Rear Axle Cover Kit

rwregener · November 20, 2008

Hi:

My first post! I've been lurking for a while. What a great site! So much good information. Thanks.

My question:

Has anyone used GM's rear axle cover kit when changing the rear differential fluid? The part no. is 15290822. The kit comes with a new cover, gasket, and bolts.

The cover has a fill plug in it. I'm wondering if the fill plug is at the same height as, or lower than, the plug on the side of the differential housing. I'm wondering if this plug eliminates the need to measure down 5/8 to 1 5/8 inch from the existing plug hole for fluid level.

Anyone know? Thanks!

dlstewart01 · November 21, 2008

Hi:

My first post! I've been lurking for a while. What a great site! So much good information. Thanks.

My question:

Has anyone used GM's rear axle cover kit when changing the rear differential fluid? The part no. is 15290822. The kit comes with a new cover, gasket, and bolts.

The cover has a fill plug in it. I'm wondering if the fill plug is at the same height as, or lower than, the plug on the side of the differential housing. I'm wondering if this plug eliminates the need to measure down 5/8 to 1 5/8 inch from the existing plug hole for fluid level.

Anyone know? Thanks!

After looking this up in gmpartsdirect.com catalog, this part # 15290822 seems to be the STOCK diff cover and lists for 30 dollars and some cents. I would not believe this cover to have a fill plug.

Now GM Performance Parts catalog list a diff cover with a plug, from the picture it looks like a fill plug, for the 8.625 rear. The part # is 12498974. The retail cost is $144.29 gmpartsdirect.com cost is $105.04. The cover is cast aluminum and doubles the fluid capacity.

Just my opinion,

Don

catrains · November 21, 2008

Hi:

My first post! I've been lurking for a while. What a great site! So much good information. Thanks.

My question:

Has anyone used GM's rear axle cover kit when changing the rear differential fluid? The part no. is 15290822. The kit comes with a new cover, gasket, and bolts.

The cover has a fill plug in it. I'm wondering if the fill plug is at the same height as, or lower than, the plug on the side of the differential housing. I'm wondering if this plug eliminates the need to measure down 5/8 to 1 5/8 inch from the existing plug hole for fluid level.

Anyone know? Thanks!

you have a g80 diff this is locking diff...

I have the original parts..remove cover clean with mineral spirits/paint thinner apply silicone gasket sealer to metal cover and place the gasket on the cover let the gasket sealer set up 20 minutes then install cover on the diff housing...cleaning the diff housing and magnets use a rag get the debris out....do not use harsh chemicals..if needed paint cover exterior before installing....

fill to the 5/8 below the fill hole...after driving recheck sometimes the level may drop after movement...

do not over tighten..studs...

rwregener · November 22, 2008

I ended up buying this kit from a local dealer. It does come with cover, bolts, and gasket.

There is a plug in the cover. My measurements weren't too precise, but I'd say this fill hole is 5/8" or 3/4" lower than the one on the side of the pig.

I've got a picture of it. But will have to figure out how to reduce the file size before posting.

pm26 · November 22, 2008

Now GM Performance Parts catalog list a diff cover with a plug, from the picture it looks like a fill plug, for the 8.625 rear. The part # is 12498974. The retail cost is $144.29 gmpartsdirect.com cost is $105.04. The cover is cast aluminum and doubles the fluid capacity.

Will this cover fit my '06 crew cab Z71? Are you sure that this cover will double the oil capacity?

dlstewart01 · November 22, 2008

Now GM Performance Parts catalog list a diff cover with a plug, from the picture it looks like a fill plug, for the 8.625 rear. The part # is 12498974. The retail cost is $144.29 gmpartsdirect.com cost is $105.04. The cover is cast aluminum and doubles the fluid capacity.

Will this cover fit my '06 crew cab Z71? Are you sure that this cover will double the oil capacity?

Yes, it says in the GM Performance catalog it is for the C/K 1500 series truck and it says doubles the fluid capacity. The cover has fins cast into it and has GM cast into it as well.

Don