How to Paint Diff Covers

Step By Step Guide

Once I realized my factory differential covers where not going to hold up to the riggers of off-roading I decided to upgrade. I purchased the Riddle Manufacturing diff covers. 

Unpainted Diff Covers

They are known to be one of the strongest diff covers around fabricated from high grade iron. Plus, they are designed to have a lip free smooth transition. Which is beneficial when rock crawling. The covers came with a bare finish that allows me to grind, prime, and paint. 

Read More ➤➤ Step-By-Step Diff Cover Swap

STEP 1

Grind the surface smooth. I work in a fabrication shop so there are plenty of tools and experience to help me with my Jeep needs. We work with steel, aluminum and bronze all the time so the guys helped me get started and gave me some really good tips for grinding. 

Jeep Momma Sanding diff covers. 

Watch ➤➤ Jeep Momma Sanding her diff cover

STEP 2

Clean the surface. I used Acetone which you can get at your local hardware store. 

cleaning of sanded diff cover

STEP 3 

Prime the covers. The best primer for the bare finish on the steel is an automotive self etching primer. I read, once the primer is sprayed on, a tack cloth should be used. I was a little hesitant doing this, but it worked awesome. 

Self-etching primer 

primed diff covers 

STEP 4

Spray on the final color at least two to three coats. Mine happens to be Sumptuous Purple.

purple painted diff covers 

Step 5

Paint the accents with black model paint. Then 3 to 4 coats of clear coat. 

Close up of purple painted diff cover

Some folks suggested I powder coat my diff covers. I decided for the regular old rattle can. This will make repairing the scratches and dings much easier. There could be several of these repairs since I like to crawl on rocks.

Disclaimer: Any advise and information provided on this blog should be verified by professional sources prior to making any changes or modifications to your vehicle. 

Jeep Wrangler Grille Removal

Simple & Easy Steps

Front of Jeep

Watch my YouTube video How to Remove Your Jeep Grille

STEP 1

Remove the six plastic fasteners & inserts at the top of the grille under the hood with a flat head screwdriver. They both can be removed. 

Jeep grille plastic fastener

Jeep Momma Tips 

A good idea is to put your hand over the insert when popping it off with the flat head screwdriver. I didn't do this on one, and it went flying into the engine. Luckily for me, it fell thru all the way to the ground. 

If you haven't removed your grille in many years be careful. Those plastic clips can become very brittle and break. 

STEP 2

Once the plastic fasteners are removed it's time to pull back on the grille. At the bottom of the grill are inserts that you can pop out of their slots by pulling on the grille. 

Metal slot tab 

Jeep grille pulled back 

STEP 3

Unplug the turn signal lights. 

Light harness in grille

Check out all my mods and accessories on my Jeep Momma's Modifications. 

Disclaimer: Any advise and information provided on this blog should be verified by professional sources prior to making any changes or modifications to your vehicle. 

How To Adjust Your Jeeps Headlights

Steps-by-Step Guide

Now that my new Auxbeam LED headlights are installed, it is time to make sure they are aligned and aimed properly. A lot of folks say it's best to go to a professional to do this. But I wanted to try it myself because it does not seem that hard. So here is what I did.

My new Auxbeam headlights at night

STEP 1 

Find a flat location, at least 35 feet. I had to use the inside garage wall since my driveway is not flat and skews the test. 

Aiming headlights at garage door

STEP 2 

Pull Jeep as close to the wall as possible. I decided to use my green screen in the garage. 

Aiming headlights at green screen curtain

STEP 3 

With tape, put two crosses on the wall that correspond with the vertical and horizontal center lines of both headlights. Mine measured 42 inches tall. 

Marking for headlight adjustment

STEP 4

Move the Jeep back 25 feet from the wall, keeping the Jeep straight with the crosses on the wall.

STEP 5

Examine the pattern. The concentrated light beam should be in the lower right section of the crosses.

markings for headlight adjustment

STEP 6

Using the torx 15 screw adjust the vertical screw. I made several turns on mine before the lights moved to the correct spot. 

Adjusting Auxbeam headlight

The last step will be to hit the road in the neighborhood to test out to make sure I won't be blinding anyone. 

Before & After adjustment on green screen

 

Before and after headlight adjustment

Adjusting Screw Location

Headlight housing

There is a torx screw in the plastic headlight housing unit that you turn for vertical adjustment. 

Headlight adjusting bolt

Also in this housing unit in the inner ring is a hex bolt that you turn for horizontal adjustment. 

Headlight adjusting screw locations

The hex bolt is on the side of the housing unit closest to the Wrangler's grille. The torx screw on the opposite side. 

Disclaimer: Any advise and information provided on this blog should be verified by professional sources prior to making any changes or modifications to your vehicle. 

Auxbeam LED Headlight Review

Revolutionizing My Night Driving

As a Jeep enthusiast, the Auxbeam company asked me to try the Auxbeam 7" 60W Round Hi-Lo Beam LED Headlights with Atmosphere Function. Sadly this specific model is no longer available. My experience with these lights offers valuable insights for those considering an LED headlight upgrade.

Installation: A Breeze for DIY Enthusiasts

The installation process was remarkably straightforward, making it an ideal project for DIY Jeep owners. With basic tools and patience, I had the new headlights up and running in no time. This ease of installation is a significant advantage for those looking to upgrade without professional help.

Check out my Jeep Momma 👉 Auxbeam Headlight Install

Performance: Night and Day Difference

Improved Visibility

After four months of regular use, the difference in visibility is nothing short of remarkable. The road ahead is clearly illuminated, drastically enhancing the night driving experience. Gone are the days of squinting to make out obstacles or road signs.

Balanced Beam Pattern

One common concern with LED headlights is the potential to blind oncoming drivers. However, I never experienced a single instance of other drivers flashing their lights at me. This suggests that the beam pattern is well-designed and properly focused, providing excellent visibility without causing discomfort to others on the road.

I can now see at night.

Energy Efficiency

LED headlights are known for their energy efficiency, which can reduce strain on your Jeep's electrical system compared to traditional halogen bulbs.

Durability

These Auxbeam headlights have proven to be robust, withstanding various weather conditions and off-road adventures without any issues.

Auxbeam Headlights

Headlight Flicker

It's worth noting eventually I encountered some flickering issues. However, this was resolved by hard-wiring the headlights directly to the Jeep's electrical system. Unfortunately, I didn't discover this solution until after I swapped out headlights thinking it was the issue with the Auxbeam headlights. That wasn't the case and now those headlights aren't available anymore.  

Check out my Headlight Flicker Solution 

While the specific model I tested is no longer available, Auxbeam continues to offer high-quality LED headlight options for Jeep owners. The significant improvement in visibility, coupled with easy installation and attractive design, makes LED headlights a worthwhile upgrade for any Jeep enthusiast looking to enhance their night driving experience.

For more on how to adjust your headlights properly after installation to ensure optimal performance and safety check out my post on How to Adjust Your Headlights. 

Headlight comparison

UPDATE: I started having flicker issues with the headlights. After a lot of trial and error from getting an anti-flicker device to switching the headlights around to replacing them. I hard-wired my headlights to the Jeep. The Auxbeam headlights were a lot better than the headlights I have now.  

Disclaimer: Advice and information provided on this blog should be verified by professional sources before making any changes or modifications to your vehicle. 

Disclosure

Auxbeam LED Headlight Install

A common Jeep Wrangler complaint are the lackluster headlights. The OEM headlights are not that bright and driving at night can be difficult. 

Auxbeam LED Headlights

Auxbeam sent me a set of LED headlights to test out. Auxbeam LED headlights 7" 60 Watt Round Hi-Lo Beam LED Headlights with Atmosphere Function for the Jeep Wrangler. 

Update 2024: Unfortunately, these headlights are no longer available. Over the years I began to have issues with headlight flicker. I tested out many solutions but non seemed to work. I thought they were the specific headlight. After replacing them I had the same issue with another headlight. The solution was hard wiring the headlights to the Jeep, not using a plug. I now miss this bright headlights. They were awesome at night. Plus, I love the look of them. 

Check out my Headlight Flicker Solution 

My Headlight Review on my Auxbeam Headlights

My Jeep during the headlight install. 

Headlight Install Steps

Jeep Grille Removal

First you need to Remove Your Jeep Grille

Aligning the headlights.

These headlights are plug-in. Super easy to install. Remove the bezel, plug in, and line up the tabs on the headlights.  

Jeep Momma's Auxbeam Headlight Install Video

The front of my Jeep grille with the new headlights.

Close up of driver's side headlight.