Differential Covers
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 301
Likes: 2
From: Florida
Differential Covers
Going to get my fluid changed in the axles and was wondering about an aftermarket differential cover to hold more fluid. Is it worth it? If so, which one? My truck is an 07 6.0. I run 35's on a 20x10 rim and tow every now and then (although I do hope to buy a boat next year...which means I will be towing a bit more).
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Tustin, CA
Mag Hytec covers are the ones chosen by most, black and aluminum. The rear diff cover reduces temps by 5-10 degrees F, and stiffens up the rear axle; same for the trans pan (5-10 degree reduction). They are expensive ($200-$300), but look cool. The OEM cover can begin to rust after a few years. Ford makes a nice aluminum cover, too, that some have installed.
Luckily, I found a nice used pair of diff and trans cover/pan for $150 for both on craigs list; Otherwise, I would have a hard time justifying the cost, other than it looks good.
The guys at Mag Hytec seem to be great. They sent me (& others) new gaskets FOC (free of charge). I would recommend this great 'made in USA' company product anytime.
Luckily, I found a nice used pair of diff and trans cover/pan for $150 for both on craigs list; Otherwise, I would have a hard time justifying the cost, other than it looks good.
The guys at Mag Hytec seem to be great. They sent me (& others) new gaskets FOC (free of charge). I would recommend this great 'made in USA' company product anytime.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 10,101
Likes: 40
From: Pa
More capacity can't hurt but for what you do I don't see any need for it. If your truck was a full time tow vehicle then maybe. You can get a Ford finned aluminum cover for the rear differential. If you have a SRW you have the sterling 10.5 axle. I have the finned cover on my 04' it doesn't add any capacity, it just helps cool the fluid better. The cover is often referred to as an 08' aluminum cover because 08' was the first year the cover came on 6.4l only SRW SDs.
I bought mine here DieselManor - Ford Sterling Differential cover but you can get just the cover and buy longer bolts somewhere else.
The front axle on your truck should be a dana 60 but ford does not have an aluminum cover out to my knowledge. The aftermarket has front covers available though. The front cover was not a concern for me because I don't drive at high speeds with the 4wd engaged.
I bought mine here DieselManor - Ford Sterling Differential cover but you can get just the cover and buy longer bolts somewhere else.
The front axle on your truck should be a dana 60 but ford does not have an aluminum cover out to my knowledge. The aftermarket has front covers available though. The front cover was not a concern for me because I don't drive at high speeds with the 4wd engaged.
You Keep What You Kill
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,902
Likes: 2
From: Huntersville, NC
There are many aftermarket aluminum differential covers available. Here are some from Purple Cranium with extra capacity (see links below).
Dana 60 Front Cover:
Polished Aluminum Differential Cover - Dana 50/60/70 - Front Axle
Sterling 10.50 Rear Cover:
Polished Aluminum Differential Cover - Ford Sterling 10.25/10.50
Dana 60 Front Cover:
Polished Aluminum Differential Cover - Dana 50/60/70 - Front Axle
Sterling 10.50 Rear Cover:
Polished Aluminum Differential Cover - Ford Sterling 10.25/10.50
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,564
Likes: 11
From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
I agree with Figurhead on the Mag-Hytek. An absolutely beautifully designed and manufactured product, at an appropriate for the quality (if not breathtaking) price.
I tow a lot. And over long, hard grades every time I leave California. On 110 degree days. And plan to keep my truck for 300K miles or more. For conditions like that, they are a great idea. Even with the MH and 6 qts of Redline synthetic oil, I have hit over 275 degrees by the top of Siskiyou Pass....
If your towing is for an hour or less on relatively flat roads and when the air is at reasonable temperatures, you really don't need it.
Any aluminum cover improves cooling over steel. Or clear plastic (possibly the worst possible material...).
I tow a lot. And over long, hard grades every time I leave California. On 110 degree days. And plan to keep my truck for 300K miles or more. For conditions like that, they are a great idea. Even with the MH and 6 qts of Redline synthetic oil, I have hit over 275 degrees by the top of Siskiyou Pass....
If your towing is for an hour or less on relatively flat roads and when the air is at reasonable temperatures, you really don't need it.
Any aluminum cover improves cooling over steel. Or clear plastic (possibly the worst possible material...).
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,315
Likes: 9
From: Mid Atlantic
The Mag Hytek is the top of the line but I could not justify the price. I ended up installing the '08 OEM finned aluminum one and feel it was a very good upgrade.
The biggest issue was the condition of the fluid. I was appalled at the condition of the fluid that was suppose to last 100K and when I changed it at 73K it looked like a chocolate shake...
I do tow a fair amount with this rig so I would reccomend that anyone that tows with their SD don't wait until 100K to change your fluid.
I change the front fluid as well but it was what I would consider to be normal...
The biggest issue was the condition of the fluid. I was appalled at the condition of the fluid that was suppose to last 100K and when I changed it at 73K it looked like a chocolate shake...
I do tow a fair amount with this rig so I would reccomend that anyone that tows with their SD don't wait until 100K to change your fluid.
I change the front fluid as well but it was what I would consider to be normal...
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,215
Likes: 7
From: WV
I too went with the Mag Hytec. I certainly don't require it because of towing but I used a Microsoft Cashback 30% discount plus an ebay 10% off coupon to get it at almost half price. I was in the midst of planning my gauge install and I liked how it had a port for the sender.
I was just before ordering the '08 cover before learning about the MS cashback thing.
Besides the sender port, I like it because of the o-ring so no fooling around with silicone, the dipstick is nice for checking the level, its super easy to fill, and the drain plug is nice.
I don't like it because you don't inspect your gears if you just drain & refill. I plan to pull the cover every other time for that though.
2004 F250 Mag Hytec Cover Install
I was just before ordering the '08 cover before learning about the MS cashback thing.
Besides the sender port, I like it because of the o-ring so no fooling around with silicone, the dipstick is nice for checking the level, its super easy to fill, and the drain plug is nice.
I don't like it because you don't inspect your gears if you just drain & refill. I plan to pull the cover every other time for that though.
2004 F250 Mag Hytec Cover Install
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2007
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Thanks for this Andrew. I never knew this.
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