i know you can jack up a WRX by the rear diff, but is the factory diff skid plate strong enough to support the weight of the car? i've been thinking about getting one, but it's not worth it if i have to pull it off every time that i want to put the car up on jackstands.

 

I don't know about the factory skid plate but Primitive Enterprises claims you can use their rear diff skid plate as a jack point. It is the real deal, made of 3/16" aluminum. I am thinking of getting one myself.

 

I would expect it to depend on where the diff guard mounts. You can use the diff itself as a hard point, so unless the plate is mounted somewhere flimsy it should be ok.

 

that's kinda what i was figuring, but i wasn't sure. it looks like part of the diff protector mounts to the rear cross member from the pics i've seen. i'd just rather not spend the money on it, and then fold the skid plate in half jacking the car up...

 

the OEM one is mounted very solid, I've been using the skid plate for years as a jacking point. It's held in place in 6 spots.

 

Is there any reason to actually get a rear diff protector other than mucking around offroad?

I figure on driving down unpaved roads to trailheads / campsites and driving in the snow (where you can't see potholes) but nothing beyond that. Doesn't seem like it'd be a worthwhile investment for me?

 

Peaty -- thanks, that's exactly the sort of answer that i was looking for, and the pic is most appreciated.

bonkers -- i'm getting one just so i don't have to muck arround using a block of wood on my jack to protect the diff when i jack the car up. the diff isn't nice and level like a skid plate so it's moderately more difficult to use as a jack point. it's mostly a convienance thing.

 

I don't "plan" to go off road myself but the way I drive you never know

It's cheap insurance and as you point out a good place to put a jack. I use it frequently (with Jack Stands under the rear subframe) I think it's under 60 bucks from on line places. If you are planning to go off road I suggest the front and rear Primitive hardware. Paul makes good stuff and it's lighter too.


Here is an install manual for the OEM skid plate:

http://www.subaru-parts.com/_instruc...SDIFFGUARD.pdf

For the Forester and Impreza I think it says you have to remove the exhaust to install it. With my Forester I managed to install it w/o doing that but it was a PITA and a little tricky, but doable.