METALCLOAK
Reference: MC7212
Differential Covers - Axles
MetalCloak M Dana 30 Differential Cover Ductile Iron Jeep Wrangler JK TJ YJ CJ (Not JL)
Cast ductile iron differential cover for the Dana 30, tested at over 20 tons. Recessed fill hole and a bottom drain plug - fluid changes without pulling the cover. Fits JK, TJ, YJ and CJ. Liquid gasket and hardware included. ⚠ Ships raw - needs its own finish. Not for the JL.
MetalCloak “M” — Dana 30 differential cover
The differential is one of the most exposed parts of the drivetrain — it hangs lowest on the axle and takes the first hit. The factory cover is thin stamped sheet metal: one solid rock strike is enough to dent it, break the seal and dump gear oil in the worst possible place.
This cover is cast from ductile cast iron. The manufacturer states it has been tested at over 20 tons of force.
What the cover gives you
- Ductile cast iron — a tough material, not brittle like grey iron; it deforms on impact instead of cracking
- Recessed fluid fill hole — the plug sits below the casting face, so there is nothing to shear off on a rock
- Drain hole at the bottom — fluid changes without pulling the cover or scraping old sealant
- Embossed “M” — extra ribbing that doubles as the brand mark
- All hardware included — cover, liquid gasket, fill plug and bolts
Which axles
The Dana 30 is the front axle in most non-Rubicon Wranglers — JK 2007–2018, and earlier TJ, YJ and CJ.
The manufacturer, answering a customer question about a 1981 CJ: “Yes, the D30 cover will fit on the CJ, YJ and TJ axles as well as other D30 front axles."
? Important: the part ships raw
The cover arrives with no coating at all — bare iron. That is deliberate; the manufacturer leaves the finish to you. In a salted-road climate you must protect it yourself: epoxy primer and paint, powder coat or zinc plating.
The manufacturer states explicitly: “TEST FIT METALCLOAK PRODUCT PRIOR TO HAVING CUSTOM PAINTED/POWDERCOATED. MetalCloak is not responsible for the cost of ANY custom finishes that have been applied." Dry-fit first, finish second.
⚠ Does NOT fit the Wrangler JL
The manufacturer is explicit: this cover will not work with the JL Wrangler. The JL uses a different axle and bolt pattern.
Specifications
- Application: Dana 30 differentials
- Manufacturer part number: 7212
- Material: ductile cast iron
- Finish: raw — to be protected by the customer
- Strength: tested at over 20 tons
- In the box: cover, liquid gasket, fill plug, all hardware
- Install difficulty: easy; body modification: none; time: about 1 hour
- Shipping weight: about 4.54 kg
- ⚠ Not for the Jeep Wrangler JL
- Made in the USA
- ✅ Manufacturer lead time: 2–3 business days
Fitting it
Remove the factory cover (oil will run out — put a pan under it), clean the axle face thoroughly of old sealant, apply the supplied liquid gasket, bolt the new cover on and refill to the factory oil capacity (see the owner's manual). Most people do this during a planned axle oil change.
Reviews
On the manufacturer's site this cover holds 100% positive from 13 reviews.
FAQ
Does it fit older Jeeps — CJ, YJ, TJ?
Yes. The manufacturer confirmed it directly: the D30 cover fits CJ, YJ and TJ axles as well as other Dana 30 front axles.
Does it fit the Wrangler JL?
No. The manufacturer rules the JL out explicitly.
Do I need to buy a gasket?
No — liquid gasket is included, along with the fill plug and bolts.
Is the cover painted?
No. It ships raw. Corrosion protection is up to you — ideally after a dry fit.
How much oil goes back in?
Factory axle capacity — the figure is in your owner's manual.
