rear differential
Token Redneck
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,335
Likes: 343
From: Breckenridge, TX
All you gain is a better fill plug, and maybe a drain plug. But how often do you really change your diff oil under normal conditions? Cracking it isn't hard, just a PITA to let the gasket-maker set up.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 2
From: CA Bay Area
I think my F450 has one of those finned cover from the factory. I found site claiming that those fins lower the differential temperatures by 30 degree. I just rebuild mine and measured it at 270F while not towing.
Don't think it might matter for average drivers, but it helps in extreme towing.
Don't think it might matter for average drivers, but it helps in extreme towing.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 745
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
I replaced my rusty rear diff cover with the 08 aluminum one. Not because of temperatures, and not for looks... purely because it is aluminum and won't rust again.
I think when i was looking them last year the stamped steel one was $30ish and the stock 08 aluminum one was $50ish. Totally worth the extra $20.
Longer stainless bolts can be purchased at lowes or home depot for fairly cheap.
I think when i was looking them last year the stamped steel one was $30ish and the stock 08 aluminum one was $50ish. Totally worth the extra $20.
Longer stainless bolts can be purchased at lowes or home depot for fairly cheap.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: santa clarita
Alright thanks. I will look into it. Does the new cover stock or the 08 one come with the seal?
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 745
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
http://www.permatex.com/products/Aut...sket_Maker.htm
Just a thin bead around the cover, making sure to go around each bolt hole. There is a write-up on this in the tech folder. It is important to get all the old gasket material off. Use a putty knife and then a skotchbrite pad. Use a solvent like acetone to remove all the oil from the flange face before applying the RTV. Also make sure you get the correct lube for your diff. If you have limited slip you will need to add friction modifier, or use lube that already has friction modifier in it.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,313
Likes: 0
From: Sunny, Snowy, CO
I saw one that was CLEAR the other day...and I laughed. I also wondered how much that cost. What a waste. You could see the gears though as it had sat still overnight.
Go with stock, or the aluminum has my vote.
Go with stock, or the aluminum has my vote.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,884
Likes: 180
From: Morgan Hill, CA
I have had a mag hytec on mine for at least 5 years now. My only beef is the 3/16" hex key needed for that huge drain plug. Why not make it like a quarter or HALF inch and not 3/16? I've broke 2 socket drivers for it removing the plug. I guess at this point I'll just use an Allen wrench and save myself the drip to Sears for replacements...
I change mine about every 100,000.
As to the above post, 270* sounds WAY to high kajtec1! I don't know for sure but I do have a temp probe in mine and it gets to 140 HWY and 190 Towing.
I change mine about every 100,000.
As to the above post, 270* sounds WAY to high kajtec1! I don't know for sure but I do have a temp probe in mine and it gets to 140 HWY and 190 Towing.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 2
From: CA Bay Area
My 10,000 lb shoebox takes much bigger force to move than regular pickup, so would expect higher differential temperatures. Than my bearings and gears are breaking in, that is why I am monitoring the temperatures.
Different differential require different oil weight. My Dana takes synthetic 75-90 and I used Redline that is close to it.
Different differential require different oil weight. My Dana takes synthetic 75-90 and I used Redline that is close to it.