I went with the Ford 08 and up finned cover, had the Mag Hytec on my 7.3 nice cover not worth the cost in my opinion

Dan

 

Let me clear out my inbox. I went with another one because I wanted a drain plug.

 

If the axle manufacturer offered an aluminum finned cover for higher GAWR versions of the axle, such as what Dana has done with their Dana 80, that Ford used to install in the F-450, then I would use that OEM cover in a heartbeat, no matter what conclusion the third video draws, and no matter what was said in the first two videos (I haven't seen them yet). The axle manufacturer is in the best position to know the most about the performance of their own axle products.

I'd go with what the axle manufacturer developed, and would assume that if the manufacturer saw fit to add an aluminum finned cover to one of their axles, they had a justifiable reason... because they are not in business to waste money on extra cost parts that have no real world benefit.... and their customers, like Ford, are constantly pressuring them to reduce every penny of product cost.

As it happens, my axle cover is seam welded to the housing, and there is no version of my axle that has a removable cover, nevermind a finned aluminum version of one. I once considered replacing the cover to the front axle, but couldn't find where Dana made one to fit the application and clear steering linkage, so I left it stock.

 

Those are some of the main points that Gale makes in the videos. He states that this axle (in testing) is used by both Dodge and GM and even the fill levels differ due to the pinion angle according to their research. It's not that aluminum covers are inherently bad but it's the shape of the covers (the way they gain their extra capacity) that isn't as effective as the stock cover shape. As far as the extra capacity beyond a factory fill level, Gale keeps mentioning how the pinion is "buried" I guess alluding to the resulting viscous losses.

 

 

Speaking of pinion leak I have to deal with mine soon. Soon as after I get back from Eastern Washington on my little trip.
I think I will take an extra quart with me just in case it gets bad.

 

The newest video in the series. He mentions it being "video 2.2" instead of part three.

 

I had a little pinion leak before a 500 mile trip to west Texas when I had my 02 f150. By the time we got back differential oil was dripping from the pass side leaf spring, wheel well, bed, etc. When I tore it all down, the pass side axle had a .030" deep circumferential groove where it contacted the inner bearing race. I believe the replacement axle from Ford was around $450. Do yourself a favor, bring more than a quart and check it often.

 

It held out well on the trip. I did check it partway and found the level to be good.

 

I smell a new product from Banks! The new cover will have a right inside and the cooling fins will give it the big bold FLAT look of the other covers. Basically a glorified stock cover with a dipstick.

 

Well, what do you know, a new product being offered!

 

Sold the Mag Hytec before the market bottoms , got me a Ford cover for less than half the sale price.

Don't need no stinkin' cooling ears at the bottom of the pumpkin to catch things on the farm.
Don't need no stinkin' sight glass either.
Painted and installed.

 

BUT Banks is going to need a new dyno after that last incident.

Odd thought. With all the heat and oil in the pit I bet they could of make some deep fried parts.
I am not into oil with my french fries.

 

 

Crickets on this, unless I've missed something.