2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Front Diff. Cover

[benhall]

I know I'm going to hear a lot of bs on this one, but oh well I can take it. I have an '02 2500 4x4 that I picked up in Iowa while I was home on leave from the Air Force over in Germany. The truck came in just before my last week home, so I have had very little driving time in it. I have read on here that the '02's have the diff vent in the cover. Is this true? If so, has Mag-hytec developed a cover for this set up?



Thanks for the help, and I am jealous that you all can drive your trucks. :{

 

[Jeff Knight]

Yes its true. They are working on a front cover. It might be out as I write this. Jeff

 

[benhall]

Thanks Jeff.

 

[jalberring]

Would there be a problem with drilling and tapping the top of the housing for a vent? Then you could use any front cover.

 

[tarussell]

Jalberring, Not at all. Older Dodge axles had it on the axle tube but GM solid axles had it on the top of the chunk ( look at any 77 through 91 chevy solid axle K-30 ).

 

[jalberring]

That is what I thought (assumed), but I wonder why more people haven't done this (drill and tap)?



It seems to be fairly easy unless I am missing something.



Also, I wonder why Mag-Hytec doesn't just recommend this instead of redesigning a new cover?



Thanks.

 

[Jeff Knight]

You have to wander why they changed it in the first place!!!! Jeff

 

[illflem]

On at least '94 thru '98s the front differential vent is hosed to the area under the airbox and has a habit of occasionally puking oil and making a mess. Wonder if it was relocated so it didn't make as big of a mess?

 

[tarussell]

I have often wondered if the top of the chunk was a good place or not. It seems to me that the gear oil splash would saturate the vent hole when in four wheel drive, but I have never had that problem with my K-30 and it is on top.







Jeff Knight, I believe they changed it when DC dropped the C. A. D. system. The vent used to be near or on the sliding coupler and the none C. A. D. trucks have a solid tube instead. I guess it was cheaper to put the vent on the diff. cover rather than redesign things?

 

[Jeff Knight]

Good Point!!



illflem, My 95 did that a couple of times. Jeff