Differential cover - interesting research

[pastorwug]

Older thread, but it's appropriate for my question. I just bought a '12 with 83k mi. The diff cover looks a little rough, and I live in Minnesota. I don't do much off-roading, but I still think it should be replaced soon anyway. Would there be any material benefit for me to get the Spicer or Ford Performance (or any other non-OEM) diff cover? Or should I just replace with another OEM diff cover?

I believe I heard that Ford will only warranty diffs with their OEM or Ford Performance diff cover.

 

[nikhsub1]

I believe I heard that Ford will only warranty diffs with their OEM or Ford Performance diff cover.

Well clearly he is out of warranty... I would weigh the cost between the spicer/FP unit vs OEM - but also the former may hold up better to weather than the OEM because of the paint/powder coat. It also looks way better and can be drained/filled without being removed.

 

[doodman4321]

Well clearly he is out of warranty... I would weigh the cost between the spicer/FP unit vs OEM - but also the former may hold up better to weather than the OEM because of the paint/powder coat. It also looks way better and can be drained/filled without being removed.

Right, I'm well outside of factory warranty, but I do have an extended service plan. I'll likely go w/ the FP unit just to not take chances on the extended warranty. Just wanted to get feedback on an OEM vs non-OEM unit, given that I don't do much off-roading (yet). Cast iron/powder coat will obv hold up better in the winter salt/sand up here.

 

[RaptorFun]

In addition…I seem to recall the FP cover increases the capacity of the diff fluid versus the OEM cover. Another win!

 

[Nex]

I have the B&M cover on the Gen 2, just rebranded as Shelby. I think it looks better while high centered at Starbucks.

 

[NateMob]

I have the B&M cover on the Gen 2, just rebranded as Shelby. I think it looks better while high centered at Starbucks.

Can you explain the extra bolts that are on there?

 

[nikhsub1]

Hey Nex I think it looks goofy AF, but hey, you know what they say about opinions

 

[Nex]

Hey Nex I think it looks goofy AF, but hey, you know what they say about opinions

 

[Nex]

Can you explain the extra bolts that are on there?

To help keep the carrier bearings from flexing.

 

[1BAD454SSv2]

This is one i have on my 02 Lightning . Machined out of billet aluminum not cast , i would like to find one for Raptor but they were only made for a few years , and back in 2003 -04 by JDM . I would buy a Banks cover if they made one for our size axle. Gale said if you snap the cooling fins off he would replace the cover for free.