• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

How To: Install a PML differential cover


korey89

New Member
Article Contributor
Joined
Apr 1, 2008
Messages
41
Reaction score
2
Points
0
Transmission
Automatic
Original Poster: korey89

Difficulty: 3 out of 10

Time to install: 25 minutes

Disclaimer: The Ranger Station.com, The Ranger Station.com Staff, nor the original poster are responsible for you doing this modification to your vehicle. By doing this modification and following this how-to you, the installer, take full responsibility if anything is damaged or messed up. If you have questions, feel free to PM the original poster or ask in the appropriate section of The Ranger Station.com forums.

Brief Explanation: Here is how to install a PML differential cover on an 8.8 axle


Tools needed:
  • Socket set
  • Ratchet
  • Allen key set
  • Scraper
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Drain pan

Parts neded:
  • PML cover
  • Black RTV
  • Brake parts cleaner (non-chlorinated)
  • Blue Loctite
  • 80w90 gear oil (4 quarts)
  • Limited slip additive (if truck is equipped with one)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQmkLc0W5g4
*As you can see the axle was previously drained of fluid and was on jackstands, however the installation process is the same. [/SIZE]




This cover features raised fins for added cooling, as well as 0.6qt over stock fluid capacity. It also features an added magnetic drain plug, fill plug, and level check hole. There is also a small raised portion on the right side which can be drilled and tapped for a temperature sending unit.

The cover is available in black powercoated (as shown), polished, and as cast finishes. A 7.5 version is also available for those with that axle. For more information on them click the logo below.

 


Jim Oaks

Just some guy with a website
Administrator
Founder / Site Owner
Supporting Vendor
Article Contributor
TRS Banner 2010-2011
TRS Banner 2012-2015
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Aug 2, 2000
Messages
13,416
Reaction score
8,539
Points
113
Location
Nocona, Texas
Vehicle Year
1996 / 2021
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0 / 2.3 Ecoboost
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
6-inches
Tire Size
33x12.50x15
Added to online magazine.

Thanks!
 

fixizin

FoMoCo is forcing me to buy a 'yota
Supporting Member
Joined
Apr 13, 2008
Messages
1,041
Reaction score
114
Points
63
Location
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Vehicle Year
99
Make / Model
XL Spurt
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Engine Size
3.0 (Flex)
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
A properly suspensioned Ranger can be safely airborne for up to 4 seconds at a time! =:O
I'm not usually considered a perv, but that is just plain SEXY! (Also got a bit excited by the air ratchet, LOL!) I've got the 7.5, and yes, PML is to be commended for mf'g TWO excellent offerings for a rear-end the rest of the world has (for some reason? :icon_confused: ) FORGOTTEN.

Anywayz, was wondering how you got your axle tubes nice and black? Can I just slap some POR-15 on top of my (typical) rust layer, or am I in for some serious wire wheel time, er whut...???

Thanks in advance.
 

NewShockerGuy

Member
Joined
Aug 12, 2014
Messages
32
Reaction score
1
Points
8
Location
NOVA, DC
Vehicle Year
2001
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
2.3
Transmission
Automatic
Older thread but I just ordered my PML cover. My 7.5 one that I have had for years is showing it's age. It's been painted red and is still rusting...lol

Figured I'd get a PML. I picked up this one:



I am going to paint it burnt copper like I did my valve cover:



I'm going to tape off the fins and then spray it, and remove the tape so the fins are the aluminum color and the rest is burnt copper. Should look kinda neat. I like that this one has a drain plug at the bottom so no more removing the cover and resealing it...etc. Should go a lot faster.

-Nigel
 

NewShockerGuy

Member
Joined
Aug 12, 2014
Messages
32
Reaction score
1
Points
8
Location
NOVA, DC
Vehicle Year
2001
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
2.3
Transmission
Automatic
I should have bought this sooner!


Painted and sanded the fins, then clear coated.

-Nigel
 

Attachments

fixizin

FoMoCo is forcing me to buy a 'yota
Supporting Member
Joined
Apr 13, 2008
Messages
1,041
Reaction score
114
Points
63
Location
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Vehicle Year
99
Make / Model
XL Spurt
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Engine Size
3.0 (Flex)
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
A properly suspensioned Ranger can be safely airborne for up to 4 seconds at a time! =:O
Some threads deserve to be updated, NSGuy... BEAUTIFUL RESULTS!... <insert GREEN WITH ENVY smiley here> ... inspires me to get on with it. Did you actually tape all the fins, or just block sand afterwards? Sweet either way.
 

sgtsandman

Aircraft Fuel Tank Diver
TRS Forum Moderator
U.S. Military - Active
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Ham Radio Operator
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Mar 11, 2017
Messages
12,695
Reaction score
12,390
Points
113
Location
Aliquippa, PA
Vehicle Year
2011/2019
Make / Model
Ranger XLT/FX4
Engine Size
4.0 SOHC/2.3 Ecoboost
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
Pre-2008 lift/Stock
Tire Size
31X10.5R15/265/65R17
It's much easier to block sand after the paint cures and it comes out more even.
 

cbxer55

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 9, 2009
Messages
1,863
Reaction score
763
Points
113
Location
Midwest City, Oklahoma
Vehicle Year
1998
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
3.0
Transmission
Automatic
I've been meaning to change my Rangers differential cover for awhile now. But with five vehicles, two trucks, one car and two bikes, it's hard to say when it'll get done. On my Lightning, I've had a TA cover, which are nice, and they make one for the 7.5 diff. The TA holds one quart more than stock. The Lightning currently has a Mag-Hytec, which holds six quarts compared to the stock two.

Just be aware that there are those on this site, naysayers if you will, who will come on here and tell you that it's not good to run a different differential cover than the stock one. No matter. My Lightning hasn't had a stock cover in ten years. Ran the TA for six years and the Mag-Hytec for four. Not one problem. So I just blow them off when they start chiming in with their negative opinions. They'll post YouTube videos as proof. Yup, saw it on youtube, must be right. LMAO!!

The TA cover still uses a gasket, whereas the M-H has a built in o-ring, on both my diff cover and my transmission pan. Like that a lot. Hardest part to me, is getting the old cover off without making a bloody mess. After that, it's all downhill.

First pic is TA cover, second Mag-Hytec.
 

Attachments

sgtsandman

Aircraft Fuel Tank Diver
TRS Forum Moderator
U.S. Military - Active
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Ham Radio Operator
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Mar 11, 2017
Messages
12,695
Reaction score
12,390
Points
113
Location
Aliquippa, PA
Vehicle Year
2011/2019
Make / Model
Ranger XLT/FX4
Engine Size
4.0 SOHC/2.3 Ecoboost
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
Pre-2008 lift/Stock
Tire Size
31X10.5R15/265/65R17
When I go to do the axle regear and install the torsen in the front and a locker in the back, I want to put an ARB cover on the rear axle. There isn’t enough clearance for anything more than the stock cover for the front.
 

fixizin

FoMoCo is forcing me to buy a 'yota
Supporting Member
Joined
Apr 13, 2008
Messages
1,041
Reaction score
114
Points
63
Location
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Vehicle Year
99
Make / Model
XL Spurt
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Engine Size
3.0 (Flex)
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
A properly suspensioned Ranger can be safely airborne for up to 4 seconds at a time! =:O
OK NewShocker, you're now the 2nd poster on this thread with some kind of "furly industrial" black coating on your axle tubes... WTH is it???




There isn’t enough clearance for anything more than the stock cover for the front.
I know, very sad, zero aftermarket for that issue... FoMoCo just shoe-horning everything 4WD in there as an afterthought...
 

fixizin

FoMoCo is forcing me to buy a 'yota
Supporting Member
Joined
Apr 13, 2008
Messages
1,041
Reaction score
114
Points
63
Location
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Vehicle Year
99
Make / Model
XL Spurt
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Engine Size
3.0 (Flex)
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
A properly suspensioned Ranger can be safely airborne for up to 4 seconds at a time! =:O
Hello, is this thing ON?... anyone got a clue on what that black coating is on the axles shown in this thread?... anyone, anyone at all...?
 

Dirtman

Former Middleweight Moss Fighting Champion
Joined
May 28, 2018
Messages
19,304
Reaction score
13,326
Points
113
Location
41N 75W
Vehicle Year
2009
Engine Type
2.3 (4 Cylinder)
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
It's up there.
Total Drop
It's down there.
Tire Size
Round.
My credo
I poop in the furnace.
The technical term for it is paint.
 

cbxer55

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 9, 2009
Messages
1,863
Reaction score
763
Points
113
Location
Midwest City, Oklahoma
Vehicle Year
1998
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
3.0
Transmission
Automatic
Hello, is this thing ON?... anyone got a clue on what that black coating is on the axles shown in this thread?... anyone, anyone at all...?
Bueller? Bueller? ;-)
 

fixizin

FoMoCo is forcing me to buy a 'yota
Supporting Member
Joined
Apr 13, 2008
Messages
1,041
Reaction score
114
Points
63
Location
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Vehicle Year
99
Make / Model
XL Spurt
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Engine Size
3.0 (Flex)
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
A properly suspensioned Ranger can be safely airborne for up to 4 seconds at a time! =:O
LOL... no, come on, that ain't just "paint", that's some kinda undercoating or furnace paint, tested on the surface of the Planet Mercury... youse guyz izz holdin' out on me... ;):unsure:
 

racsan

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Aug 17, 2007
Messages
4,919
Reaction score
4,317
Points
113
Location
central ohio
Vehicle Year
2009
Make / Model
ford/escape
Engine Type
2.5 (4 Cylinder)
Engine Size
2.5/151 I-4
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Tire Size
235/70/16
My credo
the grey-t escape
might be por-15. I just “bug-bomb” mine with rustoleom flat black every so often, frame rails too.
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Staff online

Today's birthdays

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Truck of The Month


Kirby N.
March Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top