Attention: TDR Forum Junkies Since I purchased my 2000 2500 4X4 6 spd, I planned on replacing the stock differential cover with the Mag-Hytec at the same time I replaced the lubricants with all synthetics. I had spent some time researching the Mag-Hytec unit. I was impressed with the aerospace approach to its design, the quality of its machining, its features, and the excellent stainless steel hardware. On the spur of the moment, I ordered the Magview instead from Geno's Garage on the recommendation of a respected source. As it turned out, ordering the Magview over the Mag-Hytec was a mistake. Ordering it from Geno's proved to be the right decision.
I had the fluids changed out and the Magview installed by a first rate professional mechanic known by many of you who read the TDR. The work went smoothly with some concern expressed over how easily the various plugs screwed into the cover without getting the tactile feedback that they were "tight" and would not leak. A thread sealer was used. A whine coming from the rear end during a short test drive alerted us that something was definitely wrong. Pulling the Magview told the story. The Magview was designed with the steel fill plug directly in-line with the aluminum exciter ring that is pressed on the differential case next to the ring gear. This ring is part of the rear wheel anti-lock brake system. Given the way the threads had been tapped in the cover, the installed fill plug penetrated the differential roughly a quarter of an inch. This was enough to grind approximately a sixteenth of an inch off the tips of the teeth of the exciter ring (a $225 replacement part cost at the dealer). If you are in the market for a replacement to the stock differential cover, be forewarned if you opt to purchase the Magview. I understand the over penetration of the various plugs into the differential cavity is common with the current design.
An emergency call to Mag-Hytec and Roy Rothlisberger and his team had a cover and replacement synthetics on my doorstep the very next day. I'm very pleased with this unit. A call to Geno's about my problem was met with sincere concern, an immediate response, and an unsolicited equitable adjustment. A truly world class business.
I had the fluids changed out and the Magview installed by a first rate professional mechanic known by many of you who read the TDR. The work went smoothly with some concern expressed over how easily the various plugs screwed into the cover without getting the tactile feedback that they were "tight" and would not leak. A thread sealer was used. A whine coming from the rear end during a short test drive alerted us that something was definitely wrong. Pulling the Magview told the story. The Magview was designed with the steel fill plug directly in-line with the aluminum exciter ring that is pressed on the differential case next to the ring gear. This ring is part of the rear wheel anti-lock brake system. Given the way the threads had been tapped in the cover, the installed fill plug penetrated the differential roughly a quarter of an inch. This was enough to grind approximately a sixteenth of an inch off the tips of the teeth of the exciter ring (a $225 replacement part cost at the dealer). If you are in the market for a replacement to the stock differential cover, be forewarned if you opt to purchase the Magview. I understand the over penetration of the various plugs into the differential cavity is common with the current design.
An emergency call to Mag-Hytec and Roy Rothlisberger and his team had a cover and replacement synthetics on my doorstep the very next day. I'm very pleased with this unit. A call to Geno's about my problem was met with sincere concern, an immediate response, and an unsolicited equitable adjustment. A truly world class business.
