8.8 Differential Cover

[Uncle Gump]

So when doing my spring hangers and shackles I noticed my diff cover was pretty crusty. Probably within a year it will be leaking. I know there is a debate on aftermarket covers causing lube and over heating issues. But I'm still thinking about doing an aftermarket cover.

Is there any that are better then the others? I see the finned Motorcraft aluminum cover... but I don't think I want aluminum.

I was actually looking at the ARB cover... it's pricey... but it looks cool and it is iron. It also has bearing cross bracing to stiffen the center section magnetic drain plug and includes the hardware. Anyone used one of these? Not many reviews to help me make a decision....

ARB Ford 8.8 Iron Red Cover - 0750006

Whether you're looking to maintain, optimize, or upgrade, we offer competitive pricing on ARB Ford 8.8 Iron Red Cover - 0750006 for your Truck or Jeep at 4 Wheel Parts. With our selection of quality brands and expert advice, we help boost your vehicle's performance and make a statement on or off...

www.4wheelparts.com

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Have a powder coated Factory one here you can have for shipping

 

[Uncle Gump]

I may take you up on that...

I was kinda hoping to add some cool factor along with some added strength since my spare tire is now gone and it's pretty visible now.

 

[Shran]

I bought a Solid brand one. I'm very pleased with it, and including a lube locker gasket, it was just over a hundred bucks delivered. Highly recommend.

 

[Dirtman]

The ARB cover looks good, the issue with the aftermarket ones is when they have weird sharp angles and not a smooth rounded section around the ring gear to help the oil sling up and back to the pinion.

 

[Blmpkn]

I had a trick flow one on my p71. Thick cast aluminum to control the heat, girdle supports, drain & fill ports. Paid around 180 or so iirc, would buy again.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I bought a Solid brand one. I'm very pleased with it, and including a lube locker gasket, it was just over a hundred bucks delivered. Highly recommend.

I sure do like the price of that one. Looks pretty tough.

Question... it has a higher fill hole for added capacity. Do you actually run it at that level or just fill to the original fill port?

 

[Shran]

Nope, I filled to the original fill port location. I'm not sure why they did that. Might be easier to fill from the rear if you're using quart bottles in some cases than through the normal filler hole.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I kinda figured you wouldn't have done that.

I did seen someplace on a different cover with a raised fill hole were it said it was for increased (raised) pinion angle. That makes sense.

I think I may just go with this one. I just wish they had it on Amazon... I just paid off my Amazon store card. I guess I will take my grease trap cleaning fee I charge my store and buy this one from the Bronco Graveyard. I told the wife mine is close to rusted out and I need to repair it. Good thing she doesn't know I could buy a standard replacement for a lot less.

 

[sgtsandman]

The ARB cover is one of the better ones for several reasons. The material, the interior shape, and the fact it has a drain plug.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Mine for the expo 8.8

Taboo customs, Illinois. Damn fine work.

 

[scotts90ranger]

I think I'm running a Ruff Stuff cover but don't remember, I got it 10 years ago from someone on here for CHEAP. Other than having to run allen bolts it's great, I am not sure I've used it's structure much but it's better than the fiberglass cover I got with the axle...

 

[racsan]

I have a cast alloy summit girdle cover for a 8.8, was on my 93 & I swapped the fiberglass cover back before that truck went down the road, has arp 12 point stainless bolts with it, not sure what I paid for it.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

For steel I would run a Solid or Ruffstuff.

I have a finned cast aluminum one for a 13-14 GT-500 on mine.

Should flow and cool as well or better than a stamped one and has a drain hole. Used to be $70 on Amazon... last time I checked that had changed.

 

[Uncle Gump]

For steel I would run a Solid or Ruffstuff.

I have a finned cast aluminum one for a 13-14 GT-500 on mine.

I remember you bought that one... the price went up. I also remember you having to buy hardware for it. I just got to thinking that if it hit a rock... it's outcome might not end well.

I was all set to buy the Solid branded cover... then Junkie jumped into my ear about the same issue of the aluminum one.

For what I will ever do... a new stock cover would probably be just fine. I give for a minute... I'm already to damn analytical and will look a little deeper into it. Maybe some Flex Seal and Gorilla Tape.