Is there a difference between the radius arm protectors ? recommended one ?

DrRobin wrote:

I don't have any protection on my Gen 4 yet, but I am going to do more trials and a few treks planned, so it might be an idea.

I had radius arm protectors on my last Jimny, so these might be a good idea, but what do you think about the following:

- Front Diff
- Transfer Case
- Rear Diff (may be less likely to be needed than the other two?)

Just looking at Jimnybits at the moment, they aren't too expensive.

I am not lifted, so I assume I will loose a little clearance, is that going to be a problem or do the diff/transfer case fit really snug?

I have touched bottom a couple of times, all soft stuff so far and can see a few marks on the front radius arms, but think the front diff touched last week and I don't want to risk the transfer case.

I want the front recovery points as well, but they are out of stock.

Robin

IMO the transfer box skid is a must if you off road. I found the transfer box hit the ground quite a bit. There are some photos in my build thread somewhere.

This does depend what you do off road. Regular lanes will probably be fine. But I was going round some RTV trials sites. The relatively poor break over angle catches you out on technical terrain. The transfer skid will loose an inch or so of clearance. But the guard I have fits pretty snug. It does create a smooth underside less likely to get hung up on.

The diff guards will split opinion more. I’ve never run diff guards on any Land Rover I’ve owned and off roaded. Although my brother did reverse into a rock laning the other year in his 90 and put a dent in the diff case.

With any diff guard you will loose clearance and run the risk of being beached more easily. The small wheels of the Jimny you are already at risk of this. However I’d also say that as the diffs are lower they are also more vulnerable and more likely to clonk a rock or boulder on a green lane. I have diff guards fitted to mine. I have been beached too. But I don’t think not having the guards would have saved me.

Oops!! 

 

Thanks, all good advice.

I think I will go for radius arm, transfer and diff protectors, but I will do the diff breathers first.

Robin

I have the transfer box skid plate.

It worried me how exposed the transfer is, and as autos are like rocking horse droppings there isn't much chance of getting one from a breaker in the UK.


It reflects the noise from the transfer back into the car, which is initially quite frightening at speed, but I stuck a pad of closed cell foam on the inside of mine to cut down on the reflections, and hopefully not soak up oil & water - we shall see about that when I drain the transfer

I bought radial cup protectors and recovery points from DesSol in South Africa. Very high quality and even with shipping, cost less than buying stuff from the UK. Recovery points include 3.5 ton bow shackles.
Bought them in batches to avoid import duties. Would recommend.

Based in Qld Aus, mostly will be dirt tracks and sand for offroad. Not planning on going fo e too technical trails to start with, but those radius arm cups do sit a little low so thinking should be my first protection. I have a navara dual cab with no protection or lift that's been most of the places I will go in the jimny, but the jimny is new, "for the missus" and planning on keeping so want to protect as much as possible from new without breaking the bank