Jeep Wrangler Differential Cover Upgrade Do It Yourself- G2 Brute Aluminum

In this video I show you how to swap out the stock differential covers on the Autoedit 2013 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon JKU for some sweet G2 Brute Aluminum units.
This upgrade is rated EASY and all skill levels should be comfortable with the Do It Yourself on this one. There is a potential to make a mess with the gear oil and I demonstrate that in the video... don't be like me...lol
There are several reasons this is a must upgrade for your Jeep. First off, these heat treated aluminum covers from G2 offer much more strength than the stock stamped steel ones.
Second, they are designed to hold much more gear oil inside the differential. That and the cooling fins in the aluminum offer much better heat dissipation than stock.
Plus, these covers have a drain plug, sight hole and fill hole built in. Making it much easier to fill and do general maintenance than before.
Here is a link to the parts I installed in this video:
g2axle.com/pages/view/brute
Thanks for watching and don't forget to subscribe to the Autoedit You Tube channel and give me a follow on instagram if you'd please...
/ autoedits_jason

[@williambrumley6792]

I am recently a new jeep builder. without your videos it would not be possible. I appreciate the thorough directions that you give. looking forward to putting my new G2 differential cover on this weekend. thanks bud!

[@AutoEdits]

Glad to help!

[@jr388]

Finally! More on the Jeep.

[@Jetmech01]

I didn’t think about the oil level, I was thinking of the strength part. Now I know that this is a pretty important upgrade. This is why I love your channel!

[@AutoEdits]

Thanks so much... I can't even take credit for really appreciating the added benefit of that element without my Jeeping freinds!

[@ryanvolna9069]

Jason, I've been watching your videos for about 2 years now. I love watching the progress on your projects and your videos are wicked cool! Keep up the awesome work and great attitude! Peace!

[@AutoEdits]

Really great to hear from you and thanks so much for the support all this time!

[@paulj.8652]

Love being able to reference your videos, no matter how old, when I perform upgrades to my Jeep! Thought I'd share that a good habit when changing diff covers is to use a pick to check the bottoms of the bolt holes in the diff for dried rtv. I've had instances where whoever last worked on the diff applied way too much rtv and forced it into the holes. This has resulted in the new bolts compressing the dry rtv and shearing off as a torque wrench will not indicate appropriately in such a case. I sure learned the hard way! Bolt extraction can be a pain!

[@philv930]

Sweet! This video was a great walk through! I made my life a little easier and went with Lube Locker Gaskets instead of the Sealant with my Poison Spyder Bomb Proof Covers. Hardest part was filling the oil to the right level.

[@EVH5150iii]

This is my favorite Jeep channel. The editing and information is well delivered

[@AutoEdits]

Thanks 👍

[@bfreddyd]

Great video Jason, working on the Jeep is definitely my favorite, keep 'em comin'.

[@stoneyroberts9118]

Great video as always. And please do a video on the cleanup/detail work as I always admire your cleaning of the Jeep when installing new parts, I know you wheel it but also keep it in good shape too which I admire.

[@AutoEdits]

Well cool! I'll put that video in the mix!

[@jackmoorhead2147]

I see there are several comments about you spilling fluids. Heck, that means you are as normal as the rest of us. Excellent video and I really like the idea of the hand pump for the gear oil. Keep these videos coming. They are great!

[@AutoEdits]

Thank you!

[@leroycastro-martinez3804]

Awesome video brother!! Can’t wait to do the same upgrade. Your videos keep me going bro. I stay up watching all your videos even though I know I have to wake up early, lol . I literally watch till 4am and the same videos

[@iamoutofideas13]

The hand pump thing at the end is priceless! I'm that guy who never would have thought of that and just kept spilling gear oil all over my driveway.

[@mikemacpherson7135]

Love you videos Jason, and your Jeep! Great upgrade with the diff covers! Can’t wait to get them for my YJ!

[@AutoEdits]

I can't believe it took me so long to do this upgrade... they are a big investment but worth it and easy to install!

[@kevinbates5760]

Great vid as usual and thank you. I am going to change gear fluid before my Moab, Colorado trip this year. I did not think about the pinion angle change effecting fluid fill.

[@AutoEdits]

It's actually a thing! Thanks a bunch for watching!

[@RobbieHodge]

This has been on my mod list for a while. Time to order diff covers!

[@AutoEdits]

Yep, me too... glad I finally just knocked it out. Even shooting video, it didn't take that long to do.

[@RubiconUnlimited]

Great video. I've got a couple of g2 diff covers sitting in their boxes waiting to be installed. Will have to get to this once the Canadian weather turns around!

[@AutoEdits]

Howdy dude! I had these sitting here for a long time as well and didn't have the Canadian weather excuse... all that matters is they get on eventually!

[@user-cb7cf6mp4q]

I’ve really been missing these Jeep videos!! Hope you do another road trip soon so you can document everything!

[@AutoEdits]

I'm due for a road trip in this thing soon! Thanks!

[@robertd3508]

Just bought my first jeep. It's a 2017 JK Ruricon. Didn't know what I waited to do to it ,but watching your videos you have got me thinking of all kinds of stuff to do to it. Best videos I seen and I really like the way you show how to put stuff on. Keep up the great work on the videos.

[@AutoEdits]

Awesome to hear from you! Welcome to the Jeep world and I hope you stick around for a while!

[@jamesandrews7441]

Nice Jason. Very nice. That's one of the best upgrades I did to my jk too. I used lubelocker gaskets though. I dislike rtv sealant. Such a mess. I can take those things off as many times as I want and they never leak when I reapply them. Great video

[@oliverschmidt1365]

Thanks for the inspiration! Just completed this yesterday. Going to checkout your other videos.

[@AutoEdits]

Have fun!

[@Sergeant_Prepper]

I love how you love to clean! Thanks for the video!

[@AutoEdits]

Thanks for watching!

[@Bennett-xo6iu]

Nice job on the diff covers they look awsome... Im catching up on all the up grades you have done on this jeep and its lookin Awsome... Keep the videos comin...

[@AutoEdits]

Welcome and thanks so much!

[@Bennett-xo6iu]

@@AutoEdits hopefully you put some more jeeps videos up and some more road trips with it would be awsome...

[@frost6157]

I like how the diff cover looks like it has the Jeep grill on it!🔥🔥

[@AutoEdits]

Didn't really look at it that way till you said that... now I like it even more!!!

[@NaturesChild]

FrosT beat me to it. Was gonna say he has a couple more easter eggs.

[@robinodell9453]

That's the type of oil hand pump I need... Much better idea and A LOT less mess. Great video.

[@AutoEdits]

Thanks! I got that one at Harbor Freight for cheap and it works great... so far...lol

[@peterbrophy9442]

autoedit : One more MUST HAVE tool Eh! Thanks :)

[@hamilton5071]

You need your own TV show. You have the voice and speaking skills for it.

[@MarkFisch]

I this no I might try this install after watching this! Thanks for sharing and as always awesome video

[@AutoEdits]

Get out and try it... it's fun... just get a bunch of those shop towels because you might need them.

[@sarg492]

Can’t wait for that clean up video

[@1111Overland]

This might sound a little weird but, I’m really really excited for your “next video” about cleaning the undercarriage of your jeep. I think it’s often missed and something I really want to learn. The few times I’ve asked people how they do it they give me that quizzical look as though I’d be crazy to clean the underside of my jeep, but with all the rust dings and other things that happen it makes perfect sense!Looking forward to seeing your techniques!

[@AutoEdits]

Not weird at all... ok maybe a little... no kidding... or am I? LOL!

[@organicmechanic8170]

@autoedits great video! I just grabbed a pair of the new style G2 Hammer diff covers for my Gladiator. It was either the new G2 Hammer or the ARB Diff cover and I went with the G2 because I've seen a lot of the ARB covers with rusty logos and bolts after a short while, even though I like the design of the cover itself. G2 has a good price point considering I'm not paying for features I don't need like a sight window or dipstick and they powder coat the whole cover inside and out and provide stainless hardware. I'll let ya know after I install them how I like them.

[@Skitter302]

Cool. This company even makes covers for the Ford 8.8 :) Thanks for the Video Jason!

[@AutoEdits]

Of course! Thanks so much for being here!

[@djberto690]

Awesome video I was getting ready to upgrade mine anyway

[@Manny92284]

You sir, get a thumbs up on this video! I like the covers you chose.

[@AutoEdits]

Glad to hear that, thanks!

[@tinachang2657]

Thank you for sharing this. It’s helpful.

[@AutoEdits]

Cool! Thank you for giving it a watch and taking a minute to make a supportive comment... much appreciated!!!

[@Tomaszeking]

With your videos everything seems pretty easy . It's nicely shown and explained like ChrisFix . I can see a little bit of Pinto in the back ground. I can't wait to see how this upgrades will work in the field. Greetings Jason :)

[@AutoEdits]

Howdy and Thanks! Yes, Pinto ended up coming under the Jeep for some scratches but I cut that out.

[@Tomaszeking]

Thanks for answer :)

[@jayjoo8]

God, I love those wheels!

[@AutoEdits]

Thanks, I really do to... Seriously I still look at them and go "dang I like those wheels" Rugged Ridge XHD 17x9

[@226devin]

I’ll be pretty happy with the clean and detail video of the undercarriage of the Jeep. Also I do the same with the washers . Lol

[@jacoblawson7097]

Great job as usual. looks awesome

[@AutoEdits]

Much appreciated... thanks!

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Looks like I found my next project! Thanks

[@AutoEdits]

Yeah, it's a fun one!

[@kengoodrich4755]

Gorgeous jeep!!!

[@AutoEdits]

Thanks a bunch!

[@gasperajdnik5627]

I love videos like this ☺️. Cheers 🍻

[@AutoEdits]

I'm glad to hear that!

[@gasperajdnik5627]

My dad subtskribet to your Chaneel :-)

[@Warhorse469]

Those hand oil pumps make life so much easier and less messy lol

[@AutoEdits]

You got that right!

[@supercharged00gtp]

Good video, I was going to ask about a transfer pump for the rear, then you had it for the front. LOL

[@stitch1007]

Those G2 covers look nice. I have the Teraflex for the same reason. Much easier to fill with the aftermarket covers.

[@AutoEdits]

YEP! Just better all the way around!

[@TheBeardedJeeper]

That's a great tip on the level of the oil I didn't realize that the level changed when you lifted it. P.s. I wish I lived in a rust free zone lol

[@AutoEdits]

The oil thing seems so obvious but it took Jarrett from Crawl to point it out to me... Yeah were lucky out here!

[@brianwebb9121]

Love your video. Word of advice....I put large pieces of cardboard under my jeep for all oil changes and diff fluid jobs. I was wondering for the life of me why you just didn't simply move the pan under where you were pouring. I get it the first time you spilled, but then you did it two more times without putting carboard down and moving the catch container underneath. Sorry but that seemed to just be a no brainer to me. (🙂). Keep up the good work on your videos as I always find them helpful.

[@illetrop79]

Awesome videos dude! I don’t even have a wrangler. I got a 15 grand Cherokee and seriously thinking of trading it in.

[@AutoEdits]

I don't know dude, if you have a V8 in that GC... I'd keep it!

[@illetrop79]

autoedit nope v6. Got the altitude

[@dukejunior7081]

That's funny you mention about the washers. Yea I do that. Always put the nicer, shinier side of the washer out. OCD.

[@AutoEdits]

Yep!

[@tomb9953]

Sorry guys, it depends on the application. I know the shiny beveled edge looks better facing out, but that leaves the sharp edge facing in and that can gall the surface when tightening. Also, it depends on the type of washer. Such as spring or conical washers. These have to be used with cup side in to get the benefit of design. I’m getting to long winded. I deal with the washer issue in my job all the time and have installers go back and flip washers, and at times we are talking well over a hundred. They just love me for that. Lol

[@rlovell383]

Cool upgrade! Now back to Large Marge!!!!! :)

[@RayBullHere]

Thanks never thought of fluid level difference with raised pinion angle.

[@AutoEdits]

No problem 👍 I learned the same way from a friend!

[@LenSilvester]

WHAT!!!! You didn't stay with MetalCloak differential covers? Love my "M's" painted in Hemi Orange :-). Love your Jeep and every video you do is perfection!!

[@AutoEdits]

I know, I know... got to mix it up just a little bit. Don't get me wrong tho.... Love me some MetalCloak!

[@Hawk130Gaming]

Looking forward to that underbody detail of Jeep guide I still can never seem to get mine clean. Great video!

[@AutoEdits]

I keep meaning to do that video but keep not cleaning the Jeep...lol Thanks!

[@ggmmiillff]

you kept spilling and you literally had that drain pan sitting there lol

[@AutoEdits]

I know, right

[@danabney4433]

Nice “Step Brothers” reference.

[@AutoEdits]

Glad you got that!

[@ilion9890]

I know this is an old video but I look for your videos when I'm working on my jeep. I'm going to change my diff fluid and cover. I was wondering if it's necessary to clean the inside with brake fluid. This will be the first time I change the oil. Bought the jeep used. You ROCK!!!

[@AutoEdits]

Unless there is something specific to clean in there like metal debris... I do NOT use brake clean inside the diff. Just wipe down what I can and seal it back up.

[@ilion9890]

@@AutoEdits thank you will do

[@tonimuller1915]

A New VIDEO YEAAAAAAH

[@AutoEdits]

Yeah buddy!

[@chrisfusco1108]

ARB has a top fill point.

[@GoatBastard]

Nice job man....thumb up 👌

[@AutoEdits]

Thanks!

[@ocabj]

Do you think the G2 Brute will clear the rear track bar on a stock Rubicon (stock trackbar, no lift)? I like this differential design including the temperature sensor port.

[@SSMRacingCarl]

Wow! I've watched several of your videos, and you are very good at bolting stuff onto your cars... Cheers from sweden! (Where we build our own parts!)

[@bustedback]

I was forced into servicing my rear diff on my Rubicon because the rear locker got stuck and wouldn't release. After doing a brake cleaner douche and fiddling with the locker, I was able to get it to release. I was amazed at how much pasty muck was inside the locker actuator that was causing it to stick. So if your Rubicon axle lock gets stuck, just douche it out and change the oil after releasing the locker.

[@H.pylori]

Very well done video. Thanks for saying that a novice like me can do this. How difficult to break open the cover bolts and drain/fill plugs? Thumbs up!

[@AutoEdits]

The bolts on the cover aren't very tight so easy to remove... the stock drain plug takes some effort but the drain plug on the new G2 is easy.

[@philsilva443]

Great videos! I’m learning so much about wranglers thanks to you. I have a 2011 sport and looking to invest in a 2.5 lift so I can fit 35’s. What size gear do you recommend changing to for this upgrade? Thanks a lot for your videos!

[@BakedDaily]

4.10 don’t buy 2.5 lift just go for the 3inch

[@MrJake81283]

More fluid = more work being done. Witch means heat. Watch the banks read diff cover videos.

[@potheadpro1]

You should make a video about how much you have spent on the jeep so far and what’s the future plans for it! Would love to hear it.

[@AutoEdits]

I don't even want to know how much I've spent on this thing... way too much. It's kind of like a denial thing. Just drive it and enjoy.

[@EmiratiAuto]

does the drag link line or the rear track bar hitting the diff cover when flexing ? does the front tie rod or Drag Link hitting the diff cover when flexing ? in other words does any of your suspension hit the diff covers ? sorry for my english

[@AutoEdits]

It does not hit the suspension but I have Metalcloak arms that give extra room for this type of stuff. Stock arms would probably hit.

[@smoothskates]

Very nice. ONE THING, That cover will produce more friction and heat due to the flat face, can also cause aeration and lack of pinion lubing a nice curve for the ring provides. Any issues at all after then install?? Good point on the front cover for clearances while using OEM, would have forgotten about that!

[@Cooper3312000]

The perfect JKU.

[@AutoEdits]

It's always getting better and that is a lot of fun to me! Thanks!

[@keithmerryman4402]

Like your video! I see why you buy the lube in gallon jugs! Lol

[@OverlandTT]

Really starting to get into your channel, love you content. Question for you is that doesn't alloy crack as opposed to stamped steel would just dent on a rock? If nothing else they do look great and the extra oil is a bonus for the diff. On a side note, the Dana 44s on my grand called for 75w140 - could you use that grade in the jk?

[@kswyg001]

iVlogBuzz 75w-140 is the spec for towing or heavy off-road. Realistically, with 37's and the higher gears, it wouldn't have hurt to run the thicker oil.

[@AutoEdits]

My buddy Kris from Powerstop recommended this stuff and I've been using it exclusively for 2 years now and it seems to keep everything happy.

[@AutoEdits]

Good info. Thanks!

[@Tony3deee]

This was helpful. I was wondering about why to use the lower weight oil as well. Great Vid!

[@mayo6549]

great video, please don't stop tell Pinto I said Hi!

[@AutoEdits]

Thanks! scratches for pinto from supertramp!

[@scottseifert4086]

Yes, cupped side in, always on the washer.

[@AutoEdits]

Glad it's not just me!

[@tinachang2657]

Hi Jason, Thanks for the video. I just installed these covers on a ‘17 JKU. I had no clearance issues with the larger cover and stock components in the front. The most difficult part was getting the tools to fit around everything. You seemed not to have that problem. Would you consider doing a “useful tools for Jeep maintenance” video? :)

[@AutoEdits]

Awesome to hear you did this install! Thanks for the suggestion... I added that to "the list" of videos to shoot!

[@teo2975]

You just haven't been out on the road enough, they will hit

[@tinachang2657]

@@teo2975 Yeah, you’re right. I posted this two years ago. They do, in fact, hit. There’s a spot on the cover that’s been scraped away so no issues now. :)

[@firecrackerfixup8472]

Another awesome video Jason. Thanks. Just wondering why you went with the G2's versus the ARB's? I suspect since you have the G2 gears you have been happy with them so why change? Just wondering your thoughts on the differences between the two brands?

[@AutoEdits]

I didn't change brands. The G2 gears and axle shafts got installed two years ago and are still in there... very happy with them. Because I liked them so much I went with the same brand for the differential cover... that's it!

[@tony5517]

Can you do a video on how you put the gears in?

[@burkhart5150]

The smooth side of the washer goes to the bolt head/nut side

[@nerysalguero3956]

Noted for whenever I do gear oil changes. Use a big ass tub

[@AutoEdits]

LOL!

[@TylerDickey1]

Me a few months ago: eh, I'm not much of a Jeep guy. Me after autoedit: Damn, I need a Jeep!

[@AutoEdits]

HA! Sorry about that... this Jeep thing is very catchy!

[@Ihaveadashcam]

For headlights look at black JW Speaker headlights.

[@AutoEdits]

I am looking to acquire those right now! Seems like the best stuff.

[@Whiteknuckler57]

use a pump from the bottle for dif oil to dif

[@patschamps]

Just installed this awesome cover on my rear differential. Looks great! Question: is the front cover the same as the rear?

[@AutoEdits]

Yes, it is

[@patschamps]

@@AutoEdits cool. Thanks

[@malang724]

Hey, sort of unrelated question, but you said you have 4.88 gears in your diff, My setup is very similar to yours, 2016 jkur manual trans, lifted 4.5" with 37" tires and I still have the stock 4.10s in the diff, I recently got a small travel trailer and noticed it's really time for me to get my gears changed. I've done some browsing around on the internet and am leaning towards 5.13 ratio but would love to hear any recommendations you may have for what ratio/brand gears you think would be best for me. Also, how are you liking the shifter upgrade? Still loving it?

[@carlospartida6438]

Another awesome video. Do you have a link for those covers?

[@AutoEdits]

Thanks!!! I just slapped a link in the description!

[@ortiz73caify]

Awesome upgrade this is an upgrade I did about a year ago. Quick question how are have you liking the 488 gears? How does it do on the highway? Just wondering if 513 is to much, for 37’s.

[@AutoEdits]

If you have Dana44 axles and 37's... you shouldn't go 5.13 because in my opinion it's too tall and the pinion becomes a weak spot in the drive-train.

[@woof3598]

this where a couple of 2 inch studs come in handy

[@BADD400]

They make pump and hose to fit that bottle to make it easier

[@Michael_00001]

Question: On the 4WheelParts website for this particular part it says "**Not for use on Jeep JK front axles". Did you use a different part for your front axle? I really like these but concerned about why this would be stated on their site. Is it simply because it won't fit the stock steering parts?

[@Ihaveadashcam]

And get LED front turn signal housing

[@isuguy82]

The seven slots (obvious Jeep nod) on the diff covers are an awesome touch! If you try to level off the pinion angle when refilling the diff, is there any danger in adding too much oil?

[@AutoEdits]

I found that in the front, filling it to the sight hole is a bit much... at 85mph it spits gear oil out the vent tube. A good rule of thumb is to fill it to the bottom of the axle tubes.

[@cordellmunier9705]

Gale Banks is doing a new study on diff covers that allow more fluid. He’s saying they may not be good. More fluid may be causing more heat and other issues. Havnt seen the rest of his text videos. May be something to check out!

[@AutoEdits]

Good data. In this case I needed the volume increase to be able to get oil to the pinion gear.

[@blackdiamondrob]

love the look of those but wondering how ANY aftermarket diff cover as strong and bomb proof as it may be, can keep from being torn off any better than the factory diff cover. Seems the best protection would be some kind of skid underneath the diff cover?

[@AutoEdits]

The stamped steel stock covers are prone to peel and are much less durable than these or even the metalcloak steel covers I have now. I agree a skid is the best protection against dragging it over a rock for sure.

[@ivanperez4031]

I wonder, does the dealer actually remove the diff cover and clean the gears when you take it in for a fluid change ?? They charge $159.00 per axle for the service and it seems a bit steep for a drain and refill.

[@piercetv9270]

Quick question about the MC lift....how’s it holding up...track bar, control arms, exc. any problems or complaints? Oh BTW I really enjoy all ur videos. Keep them coming!!!

[@AutoEdits]

The MC Game Changer kit has been flawless. No complaints at all and it gets used pretty good... would highly recommend for sure!

[@piercetv9270]

That’s great because I literally just ordered the 3.5 rock sport game changer yesterday! Your videos are what made me go with MC. Oh and if u have any tips on setting up the control arms or anything u didn’t cover in ur video let me know. Thanks

[@AutoEdits]

Glad to hear that... you will be happy for sure!

[@paulscarlett2028]

The washers…. No it’s not just you! 😜

[@AutoEdits]

Thank goodness... LOL

[@Doberman144]

Are there any issues with the aluminum covers heating & cooling and the bolts loosing up ? I had this issue back in the 70's with a car I upgraded the cover on .. Great video thanks ..

[@AutoEdits]

I don't think it's an issue but I'll let you know for sure... I'd show that in a video for sure! Thanks for watching

[@Rick-4552]

Have you ever tried the lube locker gaskets , i like them alot it seems i always had a leak using the silicone on mine . Those covers are sweet !

[@AutoEdits]

My buddy runs them and they look pretty neat. I just didn't order them in time for this install and they seem kinda expensive compared to the tube of sealer.

[@albertvasquez20]

I always just buy the gasket cleaner and no leaks

[@Christians4real]

Did u changer ur gears ar somepoint ? ... what kind of gears do you recommend ?

[@semyono11783]

Hi Jason, quick question, did you brake-kleen the gears before throwing on the new covers or just left them as is? I saw a couple of vids with guys throwing brake-kleen and was wondering if it was a mandatory thing. thanks and I love you videos.

[@AutoEdits]

I did not. There wasn't much in the way of metal shavings or debris of any kind inside the diff. so I didn't see the need to spray a solvent inside there. Otherwise, yes... would've cleaned.

[@semyono11783]

awesome thanks

[@jpayan1694]

Mustang!!

[@AutoEdits]

Soon!

[@djart66613]

Hi, what size allen do the drain and filler bolts take?

[@EmiratiAuto]

do you have any issue with the diff cover ?

[@AutoEdits]

I have had no issues with the diff cover.