You’re deep on the trail, tires stuffed, and suddenly **CRUNCH**. The front diff takes a direct hit and you’re done leaking gear oil, stranded, and staring at a multi-thousand-dollar repair bill. HotMetalFab’s 1/4" steel front diff guard stops that nightmare dead in its tracks. Weld it on once and forget it exists… until the day it saves your entire trip.
Why This Diff Guard Is Non-Negotiable
- 1/4" American laser-cut steel – twice as thick as most generic guards
- Precision pre-bent for perfect 1990–1997 80-Series fitment (FJ80, FZJ80, HDJ80, HZJ80, LX450)
- Wraps the entire lower casting and drain plug area – zero exposed weak spots
- Ships ready-to-weld – no extra forming needed
- Made in Loomis, California real USA fabrication, not imported junk
- Clears factory e-locker wiring and aftermarket lines
Feel the freedom of sending it over ledges and rock gardens without that sickening feeling in your stomach every time the diff kisses the ground.
Installation One Afternoon and It’s There Forever
- Jack the front axle and support on stands
- Clean the diff housing mating surface
- Clamp the guard in place – it drops right on
- Tack, check clearance, then burn it in solid
- Paint or bedline to match the rest of your armor
Most builders finish both sides in under two hours.
Who Needs This Guard?
- Anyone running 33s or bigger and actually wheeling
- Overlanders who can’t afford downtime 500 miles from civilization
- Rock crawlers who stuff tires until the diff drags
- LX450 owners who refuse to baby their luxury tank
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will it fit my Lexus LX450?
Yes the LX450 is a rebadged 80-Series. Perfect drop-on fit.
Does it clear aftermarket diff breathers or e-locker motors?
Yes designed with extra clearance exactly where it’s needed.
Can I still change diff fluid easily?
Absolutely full access to fill and drain plugs.
Do I have to remove it to service the birfields?
No it only protects the bottom half of the housing.
Is it shipped raw or coated?
Shipped raw steel weld it, then paint, powder coat, or bedline however you want.
What’s the lead time?
In stock and usually ships same or next business day via UPS Ground.
Why weld-on instead of bolt-on?
Weld-on sits lower, never shifts, and takes the hardest hits without bending brackets or stripping bolts.