Southdown Front Axle Guard vs. Rovers North Front Diff Guard ?

[RKurk]

I am considering buying protection for the front differential on my 2002 Disco (no ACE) and am interested if anyone has experience with the Southdown front axle guard, which covers the diff. and axle versus the Rovers North diff guard (covering the diff. only) ?

From photos it appears that the Southdown guard may cut down on the ground clearance along the axle (?). Is the axle protection worth the extra $200+ and weight ? Additionally, if the full axle guard is a good investment is it worth still more money (yet another $100+) to buy the aluminum version (Rover Genuine/OEM) vs. the steel ?

By the way my Rover currently has the Rover Genuine/OEM front steering guard (aluminum version of the Southdown steel product). Also, the Rover is about to be fitted with 245/75 r16 Mud Terrains so ground clearance (at the diff-axle) is just a little bit higher than stock, as always hitting important things like the diff or axle remains a concern.

Thanks.

 

[cwdavis4]

I have the LR front steering and front axle guard and like the extra protection. The Roversnorth front guard is listed for the Range Rover, Disco, and Defender - I'm not sure about the Disco2.

Also be aware if you add to much lift to your Disco2, your panhard rod will hit the LR front steering guard under full 'travel'. About 2 weeks ago when I added a 2" lift and discovered this. I ended up cut a small section of the skid plate away to allow the panhard rod to travel freely.

 

[Off Road Disco]

I would get a diff guard and avoid the problems of reduced clearance associated with the axle guard. I only use a (South down) rear diff guard on my 1999 D2. I seem to forget where my rear diff is more often than the front. But even the slight loss of ground clearance with that guard I sometimes want to pull it off and be done with it.

 

[El Ed]

Forget the axle protection...you only need the front skid plate. I have the Roversnorth skid and haven't had any real hits to the front end. A friend has the S.D. guard and said that the major downfall besides the weight is the fact that it acts as a plow in muddy environments. If mud is not a problem, either one is okay if money is not a problem either. I am quite happy with the R.N. skid I have. IMHO. Good luck.
Ed
PS it is also very well made...good workmanship!! and tough!!

 

[RKurk]

Thanks for the Information

Thanks everyone for the good input. I have decided to get the Rovers North front diff. guard and additionally the Southdown rear diff guard (steel version).