I would really like to replace the rear differential cover on my 1998 Ranger V6 4.0 with an aluminum one. The stock one is all nasty looking (rusting). Has anyone done this? If so can anyone recommend a source and part number? I am not up on what information I would need to pick one out. Is there are disadvantage in replacing this part? Thank you in advance.
Rick

 

The one Ford Motorsport sells for the 8.8" rear end would look good. It does have a couple of support bolts for the bearing caps that you snug up once the cover is on to provide a bit more stability to the carrier bearings, although I doubt any additional reinforcement would be needed with a stock engine.

Of course there are a number of outlets that sell chrome covers if that suits you.

Bart

 

Don't they add heat and wear your oil out faster.

 

An aluminum cover? If anything, it would keep the oil cooler, as aluminum conducts heat more readily than steel or cast iron. In reality, the difference in temperature would be negligible.

 

Thank you all thus far. So I have 8.8 rear end? Are there any other sources other than Ford?
Rick

 

Lemme see...BBK, probably Griggs. I think the BBK and Ford Motorsport pieces are pretty much the same part, just with different names on them.

 

Where can I get get BBK products?
Rick

 

http://www.bbkperformance.com/where.shtml