By gus surdU
DIESEL TECH’S
By gus surdU
Rounding Up
A Variety Of Diff Covers
A differential cover may not be the first thing on your bucket list of upgrades for your diesel, but maybe it should be. Not only are there lots of differential covers to choose from, but they also provide a vital role in protecting your truck’s gear fluid, along with the gear itself, and make treatment much easier for your mechanic. Keep these differential covers in mind for your next upgrade.
aFe Power
aFe Power’s Pro Series rear differential cover brings performance and protection to your RAM diesel truck’s rear end. Constructed of durable cast aluminum with external cooling fins to increase heat transfer from the fluid to the outside air, the Pro Series differential cover also has an increased fluid capacity which helps keep the axle cooler for longer periods of driving under load. The Pro Series features a large, oil level site glass, allowing you to easily monitor your fluid. It also incorporates a magnetic drain and deep reach plug to capture loose particles for maximum protection. The Pro Series is simple to install with no modifications and includes a calibration plug set to the factory oil level to prevent overfilling.
(951-493-7100 // www.afepower.com)
ARB
Each ARB cover is manufactured from high tensile nodule iron to protect the ring and pinion set, while computer-optimized cross bracing increases the structural integrity of the entire axle.
ARB differential covers are powder-coated either red or black, CNC-machined, then clear-coated for a durable, professional, long-lasting finish.
(866-293-9078 // www.arbusa.com)
Ballistic Fabrication
Sterling 10.25/10.5 differential covers from Ballistic Fabrication are made from 3/8-inch and 1/4-inch bump formed steel and are designed to fit all diesel pickups. These differential covers can be trusted; rest assured they’re made for quality. The holes are machined after welding, ensuring each hole is in the proper location. The flange is also machined perfectly flat after welding, creating a quality seal.
Each cover also comes with a magnetic drain plug, fill plug and any necessary installation hardware.
(520-888-4441 // www.ballisticfabrication.com)
Banks
Banks reinvented the differential cover with its new Ram-Air system. The patented design cools better than high-capacity flat-back covers and does so with less lubricant. Ram-Air scoops located on the bottom of the cover channel cool air up through the long, thin heat fins. The result is increased distance between service intervals thanks to longer-lasting lubricant. While flat covers are proven to cause aeration according to Banks, the Ram-Air cover honors the stock cover’s curvature, allowing fluid to flow uninterrupted up and over the ring gear to the ring and pinion interface. The Ram-Air cover features 169 percent more exterior surface area and 21 percent more internal surface area than flat-back competitors. It includes a magnetic fill plug, magnetic drain plug and sight glass with contrast screen for easy viewing. Available for GM, RAM and Ford in black with machined fins, all-black, and raw aluminum for custom coating. (800-601-8072 // www.bankspower.com)
BD Diesel
BD Diesel carries a large selection of both front and back differential covers, as well as combo packs, for a variety of diesel pickups. BD’s design deflects the oil back onto the ring gear and into the pinion gear for cooler longer life. Other differential covers are large and bulky, resulting in lubricating oil being flung off the ring gear causing addition heat and/or wear.
Other features include stainless steel allen head cap bolts and fill plug, a magnetic drain plug and an integral reusable o-ring for the gasketless cover. BD covers also have both internal and external cooling fins, extra capacity sump located at bottom for gear to pick up oil and they deflect oil back onto the ring gear and into the pinion gear for cooler, longer life.
(800-887-5030 // www.bddiesel.com)
B&M
B&M Hi-Tek differential covers not only look good but address a number of weaknesses found in factory-stamped steel covers. Available for multiple Chevy, Ford and Dodge/RAM axles, these covers are constructed of thick, durable, A356.0-T6 aluminum. The alloy material, combined with cast-in cooling fins, dissipates heat quicker than stock covers, keeping the fluid temperature cooler under high-load conditions. For added durability, a reinforced center bar along with load bolts helps prevent bearing cap deflection, and the cover utilizes a smooth, round-back profile to direct oil flow to the ring gear and bearings. Additional features include a magnetic drain plug that keeps ferrous metal particles away from critical moving parts, a MIL-Spec black anodized finish, a machined B&M logo and all necessary hardware for a quick and simple installation.
(866-464-6553 // www.holley.com)
Dynatrac
Whether you have a Dynatrac axle or not, you can add some beef to your axles. The Dynatrac Pro Series Differential Covers are about function and form. They are cast from its proprietary nodular iron for strength and durability. Strategically located RockRibs on the covers add more protection to vital internal components. These rockproof covers also add structural rigidity to the axle housing. The have thick, machined gasket surfaces for sure-sealing and an easy-to-access oil fill plug. Allen-head fasteners, which are less susceptible to damage from rocks, are included. And, Dynatrac Pro Series differential covers are made in the USA
(714-596-4461 // www.dynatrac.com)
G2 Axle & Gear
G2 Aluminum differential covers are manufactured from heat-treated aluminum and are designed to dissipate heat while withstanding the rigors of the off-road environment. Cast with internal cooling fins and machined with external cooling fins, these covers help draw the heat out of the oil, allowing bearings and gears to survive longer. These covers also feature a magnetic drain plug and dip stick to make maintenance easier while filtering the oil of metal particles. As an added benefit, G2 differential covers hold additional oil to keep temperatures under control.
(877-852-7720 // www.g2axle.com)
Mag-Hytec
Mag-Hytec is proud to announce the completion of the new #AA 14-12 and #AA 14-12 CS. These heavy-duty differential covers are designed for the 2019 to present RAM 2500 and 3500 Cummins and also the 2020 Duramax.
The new covers include a 7-plus quart capacity, added strength, rigidity, O-ring seal, drilled and tapped hole for temperature sending unit, stainless steel bolts, washers with allen wrenches, magnetic drain plug and a magnetic dip stick. (818-786-8325 // www.mag-hytec.com)
PPE
Pacific Performance Engineering differential covers are cast from high-grade aluminum and offer internal and external fins while holding more gear oil to keep your bearings cool and lubricated. The covers also have fill and drain plugs with neodymium magnets that pull harmful steel and iron particles out of the oil. PPE differential covers are available in black with machined fins, all black or natural aluminum.
(714-985-4825 // www.ppepower.com)
Other companies producing differential covers to consider:
ATS
800-949-6002 – www.atsdiesel.com
Wehrli Custom Fabrication
630-277-8239 – www.wcfab.com