designed for use with our HD JL/JT Front Diff Cover. It is also compatible with many aftermarket fabricated M210 diff covers. However, it will NOT work with Spicer aftermarket covers due to their unique finned design or ARB differential covers.

If installing with a factory diff cover, a shim or spacer is required to compensate for the thinner stock material. For maximum strength, we recommend pairing this skid plate with Rusty’s HD JL/JT Front Dana 44 Diff Cover.

Please Note: This skid will only work on the earlier production Dana 44 housings that have an integrated drain plug. This will NOT fit later production axle without the drain plug due to changes in the forging. 

Please Note: This product will be shipped in a raw metal finish.