Differential covers 101

Cummins12V98 wrote:
This is what a properly maintained diff looks like that tows 33-35k combined, with an aluminum finned factory cover.

This is what a proper diff looks like that tows, hauls, exposed to salt water with a steel finned factory cover, with no leaks, no adding amzoil to eliminate chatter, no after market non sense, no bs having to inspect gears and that non sense, no maintenance after 6.5years and 155k miles. As a matter of fact I used the Electronic Locking Diff (ELD)Lock this morning while getting out of the deer camp while pouring down rain.

SidecarFlip wrote:
I would imagine that most people never change the differential fluid or even think about it. Just like transfer cases on a 4x4, out of sight, out of mind.

Me, I'll keep my stamped metal covers. Don't need no stinking aluminum ones.

On Class 8 trucks, the only time the fluid gets changed is if there is a component failure and even then if there is no collaterial damage (metal in the fluid), it just gets topped off, not changed.

Finally Class 8 gearboxes are filled for life, no change needed.

I change it on Construction class 8 trucks.

This is what a properly maintained diff looks like that tows 33-35k combined, with an aluminum finned factory cover.

I have been pulling trailers with pickup truck for sixty years and have never had an issue with a rear end .You can keep your finned covers and I will forget that I even have a differential !

I would imagine that most people never change the differential fluid or even think about it. Just like transfer cases on a 4x4, out of sight, out of mind.

Me, I'll keep my stamped metal covers. Don't need no stinking aluminum ones.

On Class 8 trucks, the only time the fluid gets changed is if there is a component failure and even then if there is no collaterial damage (metal in the fluid), it just gets topped off, not changed.

Finally Class 8 gearboxes are filled for life, no change needed.

I did not get much if anything out of that read.

Do I need a dip stick if i keep an eye on the floor under the diffy?

Drain plugs? If I would happen to change diffy fluid ever 100K miles, I would probably want to get all the good stuff out from the bottom of the housing and take the cover off anyway.

Agree...but that is how it works for the general public... :S

dodge guy wrote:

bobsallyh wrote:
OEMs add them because it is a "monkey see-monkey do" business. Old Joe goes to a dealership for a new truck, sees a fancy diff cover. "Hey that's neat". Then goes to another make's dealership, another fancy diff cover, then to a 3rd dealership, "oh no, plain jane diff cover. But wait, next load of trucks at the 3rd dealership comes of the carrier truck, has fancy diff covers. Truck manufacture that supplies dealership 3 realizes they fell behind in the "fluff market" so they added them. And as far as a manufactures' cost on doing the R&D on a cover, the customer pays for it anyway. JMHO

Too bad that’s now how it works!

bobsallyh wrote:
OEMs add them because it is a "monkey see-monkey do" business. Old Joe goes to a dealership for a new truck, sees a fancy diff cover. "Hey that's neat". Then goes to another make's dealership, another fancy diff cover, then to a 3rd dealership, "oh no, plain jane diff cover. But wait, next load of trucks at the 3rd dealership comes of the carrier truck, has fancy diff covers. Truck manufacture that supplies dealership 3 realizes they fell behind in the "fluff market" so they added them. And as far as a manufactures' cost on doing the R&D on a cover, the customer pays for it anyway. JMHO

Too bad that’s now how it works!

OEMs add them because it is a "monkey see-monkey do" business. Old Joe goes to a dealership for a new truck, sees a fancy diff cover. "Hey that's neat". Then goes to another make's dealership, another fancy diff cover, then to a 3rd dealership, "oh no, plain jane diff cover. But wait, next load of trucks at the 3rd dealership comes of the carrier truck, has fancy diff covers. Truck manufacture that supplies dealership 3 realizes they fell behind in the "fluff market" so they added them. And as far as a manufactures' cost on doing the R&D on a cover, the customer pays for it anyway. JMHO

Exactly how I drain my 97 F350's front and rear pigs but I use 85-140 Spirax not synthetic.

Been told by the Freightliner of Toledo Service manager (who happens to be a good friend of mine not to switch to synthetic because it will leak past the pinion seal and axle seals. Whether that is true or not, not sure but I buy 85-140 in 5 gallon pails because I use it in mt ag tractors front wheel assist differentials and all my implement gearboxes too.

Unlike you, I se a new gasket every time, The are under 10 bucks at autozone.

My truck sits high enough I can sit under the chassis so no creeper needed.

Transfer case gets the same treatment (every 2 years).