PML diff covers anyone using them?

[macdaddy]

I haven't installed it yet, but I just picked up a front diff cover for my 05 front 9. 25 AAM from PML incorporated (as advertised in the TDR).



I have the Mag Hitec for the rear and got tired of waiting for them to get off their cans and bust it out for the front. I am not really to worried about the extra oil capacity in the front I don't feel it is necessary as the rear. However it does hold an extra 1/2 quart.



I was more concerned about just being able to drain and refill it easier. The guys at PML (which is local for me) where very helpful and said that they were cashing in on the fact that the guys at Mag Hitec were dragging their feet by not having one available yet.



Their advertisement is on page 107 in issue 50. Check em out!!!.



Mac

 

[rbattelle]

Lots of people are using the PML stuff. I plan to get a set front and rear (someday).



Debate.



-Ryan

 

[macdaddy]

Thanks Ryan



I wasn't sure of the "sand cast technology" seem to be well built. According to the folks at PML you use the same reusable gaskets.



Mac

 

[JCleary]

I've got 'em, and I like them a lot. They fit perfect, I used Mopar gaskets, and they don't leak a drop. I didn't buy them for their extra capacity or cooling properties, but for the ease of servicing (plus they look cool in black).



My only complaint is that the fill holes are small. It's hard to get a hose in there when filling.



The only negative I see in *any* aluminum cover is that they're vulnerable when off-roading. I would think they crack and leak, as opposed to a steel cover that would bend if smacked into a rock.

 

[nickleinonen]

My only complaint is that the fill holes are small. It's hard to get a hose in there when filling.

what size is the fill plug? and is there enough materal in the hole boss to upsize it? [i am assuming they are NPT plugs for fill/drain]



i too am interested in getting somday a set for front & rear...

 

[joaker]

Not entirely sure of the availability locally for you... but what I wound up using, due to not wanting to pay nearly 500 bucks for a Mag Hitec... there is a company called TNA... and they make a nice aluminum cover, increased capacity by a bit, and looks good, best thing... they are a lot less money too.

 

[Mark Craig]

macdaddy,



The sand cast is the normal method of casting a part like this, as well as engine blocks heads etc etc. The rough finish you see on a part is the actual imprint of the sand that was used for the molding process. They will work and do a great job and the PML's are the best dollar value going.



Mark @ DPPI

 

[JKing]

I'm using the PML on my rear (only) diff. Easy install, fits great, and used factory gasket. Hold about 3/4 qt more than stock. Saved a bunch of $ over the Mag-Hitec, also... ...

 

[macdaddy]

Thanks Mark



It's just that the "Sandcast technology" wasn't something I am used to hearing. Based on what I am hearing here is that PML makes a good product.



Mac

 

[Mark Craig]

macdaddy,



Yep very good products and a great price too.



Mark @ DPPI

 

[JTryles]

I like mine! Looks great... fit great! Added 3/4 quart capacity too!



#ad

 

[wild4stangs]

Got one for the rear, works great... I will add one in the front when I change my diffs again in the spring...

 

[nickleinonen]

I like mine! Looks great... fit great! Added 3/4 quart capacity too!

ooh, shiney...

 

[TMarszalek]

I like mine! Looks great... fit great! Added 3/4 quart capacity too!



#ad

JTryles, I've considered painting the rough cast PML's I bought, but I'm not sure the paint will hold up. What kind of paint did you use on yours? It looks great! I've also wondered about the paint hindering the heat dissipation qualities. I know Mark@DPPI doesn't recommend painting or powder coating for that reason. Let us know how the painted PML is working out for you. I will be installing my front and rears in about a month so I need to decide about paint. Thanks!

 

[JTryles]

JTryles, I've considered painting the rough cast PML's I bought, but I'm not sure the paint will hold up. What kind of paint did you use on yours? It looks great! I've also wondered about the paint hindering the heat dissipation qualities. I know Mark@DPPI doesn't recommend painting or powder coating for that reason. Let us know how the painted PML is working out for you. I will be installing my front and rears in about a month so I need to decide about paint. Thanks!

I used Duplicolor Metalcast paint that I bought at a local Murray's Autoparts store. The base coat is #MC100 "Ground Coat" followed by #MC200 "Red Anodized". It fairly closely matches the Inferno Red Pearlcoat of my truck. Before I sprayed it at all I used some brake cleaner spray followed by 91% Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol to make sure that all the grease and oil from production were gone.



As for the heat dissapation issue. I'm not all that concerned with the amount that I have decreased it. I figure that if the stock steel cover (that is painted) is good enough then an aluminum one with 3/4 qt more oil, even if painted, will be just as good and probably better? IMHO, of course.

 

[JTryles]

ooh, shiney...

Yea, this BOMB was mostly about "bling" but I can justify it because I have a ISSPRO temp gauge I am going to install in the rear diff and this cover had a built in temperature probe port!

 

[TMarszalek]

JTryles... thanks for the info. I do like the looks of the painted diffs. I was wondering what the unpainted covers would look like after getting coated with the typical road junk!

 

[Bertram65]

JTryles... thanks for the info. I do like the looks of the painted diffs. I was wondering what the unpainted covers would look like after getting coated with the typical road junk!

Mine is uncoated, I have had on for well over a year, still looks great, when it gets dirty, I can make it look new with a wire brush and a little simple green. Not much road junk gets on it actually.