Mag-Hytec differential cover clearance

[JimScott]

I'm was getting ready to order a Mag-Hytec rear differential cover for my truck until I crawled under the truck and saw how close the spare tire is to the differential. Is this a problem? And, if so, is there a solution? There is room for the tire to move toward the rear bumper, but can the tire hoist bracket be easily moved? Any information would be helpful before I spend a lot of money for a cover that won't clear.

Jim

 

[HGreen]

I use a bungee cord to hold my spare tire toward the rear of the truck. Run it from the hitch to the bracket that fits through the wheel spindle hold. I check that it still there with each oil change.

 

[Blu-meanie]

I just pushed it toward the back, no problems yet.

 

[Regcabguy]

A motorcycle ratchet style tiedown is supposed to work well.

 

[MA2LA]

no problems on mine, my rear swaybar will hit before the cover will and it hasn't hit yet.

 

[JCasper]

I have a 315/70/17 under my truck for a spare



When I pulled it up in there I also pulled it towards the back. it seems to be staying put.

 

[LRutigliano]

I'm was getting ready to order a Mag-Hytec rear differential cover for my truck until I crawled under the truck and saw how close the spare tire is to the differential. Is this a problem? And, if so, is there a solution? There is room for the tire to move toward the rear bumper, but can the tire hoist bracket be easily moved? Any information would be helpful before I spend a lot of money for a cover that won't clear.

Jim

I had a camper (4100 lbs) and now have a 5er (3000 lbs in the bed) that both drop my rear suspension at least 3 inches.



That was the main reason I got the PML rear diff cover instead of the MagHytec. The PML is curved at the top and if you read their website literature, it was designed for the Ram for that very reason. PML also has a more square cover, very similar to the MagHytec that is listed for the Chevy 11. 5 AAM axle because they have more spare tire to diff cover clearance.



I have not personally tried the MagHytec, so it may work just fine even with the rear suspension dropped.



Make sure you account for towing and suspension height...



I have posted a pic (unloaded) and you can see all of my mods in my photo gallery, if interested.



Good luck.

Louis

 

[JimScott]

Thank you all for your replies. I just have one more question that I can't seem to get a reliable answer on the web about. Mag-Hytec claims oil capacity will go to 8 qts. That means it is adding over 4 quarts to the factory differential capacity. PML only adds . 75 quarts. The Mag-Hytec cover is 3-5/8 deep while the PML cover is 4. 02. " The more square corners of the Mag-Hytec certainly can't account for over 3 quarts. What am I missing?

Jim

 

[Regcabguy]

Thank you all for your replies. I just have one more question that I can't seem to get a reliable answer on the web about. Mag-Hytec claims oil capacity will go to 8 qts. That means it is adding over 4 quarts to the factory differential capacity. PML only adds . 75 quarts. The Mag-Hytec cover is 3-5/8 deep while the PML cover is 4. 02. " The more square corners of the Mag-Hytec certainly can't account for over 3 quarts. What am I missing?

Jim

I added a total of 7. 5 qts to my rear diff w/Mag-Hytec. The dipstick reads just below full now. 8 qts sent the level way over. It depends on how much you drain. Some guys tilt the axle one way or another and drain out the last drop. I just pulled the stock cover and let it fly,wiped out the interior and filled. I got mine for the added serviceability and capacity with my camper. I don't think I'd bother if i didn't tow or carry much. My factory fluid at 9,000 miles was jet black. I refilled w/Amsoil this time.

 

[Blu-meanie]

When I changed the stock oil, it took 7 pts, 2 oz to fill. With the Mag-Hytec it took 15 pts. Pretty much 8 pts. more. So, yes it does take 4 qts. more than stock.

The PML is about the same shape as stock, Mag-Hytec is considerably larger.

 

[Radshooter]

Does the MagHytec have provisions for a temperature probe? Do you guys think I would have clearance problems pulling an 18K fiver? Truck squats some, but not real bad. Stock suspension, no helper springs or air bags. Don't know what my pin wt. is. I never crawled under the truck while hooked to the fiver to check how close the spare was to the stock diff cover.

I think the PML has provisions for a temp probe, but I like the higher capacity of the MH.

Thanks.....
Steve

 

[HGreen]

Mag-Hytec does have a temperature probe port on top of the cover, already drilled, tapped, and plugged. Its not going to be sitting in the oil, but it should get the oil slinged by the ring gear.



If you have stock sized tires, there should be plenty of room if you pull the spare tire toward the rear of the truck.

 

[JimScott]

Here is a followup to what I have learned. I have received information from both Mag-Hytec and PML and this is my assessment of what they told me.



Mag-Hytec does have a little more capacity than the PML cover, but they obtain most of their added capacity by over filling the differential. They raise the oil level from the bottom of the axle tubes to the bottom of the axle shafts. I believe PML keeps the oil level at the factory level. It sounds to me like the factory level is even with the bottom of the axle tubes. If anyone knows for sure, please add your comments.



Jim

 

[Wiredawg]

Maybe it's just me, but the PML does not appear to have the same dimensions as the MagHytec. There is a molded area for the ring on the PML and the MagHytec is squared off. It appears to me the Mag Hytac would hold much more fluid.



I just installed a MagHytec on my wife's truck and when add the fluid, I removed the rear plug so as to not overfill. 7. 5 quarts. I have a sway bar on the truck and I didn't recall seeing any interferance or contact issues. I haven't ever heard of anyone having contact issues either.



I've had MagHytec on my 02 since new, towing 17K lbs and never any issues in 110K miles. For my part, you cannot beat Mag Hytec.



Just my two cents.



Wiredawg





I have had MagHyt

 

[Wingate]

I've installed Mag HyTec's on both front and rear of my truck. After installing, I had the same questions about whether the cover would clear the spare tire or not.

Since then, I've had the truck "squatting" pretty good with tractors, horses, and barn building materials and it hasn't hit yet.

My truck took a full 8 qts. to refill, probably due to the fact that I drained both axle tubes.