mag hytec rear end cover & fluid level

[LightmanE300]

I guess the concern with overfilling is oil foaming. I'm not sure at what level that occurs.



I believe the change from the GM cover to the redesigned dodge cover (I didn't realize that had happened yet) was for clearance of the spare tire. Several folks had to move their tire back so it wouldn't hit. I also fwiw have an email from mag hytec telling me there was no such issue, and that the covers were fully interchangeable - and in addition that they had no plans to redesign. Funny how things change when people start buying that PML cover that IS designed for Dodges



One has to imagine mag hytec or the other companies when tooling/engineering this product would have called AAM or considered the appropriate level. I'd wager they can't be that stupid not to. . considering that's the business they're in... . so part of me thinks that those of you who do have the cover are safe filling to the top of the MH dipstick.

 

[rbattelle]

I really really love the looks and function of the Mag Hytec (drain plug, dipstick, temperature sender port). I don't like the price, and I can't help but wonder if the design is making for poor oil flow in the diff (including foaming and a lack of "climbing"). I guess I'd like to see something with all the features of the M-H but with a form that "hugs" the ring gear much closer.



These look cool , but they don't make them for our axles (yet).



-Ryan

 

[Bertram65]

I guess the concern with overfilling is oil foaming. I'm not sure at what level that occurs.



I believe the change from the GM cover to the redesigned dodge cover (I didn't realize that had happened yet) was for clearance of the spare tire. Several folks had to move their tire back so it wouldn't hit. I also fwiw have an email from mag hytec telling me there was no such issue, and that the covers were fully interchangeable - and in addition that they had no plans to redesign. Funny how things change when people start buying that PML cover that IS designed for Dodges



One has to imagine mag hytec or the other companies when tooling/engineering this product would have called AAM or considered the appropriate level. I'd wager they can't be that stupid not to. . considering that's the business they're in... . so part of me thinks that those of you who do have the cover are safe filling to the top of the MH dipstick.

I would definetly take that bet, if MH did call I doubt AAM would tell them to put the level up 2" over stock. Based on the O-ring gasket blunder I have a hard time believing there is any real engineering that goes into them at all. I bet the dipstick level for the GM diff is way off as well. They should have omitted the O-ring on the MH for the Dodge, there is no need for it with the rubber reusable gasket that comes on the truck. What about those allen headed plugs? seems a number of people have had a problem removing them after they have been in for a while.

I would take the PML if it was the same price, it is a simpler design and the gasketing surface and fill/drain plugs are superior, I cannot think of one advantage for the MH.

 

[LightmanE300]

Bertram you may be right, I don't know. Maybe I have more faith in companies than I should. I just can't imagine being that they're in the diff cover business that they wouldn't do some research on the appropriate fill level.



The MH cover does LOOK better than the PML, that may be the only advantage.



Does anyone know where the PML fluid level is in relation to stock?

 

[Bertram65]

Bertram you may be right, I don't know. Maybe I have more faith in companies than I should. I just can't imagine being that they're in the diff cover business that they wouldn't do some research on the appropriate fill level.



The MH cover does LOOK better than the PML, that may be the only advantage.



Does anyone know where the PML fluid level is in relation to stock?

Exactly the same, when I installed mine I measured the height of the fill hole from the ground with each cover installed and they were the same.

 

[LightmanE300]

The prices on the pml covers seem to be a lot better as well. It would be nice to have the drain plug but I have to say, I really like taking the entire pumpkin off and cleaning it out. There's something nice about putting it back shiny and clean.

 

[Tony T.]

The prices on the pml covers seem to be a lot better as well. It would be nice to have the drain plug but I have to say, I really like taking the entire pumpkin off and cleaning it out. There's something nice about putting it back shiny and clean.

I have been looking at both MH and PML covers for awhile myself. For myself it would only be the convenance of pulling the plug and dumping the old gear oil, and maybe the cooling factor if I towed alot if there is that much difference between temps.



By taking the entire cover off this gives me piece of mind to inspect the innards and to get rid of any forgein matter I might come across, visual inspection and LightmanE300 statement "putting it back shiny and clean".



My first gear oil change at 15K looked very good "looked new". Some have stated theirs looked like it needed changed at that mileage. It's not that big of a job to go ahead a pop the whole cover off.



Considering all I said, if I had to chose between the two covers, I would go with the PML for myself. More than likely I'll remain stock.



Tony

 

[LightmanE300]

TonyT well said, I agree. The small convenience of the drain plug as well as knowing the pumpkin will be completely cleaned out is really not enough for me to change from stock. Maybe I'm a weirdo, but I love cleaning the wear metals off that magnet and hitting the pumpkin with some hard core cleaner to the point it's bright and silver again.



Question - I can always get the pumpkin cover spotless, but have been hesitant to actually try cleaning the internals of the diff. I read that some guys really go to town cleaning this portion too. Has anyone done any substantial cleaning of the internals and if so how? I've typically just drained the fluid, cleaned the pumpkin, and wiped up any of the grime on the inside that I could reach with a rag.

 

[rbattelle]

I've typically just drained the fluid, cleaned the pumpkin, and wiped up any of the grime on the inside that I could reach with a rag.

That's what I do!



On edit: by "pumpkin" I mean "cover". I thought "pumpkin" referred to the entire center section?? I don't know.



-Ryan