Hey fellows, it's me Buford, again.
Got something else that you may be interested in!! I received such good response from everyone in regards to my frame box kit so I wanted to see what you think of this:
I put together a differential guard that has a 3/16" mounting plate which has been laser cut for a perfect fit. The mounting plate also serves to protect the lip of your differential cover. Fill plug accessible with guard in place. No modification necessary; bolts on to existing studs, comes painted primer grey.

The $95 cost includes shipping & handling within the continental United States. Consider this a small price to pay to help protect those valuble gears & lockers.
<IMG width=432 height=324 SRC="http://www.pirate4x4.com/ubb/uploads/P9230028.jpg">
<IMG width=432 height=334 SRC="http://www.pirate4x4.com/ubb/uploads/P9230030.jpg">
<IMG width=432 height=269 SRC="http://www.pirate4x4.com/ubb/uploads/P9230027.jpg">

Are those front and rear? How do they hold up to a beating?

thats funny! I had a hair up my ass this morning when I woke up and made a rear guard too <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

It looks allmost exactly like that. damn, I thought I was on to something. I think the only differance is I ground down the little lumps on the lip of the cover ant welded the ring to it.

your unit looks really clean. I am sure you will move a bunch <IMG SRC="smilies/beer.gif" border="0">

Originally posted by Sloan:
<STRONG>Are those front and rear? How do they hold up to a beating?</STRONG>


Im sure they would work on the front but you would have to weld it on

pipe cap the front <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

<IMG SRC="smilies/beer.gif" border="0">

Oh yeah that's right. <IMG SRC="smilies/blush2.gif" border="0">

that looks like it ought to be standard equipment for the NFL! bitchin idea and execution!!
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Did anyone ever come up with the correct spec for the pipe cap to fit the front diff?

Jim

Yeah what he said <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">
What is the correct pipe size?

I know mini's use the 8" pipe but will that work on the lc's???

10" works for 40series and 60series LC axles.

anyone have a picture of the pipe cap welded on

arndog

I will in a couple of days
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Thanks for all of the discussion over my diff guard. <IMG SRC="smilies/bounce.gif" border="0"> This diff guard will not work on the front as it is configured now. I am currently working on a prototype that will weld on to the front diff with the same design as the one for the rear. As soon as I have it built, you all will be the first ones to see it.

One comment I have for "pipe caps". I looked into these but ran across something I did not like. It would seem to me that they would hold mud and water and cause a rust problem without your knowing. I'm sure you could seal it up, I'm just not sure how good that would be. <IMG SRC="smilies/usa.gif" border="0">

I think the key is to cut notches out of the bottom before you weld it on.

anyone make one up for the front yet??

Originally posted by buford

One comment I have for "pipe caps". I looked into these but ran across something I did not like. It would seem to me that they would hold mud and water and cause a rust problem without your knowing. <IMG SRC="smilies/usa.gif" border="0">

No Problem, there - just roll your rig over once in a while to clean it out ;)

that's pretty sweet buford...i'll be interested in a month or two (no money now)

I put 8" pipe caps on the front and rear of my mini axles, I cut big drain holes in the bottom to keep them from holding mud. Here's the front axle:

http://www.yankeetoys.org/members/klf/taz/DiffCaps/FrontAxle1.jpg
http://www.yankeetoys.org/members/klf/taz/DiffCaps/FrontAxle2.jpg

And the rear axle:

http://www.yankeetoys.org/members/klf/taz/DiffCaps/RearAxle1.jpg
http://www.yankeetoys.org/members/klf/taz/DiffCaps/RearAxle2.jpg

These started as a single cap that I sliced in half on our horizontal bandsaw, then I did the rest with the plasma torch and some 3/8" scrap metal. They are VERY strong. This would work great on the front of an FJ80, BTW.

were are the pics at and does this guy still make them or buford if you read this do you still make them? Just trying to find out some info for my project

http://www.tlcconcepts.com/images/p9230027.jpg

Go to the site tlcconcepts.com

Mine has been on for about two years. Very nice, but I wish the tubing was thicker wall.

I prefer the "pumpkin hat" that Butch Lewis used to make. Made from pipe cap. More durable and better looking than a hocky mask IMHO.

been runnig his rear for awhile, works great, but I too would like the tubing to be a little thickers, But it has held up so far.

The front was extremly strong, I had to cut it off when I did the pinion angle steep, It turned into a scoop. Good to go if you do not point the pinion at the case

Just a comment, I have used the frame box kit and it was very well made, good instructions and a great fit, even for a twisted up ride.

I did end up makeing my own rear spring hangers, the factory ones were still crappy and I channeled the frame to do away with a nasty crack