Rear Differential Cover

[DFW Spartan]

So it's time to change my fluids (t-case, front & rear diffl). While I'm at it, I figured I'd replace my factory rear diff cover with something a little beefier. I know a lot of guys are running Solid, which seem like the best protection for the money. However I'm looking for something with a bottom drain plug, and correct me if I'm wrong, the Solid doesn't? Does anyone have first hand knowledge of either the B&M or PML rear diff covers? Any clearance issues with the B&M cover and the rear sway bar on a H3T?

[FONT=&amp]B&M
[/FONT]http://www.bmracing.com/products/71502-cast-aluminum-differential-cover-for-gm-82-85-86-blk

PML
http://www.hummerpartsclub.com/p/10815bl.html

 

[4speedfunk]

You don’t need a drain plug on the cover...there’s one already on the bottom of the center casting.
However you do need one with a fill plug. Earlier 10b’s (60s-80s) had a fill plug on the side of the casting and didn’t have a drain. Even though the covers all interchange, you gotta make sure to get one with a fill plug. Also...unlike most axles, you can install the 10b cover upside-down. This works if you get an aftermarket cover with a drain plug, but you must measure the fluid when you fill it because the drain hole (now the fill hole) is not in the proper location.

Clear as mud heh?

 

[4speedfunk]

Both of those covers are aluminum...not the best choice for off-roading. Check out OX, Poison Spyder, or Nitro for a cast steel cover. You can also get a fabbed plate cover like this one...
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/182844635681

 

[DFW Spartan]

You don’t need a drain plug on the cover...there’s one already on the bottom of the center casting.
However you do need one with a fill plug. Earlier 10b’s (60s-80s) had a fill plug on the side of the casting and didn’t have a drain. Even though the covers all interchange, you gotta make sure to get one with a fill plug. Also...unlike most axles, you can install the 10b cover upside-down. This works if you get an aftermarket cover with a drain plug, but you must measure the fluid when you fill it because the drain hole (now the fill hole) is not in the proper location.

Clear as mud heh?

Been without my truck for a couple weeks, so I wasn't able to confirm whether the drain plug was in the case or diff cover, so I appreciate the feedback.

I assumed they'd reinforce or beef-up the weak points of a cast aluminum diff cover, so that it's similar in strength to a cast iron or steel cover, and I liked the cooling benefits a finned cast aluminum offers, but I get where you're coming from with aluminum being a weaker material. And I'm okay with not spending $200+ on a diff cover if I don't have to. Since I don't need a diff cover with a bottom drain, the Solid diff cover looks like an attractive option. The OX looks like a good option too. You don't happen to know if the fill hole on either the OX or Solid, right side up, is in the correct location to serve as the fill line do you?

 

[woodwardsh3]

I have the Solid diff cover and I am very happy with it.

 

[Bigunit]

I have the Roc Doc rear diff cover on my H3T. Solid as hell!

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

 

[DFW Spartan]

I have the Solid diff cover and I am very happy with it.

Do you know if fill hole on the Solid cover is at the right location to use it as fill level gauge?

 

[rascole]

I have the Solid Axle Industries and like it. Besides they're on sale for $65.

 

[DFW Spartan]

Appreciate the feedback guys. Ended up ordering the diff cover from Solid Axle Industries.