swingaxle aftermarket aluminium side covers or stock with stiffeners?

[pupjoint]

guys, anyone using those aluminium side covers for swing axle box? if yes, who makes the best quality ones?

worried about the quality as i dont want to do a tranny job twice due to bad parts.

or would i be better off keeping stock covers and add in the Berg stiffeners?

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=462796

box is a slightly modified swing, LSD, new synchros, new reverse gears, welded late shaft, new side cover german bearings, new MS bearing, new aluminium 2 bolt nosecone. street driven.

[dangerous]

I prefer the billet side covers, to help keep the crown wheel in mesh.
Even the cheapo cast ones do a better job than stock, but sizes should be checked, and clearance to the crown wheel bolts.

Just check that the bearing fit is not too tight,
because most are, and it makes the bearing stiff,(even the best ones), and can give a false rotation torque reading.

[pupjoint]

ok, thanks, will give Rancho a ring. 

[Dougy Dee]

Take a look at the new WEDDLE Side covers. They also have a billet axle flange available for them or use the leaky ones on your original axle tubes.
An extremely nice piece.