Mag-hytec Front Diff Cover

[KeithLittle]

Oo. HAS ANYONE INSTALLED YET? THE TDR ISSUE 52 STATES YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DISCONECT THS TIE ROD END,BUT GENOS CATALOG SAYS YOU DO. ANY ONE KNOW FOR SURE. THANKS.

 

[HLewallen]

I don't have Genos infront of me, but I seem to remember from the catalog the PML covers don't have the reliefs and necessitate removal of the tie rod end? Are you sure your looking at the right description? I was considering the Mag-Hytec because of easier install, but also because it seemed to have a much thicker cross section on that sloped bottom end to resist rock damage. I would be curious if anyone had seen one in person, because it is hard to see how beefy it is in pictures.

 

[JRMora]

PM Joe Donnelly as he has installed one on the front of his truck. I haven't seen it up close, but he indicated it was a good fit.



Juan

 

[Hermansdiesel]

I just did the Front Mag-Hytec on my 2005 Ram3500. You can get it in with small fingers and you don't have to touch the tie Rod end. It is by no means and easy task. Also beware the instuctions state that it holds 4 1/2 quarts. But mine was over full at just 4 quarts. I drained it a little and found that at 3 3/4 quarts its smack in the middle of the dib stick where it should be. Also you Must have a ball hex drive in order to install this front cover.

 

[MMeier]

How much is that thing, and where are you guys buying from?

 

[Bow66tie]

GREAT looking accessory!!! I'd also like to know where you got it and $ if you don't mind.



Michael

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

It's easier with the front raised, supported by the frame so the differential hangs lower compared to the track bar. More clearance for getting the cover on, and easier to remove the attachment bolts. I had no problem putting the cover on with the tie rods attached.

 

[BILLUA]

OK, so again... Where are you guys buying these from???



I asked Joe under his original post and also Pm'ed him, but have not been blessed with a response



Cheers!

 

[Hermansdiesel]

How much is that thing, and where are you guys buying from?

I got mine from Geno's $270 shipping was free since I spent over $500 at the time of order.

 

[Bow66tie]

Thanks Hermansdiesel.



Michael

 

[BILLUA]

Thanks Herman!

 

[ohnoitsyu]

I was thinking of getting front and rear Mag-Hytec covers until I started thinking deeper (problem #1). What is the real benefit of spending over $500 for simple aluminum diff covers? Yes, I understand the PML covers are cheaper. That's not my point, as you'd still spend several hundred on them, too.



For those who haul heavy, are the stock ones not cooling your oil enough? If so, how did you know? Did you take temp readings with the stock cover? Has anyone had diff problems with the stock covers that they could directly blame on the covers for insufficient cooling? (And how did you come to that conclusion?)



Is it just for bling? They are good looking. But if so, I can appreciate that, but just say so.

 

[wcjp]

The latest Four Wheeler did some testing with two different aftermarket lubes compared to stock. They also factored in the Mag Hytec diff covers. The article stated temps above 200deg were bad. Testing was done on an old Ford Diesel (80's) towing various weights upto 25k +truck. The Mag Hytec's averaged 25deg cooler over stock.

 

[Briman]

They allow you to drain your lube quicker/easier.

 

[MMeier]

diff covers. The article stated temps above 200deg were bad. Testing was done on an old Ford Diesel (80's) towing various weights upto 25k +truck. The Mag Hytec's averaged 25deg cooler over stock.

Hmmmm, I wasn't aware an old dorf diesel was capable of pulling that much weight, even when new!! :-laf

 

[MColp]

For the record, the PML Front diff cover install DOES NOT require removing tie-rod.

 

[JasonCzerak]

I was thinking of getting front and rear Mag-Hytec covers until I started thinking deeper (problem #1). What is the real benefit of spending over $500 for simple aluminum diff covers? Yes, I understand the PML covers are cheaper. That's not my point, as you'd still spend several hundred on them, too.



For those who haul heavy, are the stock ones not cooling your oil enough? If so, how did you know? Did you take temp readings with the stock cover? Has anyone had diff problems with the stock covers that they could directly blame on the covers for insufficient cooling? (And how did you come to that conclusion?)



Is it just for bling? They are good looking. But if so, I can appreciate that, but just say so.

Im with you on the "purpose" of a mag hytec. I mean, sure, a bit quicker to change the fluid. But how often does one need to do this to warrent the 1 hour time savings?



I suppose between my front and read diff change I did a few days ago, took about 2 hours total, including letting the RTV setup for about an hour before replacing fluids. This every 20,000 miles, is no biggie if it is warm out.



They do look bad *** tho.

 

[ohnoitsyu]

They allow you to drain your lube quicker/easier.

Could you explain this? You do pull your covers off when you change the fluid, right? I thought everyone (except the Jiffy Lube type of places) pulled the covers to not only drain the fluid, but also to clean out the shmegma. Besides, hex bolts do look nice, but they're not as nice to work with as the stock bolts. Keep in mind that I've never changed the fluid in my '06 yet, but I've done it frequently on my '98 1500.



Okay, if 200 degrees is the melting point, where do our diffs normally run with the stock cover? How about when loaded? Is that claimed 25 degrees only in extreme, over-loaded conditions, or is that under all conditions? (Magazines tend to leave out that little bit of info, so I am curious. )



Are the stock differentials on the edge of their operating requirements and need the help? (I think so with the transmissions, but that's just a hunch. )

 

[Nate]

I can see putting one on the back, put I don't see a point with the front. I like the Mag Hytec products, but I think they are overpriced for what they are.

 

[Bow66tie]

I was thinking of getting front and rear Mag-Hytec covers until I started thinking deeper (problem #1). What is the real benefit of spending over $500 for simple aluminum diff covers? Yes, I understand the PML covers are cheaper. That's not my point, as you'd still spend several hundred on them, too.



For those who haul heavy, are the stock ones not cooling your oil enough? If so, how did you know? Did you take temp readings with the stock cover? Has anyone had diff problems with the stock covers that they could directly blame on the covers for insufficient cooling? (And how did you come to that conclusion?)



Is it just for bling? They are good looking. But if so, I can appreciate that, but just say so.

It's the bling factor.



I pull a 7000# Airstream, which barely works this truck, so overheating of the diffs are not a problem. The ease of fluid changes is a benefit, but truely, I just love the way they look.



Now if I can just talk my wife into spending $500 for no good reason.



Michael