afe diff cover experience?

[SKrugerud]

Fluid replacement time. While having the rear diff opened up I want to replace the stock steel cover with something drainable. I really like the AFE cover. The drain/fill plugs are heavy duty 1/2”drive rather than softer and smaller hex bolts. It also has an optional view window which would be great to check fluid level and for contamination. I then notice it comes with a ratcheting tie down strap to pull the spare tire back away from the cover. After looking under my truck, the stock curved cover is only about 3-4” away currently so I can see this being an issue. For that matter any square topped cover (mag hytec, etc) would have the same problem. Anyone else have thoughts or reservations on this?

My truck: 2009 3500 SLT mega 4x4 6.7L

Thank you in advance.

 

[Shiner]

Fluid replacement time. While having the rear diff opened up I want to replace the stock steel cover with something drainable. I really like the AFE cover. The drain/fill plugs are heavy duty 1/2”drive rather than softer and smaller hex bolts. It also has an optional view window which would be great to check fluid level and for contamination. I then notice it comes with a ratcheting tie down strap to pull the spare tire back away from the cover. After looking under my truck, the stock curved cover is only about 3-4” away currently so I can see this being an issue. For that matter any square topped cover (mag hytec, etc) would have the same problem. Anyone else have thoughts or reservations on this?

My truck: 2009 3500 SLT mega 4x4 6.7L

Thank you in advance.

Another option would be to weld in a drain plug and sight glass(optional) into the stock cover.

 

[Ozymandias]

Yeah, mine, SOLID Diff Cover also touches the spare sometimes, but I don't care about that as the axle is massive and the tire is rubber.

 

[KATOOM]

I have my spare ratcheted back... I did it just to make sure there was never any contact with the diff cover and also because it now sits very snug with zero movement.

 

[Ozymandias]

I see that as a 3rd bump stop.

 

[SKrugerud]

Thank you all for the replies. In the end I still chose the AFE cover. Will use the strap and/or modify the spare tire hanger to fit better. Looked at welding a new bung on the old pan. I did this to my old Jeep Cherokee and while functional I think the purpose built pan will be better. Will write back on my observations after install.

 

[KATOOM]

I installed a temperature gauge on my factory diff cover, and then a year or so later on a Mag-Hytec cover. No matter what naysayers claim, I have proof of positive results with the new cover.

 

[Jim W]

I have ran a Mag-Hytec differ cover since Jan 09. I have measured the temps when pulling my 5er at every rest stop with an IFR gun, when I check my trailer tires. The highest temp readings I ever had on the surface of the rear cover was 145F with 90F ambient air temps. The extra oil capacity and the AL finned cover does help to dissipate the heat generated from the differential when moving.

I have never had any clearance issue with the spare tire and the Mag-Hyteck cover. My spare was moved a little back and to the driver side in Aug 09 but this was to miss the 5" TBE I installed on the truck! The spare tire is not strapped into position I just used the cable that holds the tire from the factory. When I lift this into place I just make sure that it is pulled over to where I want it. The cable will hold this in place at least on my truck.

 

[Regcabguy]

I have my spare ratcheted back... I did it just to make sure there was never any contact with the diff cover and also because it now sits very snug with zero movement.

Same here. I've got the Mag-Hytec and use a ratchet strap to secure mine back.
The hoist failed on my 2nd after many Baja trips. Fixed under warranty. Enter the strap.

 

[sojoe]

Watch Gale Banks video on diff covers

 

[KATOOM]

Watch Gale Banks video on diff covers

Actually dont bother... They dont offer any informational value. Instead what you get is a lot of speculation, bashing other company products without proof of anything, and plenty of build up for the new cover Banks will be releasing soon. Basically they're infomercials...
Anyone who believes Gale was doing anything else besides trolling consumers is sadly mistaken.

 

[seafish]

Basically they're infomercials...

Without the info !!! LOL

 

[sojoe]

I agree with the 2 previous posts, I still consider it "food for thought."
Banks is overpriced etc et all, no doubt about that.
I am still awaiting the final video on diff covers just for the h#%% of it.
I was actually about to buy a big diff cover before I saw this video.
Old school thought says the big covers work and I will keep an open mind.

 

[Ozymandias]

 

[JR]

I installed a temperature gauge on my factory diff cover, and then a year or so later on a Mag-Hytec cover. No matter what naysayers claim, I have proof of positive results with the new cover.

What are/were your results?

 

[KATOOM]

What are/were your results?

I posted a couple threads about it years ago back before it became seemingly taboo to install an aftermarket differential cover. https://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/...9561-temperature-results-after-mag-hytec.html

 

[SKrugerud]

In the end I chose the AFE and will move the spare aside. Having read about spare tire cable failures from several people, adding another securing device (plus I have a locking cable for tire stealing meth heads in my hood) is not a bad idea. Thank you Katoom for the input and work on the cooling. Definitely a benefit, but I am looking for an easier servicing. I also swapped out the transmission pan for the exact same reason. I hate the mess of flying oil and if this saves me this problem solved. The AFE has an o ring... first time for me not using RTV so we will see. I also got the sight glass not only to check the level easy but to see if there is any contamination. Overall, I am excited to get this done as soon as our temps warm up past “arctic”. Don’t feel like waiting hours for the fluid slowwwwly fall out.

 

[Shiner]

AFE covers are on sale now as well. 15% off. I too, would just do for the convenience factor. I still do not like the aromatic gear lube shampoo....

 

[SKrugerud]

Lol, agreed! Having lost most of my hair after high school, I now just squeegee the oil off but it still is not fun.

 

[Ozymandias]

The OEM cover is also with out RTV, it has a reusable o-ring gasket from factory.