Diff guards & corrugations

[ninetubes]

I have been having ongoing problems with my APT diff guards. First they had a tendency to rattle the bolts loose but thread locking compound quickly sorted that.
The last 2 trips i’ve have fatigue failure of either bolts or brackets. Now both front and rear have come off on this trip. Getting a bit tired of having to remove them and then having them take up space rattling about inside the car.

Anyone able to recommend a corregation proven diff guard solution?

[PhilipA]

If yo are talking about the ones that clamp on the front flange of the diff, I agree and I lost one on the GRR and it took out a bit of my back quarter panel.

There are ones you can buy which have a flange onto the two holes on the diff nose that holds the damper, but AFAIR they are expensive.
Regards Philip A
PS, you could probably use them by bending a bit of strap to go to the damper holes and welding onto the guard.

[martnH]

I used QT wrap around type of Diff guard
never had a problem...

[DiscoClax]

+1
The wrap around ones work a treat and stay there...

[martnH]

I put these on after I found out the damage on the bottom on both my diffs. More damage on bottom than front.These QT diff guards can also be used as sledge over some obstacles (while being recovered

P.S I painted them red to just track the damages (scratches, dents etc.......

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/01/94.jpg

[ninetubes]

These are the APT ones:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/01/95.jpg

[rick130]

One day I'll make a proper front diff guard from a sewer cap.

There used to be a thread/posts on here, and one on Pirate on how to do it.

[PhilipA]

These are the APT ones:
Yes I had a look at the APT site after my post.

Those are the GOOD type although not so much by your experience.

Both have broken in the same place so maybe adding a welded piece of angle steel will fix them ,along with a couple of braces where they bend to stop the harmonics. Maybe if you drill a hole and add a bolt and pad to hold it firmly against the diff cast nose will reduce the flexing.( eg like the anti rattle bolt in towball tongues.)

[filcar]

I have been having ongoing problems with my APT diff guards. First they had a tendency to rattle the bolts loose but thread locking compound quickly sorted that.
The last 2 trips i’ve have fatigue failure of either bolts or brackets. Now both front and rear have come off on this trip. Getting a bit tired of having to remove them and then having them take up space rattling about inside the car.

Anyone able to recommend a corregation proven diff guard solution?

Have you given feedback to Ben at APT? He may be interested and even have a solution.

[Slunnie]

My Graeme Coopers ones I've never given a second thought about, they've never come loose or rattled.

[martnH]

These are the APT ones:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/01/95.jpgI thought you had the "cap" ones

Yours looks exactly the same as the QT ones but maybe just a bit thinner.

[aptfab]

Hey guys. If you ever have any issues with any of our products, please let me know. Flick me an email sales@aptoffroad.com.au and we'll get you sorted.
Cheers Ben

[ninetubes]

Hey guys. If you ever have any issues with any of our products, please let me know. Flick me an email sales@aptoffroad.com.au and we'll get you sorted.
Cheers Ben

guilty as charged... thanks ben, i'll be in touch.

for the sake of public record, they are very solid units i think i just have an odd resonance issue on my particular vehicle.

[Colmoore]

On our lap last year I had exactly the same issue as you ninetubes.
Both front and rear gaurds worked bolts (loctited) loose twice, sheered a bolt and eventually broke the top brackets.
I bought them through Daniel at EC and he was really helpful. He contacted APT; apparently they have changed the design and promised to supply me new upgraded brackets.
I have yet to chase that up [emoji51]

[mark2]

If yo are talking about the ones that clamp on the front flange of the diff, I agree and I lost one on the GRR and it took out a bit of my back quarter panel.

There are ones you can buy which have a flange onto the two holes on the diff nose that holds the damper, but AFAIR they are expensive.
Regards Philip A
PS, you could probably use them by bending a bit of strap to go to the damper holes and welding onto the guard.
I use this type and have put a few tack welds around the circumference, rather than rely on the clamp alone. Saves it being pulled off when reversing over an obstacle also.