So I thought I would post my recent fix so that others might benefit.

Alot of guys have had to remove their factory diff guards when they install new exhaust systems due to the exhaust hitting areas of the left side of the diff guard.
When I installed my Borla Hush catback, I noticed that the pipe was hitting the bolt heads on the left side of the diff guard that hold it in place. This forced me to tweak the muffler away from them as much as much as possible, ending up with visibly mis-aligned tips relative to the bumper cutout and my bumper getting melted abit.

I researched the screw type and found out it was M10 x 60 mm long (1.25 pitch).... a fine pitch screw thread that wasn't easy to come by since DIN standard metric screws are 1.50 pitch.

Anyways, I decided to go with a flat head (countersunk) A2 stainless screw (with M6 hex socket drive) so that it would sit as low as possible and give me the clearance I needed.
I special ordered them from McMaster Carr and it was only $1 a screw. I replaced the factory screws (on the L. side) with the countersunk ones (after removing the exhaust), realigned the pipes and was able to get a straighter alignment by the diff guard, as well as with the bumper cutout.
I also went ahead and replaced the right side screws (45 mm long) but this isn't really necessary - I did just so all the hardware was the same. You will need a hex-ball drive (M6 size) to crank the screws in or a small "L-key".

So now I can still protect the diff and run a 3" cat back exhaust at the same time. I'm not sure about other exhaust systems out there but if you found that you were hitting the bolt heads, this may work for you.

If anybody in the SF bay area needs 2 of these M10 screws for the left side of the diff guard, I've got a few extras (3 sets) and would be glad to dish em out. Just let me know & I can always order more too.

- Steve

 

can you post a pic?

 

- not at this time
Let me know if my description is unclear, I thought I described the layout pretty well

 

Hey Steve do you think I could get 2 of those M10 screws, I've been wanting to get a diff proctector but I already installed the Borla hush so I need the screws.

Thanks,

Jason

 

No sweat. I work in Berkeley, live in Marin...so if you are ever in those areas on weekdays/weekends (or come to the new Marin Cty meets), just PM me a day in advance and I can hook you up. I'll set aside a pair with your name on 'em.

-Steve