Rear Diff Cover ?
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
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From: Isanti, MN
This is not true, my 2011 F350 SRW truck has a finned aluminum differential cover. I thought we covered this already... 
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque
Covers
How's this:
Some MY2011 SRW's and all MY2011 F450 and F350 DRW's have finned aluminum rear diff covers.
Moving on to the relevant part:
Coating the aluminum will reduce the ability to transfer heat.
Whether or not this will damage anything depends on the heat loading of the rear end.
Ford spends the extra money on the finned covers for a reason?
Some MY2011 SRW's and all MY2011 F450 and F350 DRW's have finned aluminum rear diff covers.
Moving on to the relevant part:
Coating the aluminum will reduce the ability to transfer heat.
Whether or not this will damage anything depends on the heat loading of the rear end.
Ford spends the extra money on the finned covers for a reason?
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 538
Likes: 45
From: Lansing, MI
I disagree. I know of 32 people with MY 2011 SRW trucks that have the finned cover. Based on the data I've collected they made the change to stamped covers for SRW trucks with build dates of 11/2010 and later. Take a look at my spreadsheet when you have a minute. Link is in my sig.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: AZ
Surface colour
The heat transfer from the heatsink is mediated by two effects: conduction via the coolant, and thermal radiation. The surface of the heatsink influences its emissivity; shiny metal absorbs and radiates only a small amount of heat, while matte black radiates highly.
The heat transfer from the heatsink is mediated by two effects: conduction via the coolant, and thermal radiation. The surface of the heatsink influences its emissivity; shiny metal absorbs and radiates only a small amount of heat, while matte black radiates highly.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,453
Likes: 4
From: AZ
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque
and if painting or coating the diff cover black would really improve heat transfer out of the fluid, it would be painted black. Also, coatings, especially undercoatings, act as insulators.
If that gets on your diff, get it off.
If that gets on your diff, get it off.
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 538
Likes: 45
From: Lansing, MI
Excellent information. Would you mind adding his information to the spreadsheet in my sig. The more data the better!
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