Does the perfect diff cover for me exist??

[ThreeBearsHD]

I thought with the popularity of the Ram 2500 Cummins, that there would be a plethora of choices in differential covers and I could find one that checks all the boxes. Apparently not.

2024 Ram 2500 with coil springs, no air, 6.7 Cummins regular motor...






Only light towing, but some off-road exploring in Idaho, Utah, and Arizona.

Therefore, I need a steel/iron diff cover with additional capacity and bottom draining for convenience due to water crossings and harsh environments that will result in more frequent fluid changes.

I thought the Yukon rear cover would be perfect, but their website says they don't make one for my truck.

Another company, RuffStuff, makes some great covers built for abuse and have extra fluid capacity, but no bottom drain...

Does anybody know of any other steel/iron aftermarket diff covers out there for our trucks?

 

[AH64ID]

The AEV cover checks all the boxes except added capacity, which really isn’t needed anyways for even the toughest applications.

AEV Rear Differential Cover for 2010+ Ram HD

Equip your 2010+ Dodge Ram 2500/3500 with AEV's rear differential cover. Designed for maximum strength, this cover ensures top performance and longevity.

www.aev-conversions.com

 

[ThreeBearsHD]

The AEV cover checks all the boxes except added capacity, which really isn’t needed anyways for even the toughest applications.

AEV Rear Differential Cover for 2010+ Ram HD

Equip your 2010+ Dodge Ram 2500/3500 with AEV's rear differential cover. Designed for maximum strength, this cover ensures top performance and longevity.

www.aev-conversions.com

I looked at those, but found a thread here that mentioned them...

R

Thread 'REAR DIFF COVER??'

Sep 22, 2022

I am going to change the rear diff oil and want to install a new cover with additional capacity & cooling fins. Any suggestions on a good strong unit? Would like to have top fill and bottom drain. I tow a 30' camper weighing about 6500 - 6700 pounds.

• RAM Stag
• Replies: 16
• Forum: 6.4 Hemi V8

Does not add cooling fins or extra capacity but it is stout and easy to fill not so easy to drain tho as the drain plug is a poor designed tapered pipe plug that makes it easier to just remove the cover.

 

[AH64ID]

What makes you think added capacity and cooling fins are needed for your application? The DRW runs the same capacity without fins and at max GCWR the fluid will be hotter and used harder than all off-road applications. Get something stout to prevent dents and damage, but don’t worry about capacity and fins.

I once subscribed to the added capacity and fins but all it did was decrease fuel economy and make for more expensive fluid changes.

 

[ThreeBearsHD]

What makes you think added capacity and cooling fins are needed for your application? The DRW runs the same capacity without fins and at max GCWR the fluid will be hotter and used harder than all off-road applications. Get something stout to prevent dents and damage, but don’t worry about capacity and fins.

I once subscribed to the added capacity and fins but all it did was decrease fuel economy and make for more expensive fluid changes.

Please quote my previous statement in which I said I needed fins. I never stated as such. I did say I wanted increased capacity. That's just basic science. More fluid means more ability to absorb abuse. I run my truck in harsh environments and more fluid capacity adds more protection against breakdown of fluids and contamination.

 

[dieselscout80]

Is more capacity better?

The gear oil needs to reach a warm enough temperature to ensure that any moisture is evaporated.

 

[Crusty old shellback]

Ive got 95K of abuse on my '21 Power Wagon with 35" tires.
Mud, snow, off road, offroad towing, water crossings.
All stock axles and no issues.

 

[AH64ID]

Please quote my previous statement in which I said I needed fins. I never stated as such. I did say I wanted increased capacity. That's just basic science. More fluid means more ability to absorb abuse. I run my truck in harsh environments and more fluid capacity adds more protection against breakdown of fluids and contamination.

Sorry, thought you mentioned cooling too.

These axles hold more fluid than most, added capacity isn’t really needed for your application. That’s probably why you’re not finding what your looking for.

 

[56ram2500]

The AEV cover checks all the boxes except added capacity, which really isn’t needed anyways for even the toughest applications.

AEV Rear Differential Cover for 2010+ Ram HD

Equip your 2010+ Dodge Ram 2500/3500 with AEV's rear differential cover. Designed for maximum strength, this cover ensures top performance and longevity.

www.aev-conversions.com

Priced at $357 plus shipping, I think I'll just unbolt it and let it drain for that kind of coin....

 

[heavyg603]

For my 2500 I ended up going with Mag-Hytec — they’re pricey, but you get the extra capacity, drain plug, and they’re built like a tank. Some guys in my group also run Banks diff covers and swear by them, mostly because of the cooling design. If you don’t mind paying a bit more, either of those should check your boxes better than the Yukon/RuffStuff options.

 

[AH64ID]

For my 2500 I ended up going with Mag-Hytec — they’re pricey, but you get the extra capacity, drain plug, and they’re built like a tank. Some guys in my group also run Banks diff covers and swear by them, mostly because of the cooling design. If you don’t mind paying a bit more, either of those should check your boxes better than the Yukon/RuffStuff options.

I would not want either of those for decent off roading. They are cast aluminum, which is weaker for impacts.

I ran the MH for many years, it never provided any tangible benefits but it did cost me more fuel and more gear lube. Lesson learned, but they sure did look fantastic.

Priced at $357 plus shipping, I think I'll just unbolt it and let it drain for that kind of coin....

That’s no joke. Unless you need added protection the price point and effectiveness of the stock cover can’t be beat.