PML differential cover

[alexanderJ]

Thinking about installing a rear differential cover that will help decrease temps. Have read several threads about the Mag HyTech making contact with the spare tire. I really feel the PML will do what I want and curious if anyone has had to modify the spare's position when using these differential covers. I'm pulling a medium weight 5th wheel trailer and I think the finned aluminum and the extra . 75 quart capacity might help. Any comments appreciated.

 

[tommyturbo]

Hello alexanderJ. I have installed the Mag-Hytec MH-AAGC differential cover with sight glass. Yes, the spare tire was moved back

about 3/4 inch and retightened. I would believe that any larger capacity cover with fins needs the spare moved a little anyway but

I don't mind. The convenience of visually checking the color and level of the gear oil instead of crawling underneath, loosening

a plug and inserting the pinky is worth it. My bones feel it. Ditto the AMP Bed Step. Less pain in the kneecap when climbing into

the bed. You are wise to add larger capacity pans and covers as they definitely reduce temperatures. Heat, a destructive force.

My two cents.

Tom

 

[Prairie Dog]

You can get the same cover they use on the newer HO version trucks. It was designed by AAM to reduce temps - but it's not as pretty as some.
Still, it must get the job done or Dodge wouldn't spring for it: http://www.drivetrainamerica.com/p-...5-aluminum-finned-differential-cover-kit.aspx

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I use a small ratchet strap (Harbor Freight) to keep the spare tire away from my Mag Hytec cover. They use HD aluminum, densely cast with no air pockets/chance of a leak path. Machining is to the thousandth of an inch, magetic drain plug, dipstick/fill hole--I will stay with Mag Hytec.

 

[Regcabguy]

I use a small ratchet strap (Harbor Freight) to keep the spare tire away from my Mag Hytec cover. They use HD aluminum, densely cast with no air pockets/chance of a leak path. Machining is to the thousandth of an inch, magetic drain plug, dipstick/fill hole--I will stay with Mag Hytec.

Ditto here on both. Don't trust the factory winch after having one fail on my 2nd gen. They probably do fine as engineered for a stock tire.

 

[Jim W]

I too have the Mag-Hytec cover and I had to move the spare tire over a little but I needed to insure that the tire did not rub the 5"exhaust pipe. Once everything was in position I have not had any more issues. The tire stays in place with no additional help just cranked it up and the tires stays in place.

Jim W.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I too am nervous about the winch cable. I ran a chain around the crossmember and one spoke of the wheel, bolted the chain together for positive retention. I left a few links so I could also use a padlock for security, but most padlocks aren't real strong so I use the bolt for that. I know a guy whose tire wasn't cranked up well by a tire shop, it came off and destroyed a trailer axle.

 

[alexanderJ]

I too am nervous about the winch cable. I ran a chain around the crossmember and one spoke of the wheel, bolted the chain together for positive retention. I left a few links so I could also use a padlock for security, but most padlocks aren't real strong so I use the bolt for that. I know a guy whose tire wasn't cranked up well by a tire shop, it came off and destroyed a trailer axle.

I did exactly the same as you. The winch is flimsy and the gears are notoriously weak, they may be plastic as I know many have been stripped by over tightening. My fear is the wheel falling off and bouncing down the bottom of my 5th wheel trailer. OUCH!!!

I used a bolt to secure the chain and then hooked the 2 tag ends of the chain to the spare with a padlock. Ain't no way it's coming off.

I guess that is one reason I'm leaning toward the PML as the wheel sets so good as is. However, I know moving it back a couple of inches is no big deal and I wouldn't hesitate if I really thought the Mag HyTech would benefit me that much more.