Who is using upgraded diff covers?
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More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 546
Likes: 30
From: VA- Shenandoah Valley
Who is using upgraded diff covers?
I am getting really settled in with my new (to me) SD. I will be getting the bed lined soon, and I've ordered some Bilstein 5100's and the upgrade y-pipe from Ebay.
I have also treated the truck with Fluid Film, cleaned up the pinch welds under the doors, and I noticed heavy surface corrosion on the rear diff cover (also on the shock bodies, which is why I've ordered new shocks). I am considering either buying a new stock cover, or going to an upgraded one with a drain plug. I don't have much need for reinforcement, or extra fluid capacity. So, I would probably go with a HD cover that offers a fill and drain plug. At this point, I just haven't brought myself to spend the extra over the cost a a stock replacement. Thoughts?
I am also thinking that if I did upgrade the rear cover, I would do the front, too.
I have also treated the truck with Fluid Film, cleaned up the pinch welds under the doors, and I noticed heavy surface corrosion on the rear diff cover (also on the shock bodies, which is why I've ordered new shocks). I am considering either buying a new stock cover, or going to an upgraded one with a drain plug. I don't have much need for reinforcement, or extra fluid capacity. So, I would probably go with a HD cover that offers a fill and drain plug. At this point, I just haven't brought myself to spend the extra over the cost a a stock replacement. Thoughts?
I am also thinking that if I did upgrade the rear cover, I would do the front, too.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,958
Likes: 4
From: Denver, NC
G2 Brute Cover 
Super good looks, extra fluid capacity, temp. sender port (nice if towing heavy), Drain Plug & convenient Fill Port w/Dip Stick
They are very expensive though & it sounds like you already made up your mind before you posted this so iam unclear on the purpose of the post
Note: since u have a 2004 u can upgrade to the 08+ aluminum Cover that looks nicer for a "reasonable" cost BUT it still has NO drain of fill plug's
Super good looks, extra fluid capacity, temp. sender port (nice if towing heavy), Drain Plug & convenient Fill Port w/Dip Stick
They are very expensive though & it sounds like you already made up your mind before you posted this so iam unclear on the purpose of the post
Note: since u have a 2004 u can upgrade to the 08+ aluminum Cover that looks nicer for a "reasonable" cost BUT it still has NO drain of fill plug's
Last edited by King-bRanch; Dec 24, 2014 at 12:24 PM. Reason: added later OE option
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 546
Likes: 30
From: VA- Shenandoah Valley
Sorry- let me clarify. I don't need a heavy duty cover for crawling, and I don't need added capacity for towing. I will replace the the original cover due to corrosion. The reason that I would consider an upgraded cover would be the drain and fill plugs. I posted this to see what folks are doing, what they are happy with, and what is a good value.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,841
Likes: 6
a popular choice is the 08 and up finned aluminum cover you do need longer bolts to mount it
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-8C3Z4033A-GENUINE-OEM-AXLE-COVER/111553578010?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140602152332%26meid%3Dbe642f9d08bd4cc68fc9cd72074fd7dc%26pid%3D100011%26prg%3D20140602152332%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D121455606263
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-8C3Z4033A-GENUINE-OEM-AXLE-COVER/111553578010?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140602152332%26meid%3Dbe642f9d08bd4cc68fc9cd72074fd7dc%26pid%3D100011%26prg%3D20140602152332%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D121455606263
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 546
Likes: 30
From: VA- Shenandoah Valley
a popular choice is the 08 and up finned aluminum cover you do need longer bolts to mount it
Ford 8C3Z4033A Genuine Axle Cover | eBay
Ford 8C3Z4033A Genuine Axle Cover | eBay
Thanks for the link- that's not much more expensive than the stamped steel cover, although you still have to remove it to drain it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 85
From: Kent Station, WA
From reading here the extra capacity covers are not really needed. You are adding extra fluid which doesn't have a way to cool with extra capacity. They do like nice and the drain plugs sure would be nice. However the fluid in the rear axles doesn't need to changed unless the axle is submerged in water.
I haven't done the front yet, but will probably end up with a stock black replacement and shiny bolts. Through horizonpartsguy.com the stock front cover was only $25.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: Foresthill, CA
I like the standard G2 aluminum diff covers. The one for the rear has a drain plug and the one for the front has both the drain and fill plugs. The pricing is much better than all of the other brand covers and they are good quality. I have the 08 cover on my 2003 F350 but I plan on changing to the G2. I didn't know about them when I bought my 08 cover a few years ago. The part # for the rear is 40-2034AL and is $110.00 on Amazon.
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New User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 7
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From: West Boylston, MA
As far as using an expensive cover that holds more oil. Holy crap, you'll need to take out a loan.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 234
Likes: 1
From reading here the extra capacity covers are not really needed. You are adding extra fluid which doesn't have a way to cool with extra capacity. They do like nice and the drain plugs sure would be nice. However the fluid in the rear axles doesn't need to changed unless the axle is submerged in water.
You don't "need" to change your fluid but lots of people want to. Most people don't go as long between oil changes as Ford claims either. It's all about how long you want your truck to last. If you're going to sell it before 200k, then don't waste your time.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,050
Likes: 1,549
From: Media PA
On my EX that sees most of it's miles pulling our 12,000lb 41' long travel trailer I went this route when I upgraded to the 4.88 gears.
'08 SD rear cover part #8C3Z4033A from Tousel Ford Parts $46
Stainless Allen head cap screws and washers from hardware store. 5/16"-18 X 1 1/4". 12 pieces.
Lube locker reusable gasket. Part #LLR-F10.5. $21.95
Mobil 1 full synthetic 75W-140 gear oil with LS additive.
GlowShift oil temp gauge part #MT-DV07. $67.99
Replaced fill plug with brass plug from hardware store drilled and tapped to fit temp sensor.
This setup lets you pull the cover to drain (gets more of the oil out than a cover mounted drain hole) and the reusable gasket eliminates having to remove and reapply RTV, just wipe the gasket clean. The highest temp I've seen was 220 degrees while pulling in 95 degree weather, the oil is rated to provide full protection to 400+ degrees. The only downside is you lose the factory magnet on the fill plug, that can be replaced by JB Welding a new magnet to the new cover before installation.
This entire setup including oil is cheaper than many aftermarket covers.
'08 SD rear cover part #8C3Z4033A from Tousel Ford Parts $46
Stainless Allen head cap screws and washers from hardware store. 5/16"-18 X 1 1/4". 12 pieces.
Lube locker reusable gasket. Part #LLR-F10.5. $21.95
Mobil 1 full synthetic 75W-140 gear oil with LS additive.
GlowShift oil temp gauge part #MT-DV07. $67.99
Replaced fill plug with brass plug from hardware store drilled and tapped to fit temp sensor.
This setup lets you pull the cover to drain (gets more of the oil out than a cover mounted drain hole) and the reusable gasket eliminates having to remove and reapply RTV, just wipe the gasket clean. The highest temp I've seen was 220 degrees while pulling in 95 degree weather, the oil is rated to provide full protection to 400+ degrees. The only downside is you lose the factory magnet on the fill plug, that can be replaced by JB Welding a new magnet to the new cover before installation.
This entire setup including oil is cheaper than many aftermarket covers.
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 546
Likes: 30
From: VA- Shenandoah Valley
On my EX that sees most of it's miles pulling our 12,000lb 41' long travel trailer I went this route when I upgraded to the 4.88 gears.
'08 SD rear cover part #8C3Z4033A from Tousel Ford Parts $46
Stainless Allen head cap screws and washers from hardware store. 5/16"-18 X 1 1/4". 12 pieces.
Lube locker reusable gasket. Part #LLR-F10.5. $21.95
Mobil 1 full synthetic 75W-140 gear oil with LS additive.
GlowShift oil temp gauge part #MT-DV07. $67.99
Replaced fill plug with brass plug from hardware store drilled and tapped to fit temp sensor.
This setup lets you pull the cover to drain (gets more of the oil out than a cover mounted drain hole) and the reusable gasket eliminates having to remove and reapply RTV, just wipe the gasket clean. The highest temp I've seen was 220 degrees while pulling in 95 degree weather, the oil is rated to provide full protection to 400+ degrees. The only downside is you lose the factory magnet on the fill plug, that can be replaced by JB Welding a new magnet to the new cover before installation.
This entire setup including oil is cheaper than many aftermarket covers.
'08 SD rear cover part #8C3Z4033A from Tousel Ford Parts $46
Stainless Allen head cap screws and washers from hardware store. 5/16"-18 X 1 1/4". 12 pieces.
Lube locker reusable gasket. Part #LLR-F10.5. $21.95
Mobil 1 full synthetic 75W-140 gear oil with LS additive.
GlowShift oil temp gauge part #MT-DV07. $67.99
Replaced fill plug with brass plug from hardware store drilled and tapped to fit temp sensor.
This setup lets you pull the cover to drain (gets more of the oil out than a cover mounted drain hole) and the reusable gasket eliminates having to remove and reapply RTV, just wipe the gasket clean. The highest temp I've seen was 220 degrees while pulling in 95 degree weather, the oil is rated to provide full protection to 400+ degrees. The only downside is you lose the factory magnet on the fill plug, that can be replaced by JB Welding a new magnet to the new cover before installation.
This entire setup including oil is cheaper than many aftermarket covers.
I don't count the oil into the equation- regardless of the cover, that cost will be there (whether it is the stock amount or more oil).
I appreciate all of the input, and Merry Christmas to all of you!
Mark
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 999
Likes: 6
factory diff cover with a twist
i use the 08 up diff cover also, but polished the fins and painted it black, they wiped off the tops of the fins and used polished stainless bolts
this gives a nice subtle detailed look to the diff in my mind
then i used same polished bolts on front diff
this gives a nice subtle detailed look to the diff in my mind
then i used same polished bolts on front diff
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,460
Likes: 14
From: The Land Of Time
I have a MagHyTech on the rear of my truck and will be doing the front 1 soon, I just need to make sure it will work with a dual stabilizer set up. I like it makes fluid changes easy, I like having the extra capacity as Im usually towing heavy, for the front I would like it mainly for the looks and ease of fluid changes.
Down fall is the price, as that money could be spent on a more useful upgrade.
Sarge
Down fall is the price, as that money could be spent on a more useful upgrade.
Sarge
Cross-Country
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
After I lifted my '03, the covers were easily seen and looked like hell. I bought Mag-Hytec's for front and rear. They are very nice and come complete with hardware and o-ring seal (so no silicon sealant needed). They look great and seal perfectly. They are expensive though, but I've had my truck for 11 years and have no plans on getting a new one for probably 11 more years.