Front differential cover

WindyCityPilot · October 9, 2006

This may be a stupid question but is the front differential cover the same as the rear? I was thinking of getting aftermarket aluminum finned covers for both the front and rear. I've seen plenty available for the rear differential but have not seen any that say they will fit the front. The rear is a 8.5" ring gear correct? How about the front? 8.25" but still a 10 bolt?

Is anyone on the board here running a Mag-Hytec on the rear? I like what I've read about it so far but was wondering if anyone here has one and can give their thoughts on it. How about the PML covers?

Thanks!!

juliedean · October 9, 2006

This may be a stupid question but is the front differential cover the same as the rear? I was thinking of getting aftermarket aluminum finned covers for both the front and rear. I've seen plenty available for the rear differential but have not seen any that say they will fit the front. The rear is a 8.5" ring gear correct? How about the front? 8.25" but still a 10 bolt?

Is anyone on the board here running a Mag-Hytec on the rear? I like what I've read about it so far but was wondering if anyone here has one and can give their thoughts on it. How about the PML covers?

Thanks!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You would have one on the front diff only if you have a solid axle. Even then you might have clearance issues due to the steering linkages.

As far as a PML cover for the good ol' 10-bolt differential, check out this thread, where we posted a fairly detailed account.

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?...ferential+cover

WindyCityPilot · October 9, 2006

You would have one on the front diff only if you have a solid axle. Even then you might have clearance issues due to the steering linkages.

As far as a PML cover for the good ol' 10-bolt differential, check out this thread, where we posted a fairly detailed account.

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?...ferential+cover

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks for the response juliedean!

I have not crawled under the truck yet to check everything out since I bought it....so is there just not room for an aftermarket cover for the front due to the steering linkages?

juliedean · October 10, 2006

Thanks for the response juliedean!

I have not crawled under the truck yet to check everything out since I bought it....so is there just not room for an aftermarket cover for the front due to the steering linkages?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well, we can't give you a definitive answer on that, as it depends on the front end of your truck's drive train and on the variety of aftermarket covers.

No easy way around this. You'll have to measure the available space around the respective differential areas and get as much data about the dimensions of the covers you like, and see what fits.

In addition to clearance issues, if you have a solid front axle and decide to put an aftermarket cover, you need to evaluate impact risks. What kind of shields you have, how much of the cover is exposed to potential rock hits, and so on. On the rear this is not as much a factor as one would have to try really hard to ram into a big rock to damage the rear-facing cover -- unless, of course, one is rock crawling, but then these are not exactly the vehicles suited for that.

So, first things first, you need to get down on the ground and check out what type of axles and suspension you have. You don't even have to lift the truck up for this, just peek under the beast.

Ape0r · October 10, 2006

The NBS trucks don't even have a front diff cover, I don't think the OBS does either... OOBS does.. but that was back in the 80's!

juliedean · October 10, 2006

The NBS trucks don't even have a front diff cover, I don't think the OBS does either... OOBS does.. but that was back in the 80's!

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Yeah, I think you are right on the money. We have a Sub, which is our only direct truck-based vehicle experience.

I've seen aftermarket solid axle kits advertised to replace the independent front suspension and gearbox style diff set-up, but I don't know how many people actually get those. That is a major mod, and I think it might not be worthwhile on anything less than a strong three-quarter ton truck.