Suspension problem after Mag-Hytec install

[FullSack]

I had Mag-Hytec diff covers installed about 2 months ago. I would have done it myself, but they were sitting on my work bench for several months and it didn't look like they were going self install anytime soon.



I didn't notice the problem before the install, and I can't remember if I noticed it immediately after, but it was definitely after the install. Here is my problem . . .



I feel what seems like the front end is bottoming out after rolling over a tall speed bump. If I go fast - nothing happens. And it's only certain speed bumps; it's the taller short type. I only feel it on the driver side, but that is just how it feels. I've looked up down and around the diff cover and I see no sign of anything hitting it or wearing on it. The bump stops are still dirty, showing no sign of contact with anything. The front end linkage seems fine.



Has anybody experienced something like this before? Could I need new springs?

 

[Parks]

Did they loosen anything when installing the front cover? It sounds like they may have removed one of the suspension compenents and did not torque it back down to the proper specs.

Did you have any other work done?

That would be my first guess.

 

[Diesel Thunder]

No, I don't think you don't have a suspension problem. I have the same cover. What is happening is that the track bar (I think that's what its called) is bumping the part of the cover that holds the dipstick. It only does it with a greater amount of suspension articulation. Mine does the same thing. You should be able to see a small spot on the horizontal surface where your dipstick is on the cover. Mine has a small shiny spot where I have bumped it a couple times. I just try to be very careful and hit bumps as easily as possible. Only remedy is to remove the cover or get a leveling kit/suspension system. I'm leaving mine on as its one more reason to get a suspension kit! I believe this is your problem. Do a search, I think some other members have had the same issue. Good Luck.

 

[Ducman82]

Mag-hytec recomend you take off the trackbar to help with install. i did not on mine (harder to get to some bolts). so if someone did remove it, it could be loose. id check all nut and bolts. it only hit on my cover on turns on one of the fins on the driver side. i just dremeled a little bit off, like . 03 off... had not problems over bumps.

 

[FullSack]

okay, good . . . it's happening to other people too. But I've never had it happen when turning all the way and hitting a bump. The ONLY time I notice it is on speed bumps at 5mph, any faster I don't notice it. But I'll take a look again at the fins and the track bar to see any wear. thanks guys.



and yes, this will definately justify a suspension upgrade.

 

[Diesel Thunder]

I didn't know Mag Hytec recommended track bar removal, I just raised the driver side frame to articulate the suspension and it went right in. Anyways, good luck!

 

[ENafziger]

I've got the Lorenz 2. 25 kit, and am running Thuren's track bar and the MagHytec front cover... and I get significant interference when it "bumps" hard.

--Eric

 

[Ducman82]

what part of yours is hitting the cover ENafziger? the trac bar should only hit on turns... . mostly left hand HARD turns. i still dont see how an up/down motion would cause a side to side piece to hit the cover. if thats the case, that is one messed up track bar, and or messed up front suspention. but i could be wrong.

 

[AH64ID]

Do you have a level kit? Mine does that with the level kit... .

 

[FullSack]

I do not have a leveling kit. Front end is stock.

 

[ENafziger]

what part of yours is hitting the cover ENafziger?

I'll take a picture and post tomorrow. I've actually got several locations of interference. Maybe someone will have some suggestions...

--Eric

 

[cksh8me]

After reading this I won't be spending any money on a diff cover.



It only bumps a little doesn't work for me.



Thanks guys.

 

[Ducman82]

Cksh8me, id wait to figure out what the deal is first. i have large covers front rear with no bumps. but, to each there own. .

 

[HBarlow]

Contact Mag-Hytec and ask them about your problem.



When I bought a Mag-Hytec rear differential cover for my '06 there was a special part included in the box for 2500 4x4 series Rams. It was a black painted steel block about 2" long and 1" square with a couple of holes drilled through. I paid no attention to the part or the supplemental instructions because my truck was a 3500 2wd. I figure the part was intended to offset some front end component to increase clearance for the large cover.

 

[FullSack]

I called Mag-Hytec the other day and mentioned my problem. The guy on the phone was nice and later acknowledged that other guys had similar problems. What I don't understand is why some guys have the problem and others do not. He said to take a dremel and grind down some of the fins that are hitting. Not sure that is how I want to handle it. I'd rather have a product that was designed and enigneered to work without problems.

 

[HBarlow]

Haven't owned a 4x4 and haven't experienced the problems some of you have reported but I hate to see you have problems. Mag-Hytec does build an excellent product.



No scientific evidence to back up my opinion but I believe the additional differential (or transmission) fluid they allow plus the aluminum case and fins that improve heat dissipation probably add a lot of life to our differentials (or transmissions) when pulling heavy loads and lots of miles.



I would use a bright light to carefully inspect the aluminum cover to see if some suspension part is actually striking the cover. It is possible that a suspension component is loose or worn excessively and coincidental that you started hearing it after the Mag-Hytec cover was installed.

 

[jdaigle]

Same problem here. The contact between the trac bar and the Mag Hytec cover is at the 2 o'clock position when facing the cover. The cooling fins are not the problem... . the contact is above the fins on the outer edge just forward of the dipstick.



I'm running the Lorenz Bilstein 5100 suspension system along with his trac bar. I suspect I'll have to modify the cover by removing the 90 degree angle which exists just forward of the dipstick with an angled modification. Let's see... . spend $250 for a cover just to have to hack it up to make it work... ...



Jason

 

[Ducman82]

that is just funky. i just ahve a leveling kit (spacers) on my truck, (i think, came that way when i got it, but was told i have a level kit) and i have no "real" problems. mine was hitting the outer most fin at the 3 'oclock position. just tapped it with a grinder and it does not hit. this is why i hate suspention stuff.

 

[HBarlow]

Has anyone asked Mag-Hytec about the small steel block that is included in the package with some covers? One was included in the box when I bought my Mag-Hytec differential cover from Brandon @ Geno's. I'm not familiar with 4x4 Rams so may be whistling in the dark here but can that block be used to offset a trackbar or other suspension component so that it clears?

 

[Ducman82]

when i got mine brandnew for the front diff, it did not come with that little block. got a pic of it?