Best Automotive Replacement Differential Covers in 2022

Last update: November 12, 2022

Are aftermarket differential covers worth it?

Differential covers are designed to protect your differential and gears from the elements. Many aftermarket differential covers are made from billet aluminum and have a clear anodized finish to resist corrosion. Some even have a drain plug to make changing your gear oil easier. While an aftermarket differential cover may not be necessary, it can give you peace of mind knowing your differential is well protected.

Are aluminum diff covers good?

Aluminum diff covers are a good choice for those who want a lighter weight option. They are also a good choice for those who want an option that will not rust.

How do I know what gear ratio my rear differential is?

If you have a rear-wheel drive car, your rear differential is what transfers power from the driveshaft to the rear wheels. The gear ratio is the number of teeth on the ring gear divided by the number of teeth on the pinion gear. A higher gear ratio means more torque is transferred to the wheels, but the car will have less acceleration. A lower gear ratio means less torque is transferred to the wheels, but the car will have more acceleration.

How do I know which differential I have?

If you're not sure which differential you have, the best way to find out is by looking up your car's specifications. You can usually find this information in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website. Once you know your car's make, model, and year, you can use this information to look up the differential type.


GM Universal Torque Convertor Plastic Cover Review:


I bought this for my 1957 Chevrolet pickup, which is powered by a 383 stroker and has a GMC 700 R4 transmission. You will need to make an opening for the starter because this product is a plastic one-size-fits-all. The product contains lines for different setups; just follow the one for your engine, and it will fit. There is too much plastic in the upper two bolt holes that attach to the bell housing. I bought two 1/2" bolts because the 1/4" bolt I had wasn't long enough.



Ford 8C3Z-4033-A 8C3Z-4033-A-COVER Review:


Do you desire a Mag-Hytec Rear Differential Cover for an 86–12 Ford F–250/F–350 truck or SUV with a 12–10.25 axle but don't wish to pay five times as much as this person did? Well. You are fortunate. Purchase this along with a can of high temperature flat or gloss black paint. Use alcohol or the degreaser of your choice to clean the exterior surface. Black paint should be applied to the entire outside side. Set it aside. Then, using a sanding sponge, grinder with a flap disc, steel wool, or anything else you want that removes paint, scrape the black paint from the fins' edge. Congratulations, you can now upgrade your Sterling 10.5/10.25's Mag-Hytec diff cover for for $60 instead of $300! Buy The Hillman Group 2238 5/16-Inch Stainless Steel Split Lock Washer, 15-Pack, Socket Cap Screws 18-8 Stainless Steel - 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 (FT) Qty-25, and Lube Locker Ford Sterling 10.25



MAG-HYTEC GM10-8.5 Differential Cover Review:


On my 2012 GMC Sierra 1500, it fits great. There were no problems at all other than the fact that I had to slightly enlarge the bolt hole in the factory brake cable bracket. Love the drain plug and the sizable fill hole on the lid because they make routine maintenance a simple and prevent fluid from getting all over the place like before. And since it's so simple to do, I'll do it frequently.The magnetic dipstick can also be used to check the fluid level and quickly assess the "health" of the differential by examining the quantity of metal film or pieces on the dipstick. It also prevents metal fragments from getting into the gears since it is magnetic. And what's really wonderful is that this diff cover includes an integrated rubber o-ring, so there's no need to buy a separate gasket.This cover has cooling fins built into it so that your rear end will run cooler and contains an additional two quarts of fluid. If you often tow, this is crucial.Yes, all of that AND it looks nice!



Dorman 697-706 Differential Cover for GM Review:


A 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 with a 5.3L, 2WD, and a towing package fitted the Dorman 697-706, which includes Posi Traction.Just so you know:- A robust, top-notch product.- Fit like a glove, with cut-outs at the top for the brake lines.- Fill-holes are far more convenient and easier to access for filling than drainage holes.- The gasket that was provided was OUTSTANDING and superior to Felpro.- Bung has a heavy-duty nylon washer and DID NOT LEAK. Yes, you must tighten it once you've filled it. That seemed apparent to me;)- I painted it after priming it. Although it is built of sturdy steel, it will corrode.- Since I had more other things to do than crawl under trucks, I utilized 75W90 synthetic oil.- There is no room for error here, so take your time and CLEAN ALL surfaces!- I used gasket sealer on BOTH sides of the gasket, and there are no leaks whatsoever!- I applied 10-20 and 30 Foot/Pound torque to all 10 bolts. Avoid being a nerd, TORQUE!If everything has rusted and it's unlikely that the original fill-plug can be removed, this is your only option.OUTSTANDING PRODUCT...need I say more?



Dorman 697-704 Differential Cover for Ford Review:


decent diff cover Its inside powder coating is not something I appreciate. You can bet that will happen if that fails. Additionally, Diff has high hydraulic pressure and turbulence, which could cause a magnet that is bonded to the top of the powder coating to come loose. So I took off the magnet and powder coating inside. Magnet is not as useful because Diff won't contain as many metal particles as a shifting tray—instead, they pose a very minor risk. Additionally, mine was missing a gasket.



CSI 1316 Steel Differential Cover 1988-98 Gm 10 bolt rear ends, Chromed Steel Review:


I bought this for my husband's pickup. When two arrived at double the price, I became upset. Given that I ordered two by mistake, it would seem that the merchant is not at blame. Given that you may only use one per car, I believe they may have sent me an email to inquire as to whether it was an error. When Hubs was satisfied, he decided to keep the extra one. It all works out in the end.



Dorman 697-702 Differential Cover Review:


Overall, it works pretty well. The magnet that is supplied is a great addition, and because it is always submerged in oil, there will be less metal particles running through and around the gears.The one drawback, which accounts for the 4-star rating, is that the entire cover is just plain stamped steel. For less bother on my part, I would have preferred to have the option of applying a primer layer, even only to the outside of the cover.Currently, I have two coats of primer, followed by two coats of rubberized underbody coating, after which I have sanded the outside as best I can (a quick sandblast would have been ideal, but that wasn't an option). That ought to solve the issue.You should be fine if you just remember to use the provided gasket and add some silicone to the cover side of the gasket (since the cover may not be flat but the pumpkin housing is) and follow the correct procedures for tightening the criss-cross bolt pattern. Before filling the pumpkin, give the silicone a little over an hour to set.Wrenching on!


How do you change a rear differential cover?

If your car has a rear differential, then it likely has a differential cover. This cover is there to protect the gears and fluid inside the differential. Over time, the differential cover can become damaged or leaks can develop. When this happens, it's necessary to replace the cover. The first step is to remove the old cover. This will require unbolting it from the differential. Once it's loose, you can pull it off and discard it. Next, clean the surface of the differential. This will ensure that the new cover will seal properly. Now

How do you check rear differential?

To check your rear differential, you'll need to jack up your car and support it on jack stands. Once the car is secure, remove the fill plug and drain plug to drain the fluid. Inspect the fluid for metal shavings, which could indicate wear on the differential gears. Finally, refill the differential with new fluid and replace the plugs.

How do you know if spider gears are worn?

If your vehicle has a solid axle, there are spider gears inside the differential that allow the wheels to turn at different speeds when going around a corner. Over time, these gears can wear out and cause the vehicle to vibrate or make noise when turning. If you think your spider gears may be worn, have a mechanic check them to be sure.

How much does it cost to replace a rear differential gasket?

It can cost anywhere from $200 to $1000 to replace a rear differential gasket. The cost will depend on the make and model of your vehicle, the severity of the leak, and the labor costs of the mechanic.

How warm should a differential get?

Differentials are a vital part of a car's drivetrain, transferring power from the transmission to the wheels. They are filled with gear oil, which helps to lubricate the gears and keep them cool. Differentials can get quite hot, especially during extended periods of driving, but they should never get too hot to touch. If your differential is too hot to touch, it's time to pull over and investigate the cause.

Should I use gasket or RTV for rear differential?

If you are looking to reseal your rear differential, you have two main choices: gaskets or RTV (room temperature vulcanizing) sealant. So, which should you use? There are pros and cons to both gaskets and RTV sealant. Gaskets are less messy and easier to install, but they can be difficult to remove later if you need to access the differential. RTV sealant is more messy and difficult to install, but it will provide a better seal and is easier to remove later if needed. So, which