Mag Hy-tec vs. PML diff covers?

[CoastyAV8R]

Has anybody used the PML differential cover? http://www.yourcovers.com/dc_10361.shtml I was wondering how it compared to the Mag Hy-tec. It's almost $100 cheaper but I hadn't heard of them before.

 

[Tony T.]

Do not have either one myself, but had decided if I was going to put one on it would be the PML. I believe I've seen a couple members on here using the PML on their rigs. No problems I've heard of.



Tony

 

[JCleary]

Has anybody used the PML differential cover? http://www.yourcovers.com/dc_10361.shtml I was wondering how it compared to the Mag Hy-tec. It's almost $100 cheaper but I hadn't heard of them before.

Price wasn't the issue when I ordered mine. I just wanted a cover for the front and rear, and PML has them.



I also like the fact that they use the stock diff gaskets, which are reusable. I used new ones when installing mine.



You also do not have to leave a bolt out, they're engineered for our trucks instead of a Chevy.



They come with stainless allen-head screws, which look nice when installed.



The only thing I do not like is the size of the holes in the cover. They are really small, so it's a pain to fit a fill hose in there.



Other than that, they're great! I can't wait to do my next service, as it will take less than 10 min/axle.

 

[Tony T.]

I guess the only thing that has held me back from getting a cover is I want to look at the gears and see if everything still looks ok and clean out the pumkin real good. I guess I'm just nosey. :-laf I know they have the benefit of quicker oil changes along with better heat transfer other than that I like the looks of them (PML).



Tony

 

[jray]

I added a PML rear diff cover a little over a year ago. I have a AA 11. 5" w/limited slip and it puts out alot of heat. The aluminum cover should help.



After installing the PML I noticed that the cover comes very close to the spare tire when there is a load (trailer attached). I'm not sure if the Mag hy-tec would even clear the spare tire on my truck. In any case to avoid any clearance problems with the spare, I rotated one of my used tires (Michelins) to the spare. Besides theres no reason to let a new tire rot away under the bed of the truck.



2003 SLT 3500 SWB/CC 305/555 48RE LIMITED SLIP

 

[jwduke]

Nice looking cover for the money!

 

[RSByrd]

I installed the PML covers, front and rear, a couple of months ago and highly recommend them. A Quality product with thick castings and a heavy flange. I bought the raw aluminum and gave them a coat of black acrylic, then I hit the fins with the sander for some highlights and then a clear coat. They look great under there, plus oil changes are a snap.

 

[Burner]

I like the covers but they are the same price as the Mag-Tech? Do they have a magnetic dip-stick? I liked that feature on my old cover. With the syn in it, I don't or wouldn't change it for 100k miles but I could see how much wear I was/wasn't getting with the magnet.

 

[rbattelle]

Do not have either one myself, but had decided if I was going to put one on it would be the PML.

Tony

Me too. When I do get a set, I'll continue to remove the covers for fluid changes.



I agree entirely with JCleary's assessment. They offer all the same stuff as the Mag-Hytec, but actually fit properly and cost a whole lot less. Personally, I like the as-cast aluminum look.



-Ryan

 

[LesStallings]

I'm glad someone brought this up. I was looking at the PML and wondering why all the chat about the Mag-H.



Yep, the cast look is sweet. I might have to give Mark at DPP a visit.

 

[vegasredneck]

I do not have a dodge but I do have the PLM cover on my SD. It is the black powercoat and it has a bottom drain (allen head) that is flush and won't catch and it is magnatized too. Fit and finish is excellent but the fill hole is small though. The one thing about powder coat it cleans up real easy almost like a teflon finish. The only two things different between Mag tech and PLM is one the dip stick and rubber o-ring on the MT. Does that make it worth one hundred dollars more. not in my opinion.

 

[Burner]

FYI... ... "if" you cut the O-ring, ya just might be SOL until MT ships another. It is easy to do... . I know..... the hard way.

 

[Cattletrkr]

I bought my Mag over ayear ago and it came made to fit a Dodge. IT was only the first few that they didn't realize there is a diffierence between the two 11. 5's.



Like's--looks great, holds more oil at factory level, dipstick,



Dislikes--drainplug. Whoever decided to put a 1/16th" (or so) allen head hole in a 3/4" plug ought to be shot. I had to remove my cover to get the plug out the last time. Ruined the included allen wrench. I've done it before w/o probs, but this last time sucked. For that big of a plug, a 3/8" square hole would work sooooo much better.

--The powdercoating supposedly retains heat. I don't have a gauge or PML for comparison so I dunno

--Cost



I didn't know PML existed until after I installed my Mag. All I wanted was a drainplug for easy changes and a PML will do that just fine, maybe better.

 

[Burner]

... donno why AAM skipped the drain on the OEM housing? MY Dmax trucks had about the same AAM but they had a drain plug from the factory.

 

[Cattletrkr]

... donno why AAM skipped the drain on the OEM housing?

Kinda hard for DC to make any money changing oil if we all do it ourselves.

 

[Burner]

Well, yes and no. I've noticed that the "do it yourself" crowd will get'er done no matter what and the folks that don't want to mess with it don't care. Basicly, it would be nice feature for those who will end up doing it, Tech or no Tech. DC will get the same amount of coin for a plug or a whole cover, the cover will come off anyhow. Pop a hot cover and tell me how it feels and tell me how messey it can get "without" a plug.

 

[Bob4x4]

Kinda hard for DC to make any money changing oil if we all do it ourselves.

The reason behind no drain plug is to make you pull the cover and look at what's inside Oo.



Bob

 

[Burner]

I'll disagree..... That's just like someone saying ... ...



They didn't put a drain on it so when it you do have a problem DC can say you tore it up.



That would be along the same lines as taking the injectors out to check them.....





I think that DC was just save'n money and be'n cheap like GM and Ford without a hood light. #@$%!

 

[Cattletrkr]

The reason behind no drain plug is to make you pull the cover and look at what's inside Oo.



Bob

I wouldn't know what to look for anyways.

 

[Bob4x4]

I'll disagree..... That's just like someone saying ... ...



They didn't put a drain on it so when it you do have a problem DC can say you tore it up.



That would be along the same lines as taking the injectors out to check them.....





I think that DC was just save'n money and be'n cheap like GM and Ford without a hood light. #@$%!

Thats pretty funny... ... ... ... . I see jiffy lube and all the other cheapy outfits do drain and refills with metal inside from breakage and wear,but I guess you know it all :-laf :-laf



Bob