Sky offroad differential guard and e-locker guard install

I purchased Sky offroads weld on differential guard and bolt on e-locker actuator guard. Both items look well made and a reasonably priced at $40 each.





The diff guard is for any toyota 8" axle. The tacomas have a bracket welded to the diff that needs to be removed for the guard to be installed. The bracket is just a guide for the e-brake cable and is just asking to get slammed on a rock. See below.



Unbolt the e-brake cable guide from its bracket and relocate the guide to the existing bracket a few inches to the right using the existing bolt. Easypeezy. The e-brake cable guide bracket could easily be removed with a sawzall but since I have a plasma cutter, I did it the easy way



New guide location. Note the old bracket has been removed(bottom left)




Weld the diff guard in place





I was using a Lincoln 110 mig welder on its highest heat setting. I wasn't able to get ideal penetration on the thick axle housing with my small welder but it was sufficient. I jacked the rear of the truck up completely on the diff guard to test strength. No problems, good to go







I realize the new e-brake cable guide location blocks the fill plug. I think we can all handle removing an extra bolt to add diff fluid.

 

The elocker actuator guard is a self explanitory install. Installation of both guards took a total of about an hour.

 

check and double check the clearance of that e locker skid n ur gas tank......

 

drain plug has no protection and that worries me

 

At full stuff it contacts my gas tank skid but that is all. I have heard there are some potentially fatal clearance issues with some e-locker guards hitting the gas tank.

 

Agreed. Has anybody ripped a drain plug out while wheelin'?