Banks Differential Cover

[LIKE2BUILD]

A while back I came across a video series of Banks Performance testing differential covers. I thought it was interesting and very well done.

Now I see why. They've introduced the Banks Ram Air Differential Cover. I've already installed an AAM aluminum finned cover on my Ram 2500 so I don't really plan to change it out for this one. But, the science and engineering they put behind it are really interesting. They put a lot of time into measuring temps and air flow around the cover and observing oil flow inside the diff. It's really curious they purposefully extended part of the cover below the axle to grab air and flow it across the fins.

Maybe the new diesel emissions rules are clamping down on their business so now they are turning their attention to other performance enhancement options? :h Either way, the cover does look well designed and not just a show piece.

KJ

[4x4ord]

ScottG wrote:

FishOnOne wrote:

Turtle n Peeps wrote:
This whole thing reminds me of a solution waiting for a nonexistent problem.

Kind of like people freaking out over 240F ATF temps. :R

Well said....

Totally agree.

X 3.

[BenK]

Hard core off readers understand this

Imagine crawling over a field of boulders...ranging from 1ft to 3ft or more

You manage to keep the front diff from hitting, but the rear does

The drive shaft may miss, but the pinion end of the rear diff casting might hit and climb up and over...while sliding off..the back side might Catch the diff cover lip and bend if lucky...if not..it bends or rips off to lose fluid

Part of why I converted my K5 to a Dana 60 front and GM 14 bolt rear

My Diff covers had 3/8th inch plate bolster. Take the diff cover and trace it on a piece of plate. Cut it and cut the center out to match the diff cover bolt pattern. Drill matching holes

Grind the OEM diff cover bend back

Gasket the diff casting, then the modified diff cover, then bolt the 3/8th inch thick bolstering over that stack

This is more wishful thinking these days...71 and might try rock crawling again...but my Sub is a whale out there...

[time2roll]

Looks like a well engineered product. Reminds me I need to change my rear diff lube 😉

[GeoBoy]

Does one think AAM would design a differential cover and install it on their differential that would compromise it? Following AAM’s severe service recommendations with a quality synthetic differential oil would be a better way to spend $400.00, than a flashy differential cover.

[ScottG]

FishOnOne wrote:

Turtle n Peeps wrote:
This whole thing reminds me of a solution waiting for a nonexistent problem.

Kind of like people freaking out over 240F ATF temps. :R

Well said....

Totally agree.

[FishOnOne]

Turtle n Peeps wrote:
This whole thing reminds me of a solution waiting for a nonexistent problem.

Kind of like people freaking out over 240F ATF temps. :R

Well said....

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

This whole thing reminds me of a solution waiting for a nonexistent problem.

Kind of like people freaking out over 240F ATF temps. :R

[BenK]

I don't off road much anymore, but I do...this is what I'd also install ir make myself

https://images.app.goo.gl/w7cSrG2rLjnUXpwj7

The stock diff covers also get peeled while crawling over stuff...seasoned off roaders know HOW2 manage that...but poop happens...

[LIKE2BUILD]

time2roll wrote:
I would not buy a cover that created a new low point to hit with a rock.

That was a concern of mine as well. Did you see the part at the very end of the video where he addressed that situation? Fast forward to the 32:00 minute mark to see it if you didn't. Gale took a piece of steel rod and a 4lbs hammer and clobbered the part that hangs down. In his controlled condition the only thing that broke off was the part that hangs down leaving the rest of the cover in tact. He says directly if that happens, they'll give you a replacement.

Now, it's entirely possible the rock you hit will be funky breaking another part and allowing your gear oil to leak out. If that fries your axle will Banks cover it? Not sure.

I think they really intended this cover for on-road use trucks that are hauling heavy loads on the rear axle. Sure this could be used for an off-road truck, but the way they designed the fins and air intake it seems they are targeted conditions where the truck is at-speed flowing air across the cover and actively cooling the fins.

KJ

[Lwiddis]

I believe they work but they look very cool regardless. TY for posting.

[dodge_guy]

time2roll wrote:
I would not buy a cover that created a new low point to hit with a rock.

It doesn’t sit more than an inch lower than the diff itself, in fact the one in the video looked less than an inch. With that said. At the end of the video he showed what it would take to break off the fins. He also said that if it did break off you get a new cover for free. It’s meant to break away. And it won’t lose any fluid.

[time2roll]

I would not buy a cover that created a new low point to hit with a rock.

[Calicajun]

Watch the whole video and found it to be very informative.
Thanks for posting.

[BenK]

Thanks for posting this very interesting diff cover


It might fit my Sub, as the others stick out and interferes with the tank skid plate


Was going to (maybe still going to in addition to this) just use a healthy dose of either Molybdenum Disulfide or Tungsten Disulfide

Issue with those super lube additives is with anything with friction clutches. Too slippery abd clutches will be ruined

Will check this out some more