Does anyone make a cover plate to shield the inside of an 8 3/4" housing when the case has been pulled? I'd like to bolt a fairly sturdy plate in place of the ring and pinion assembly so I can get aggressive with cleaning up the housing but I guess I haven't checked the right parts supplier yet. I could probably make one if if comes to that but figured I'd hit up the experts here for some info first. Thanks for any ideas.

I’ve never seen one. Be pretty easy with a piece of 1/4 plywood, a jigsaw, and a gasket for a drill template.

I make them out of 1/2 inch aluminum plate and use a gasket. For the axle ends I also make it out of 1/2 inch aluminum and o-ring it. After sealing the vent tube, its tight enough to sand blast and get zero contamination inside the housing.

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That is ridiculously nice work. Probably overkill and over-budget for my project needs. Thanks for responding.

1/4" plexiglass could be an option as well.

I've also used a close fitting aluminum tube to help keep the axle ends from moving around when the center section is out. But keeping the tube from sliding down the axle shaft during handling can be a problem. Works better while in the car to keep the bearings/flanges/wheels straight.