Diffy cover question

[JimRummy]

So I changed my gear oil today and low and behold I have a plastic (or composite) diff cover. I'm not a big fan of plastics so I decided to grab a metal one from the junkyard. Heres the question; is the lack of magnet a source of concer ? The plastic cover has a little on molded right in, but nothing on the metal guy.. what do you guys think?

 

[adsm08]

It shouldn't be a problem. The filler plug has a magnet on it, and if you are really worried about it you could always get a magnet and put it on the outside of the cover.

 

[4x4junkie]

Get a magnet that's about ¾" x 1½" and "glue" it inside the cover using black RTV sealant (what I did on mine). Just make sure the surface is 100% clean of any oil where you put it, and also try to encapsulate the magnet with the RTV.

 

[adsm08]

Get a magnet that's about ¾" x 1½" and "glue" it inside the cover using black RTV sealant (what I did on mine). Just make sure the surface is 100% clean of any oil where you put it, and also try to encapsulate the magnet with the RTV.

I'd rather just grab a neodymium piece and throw it on the cover. It won't ever fall off.

Might cause some extra drag in the diff though.

 

[4x4junkie]

The steel cover is going to reduce it's magnetism on the inside though. Why not have it inside where it'll be fully effective? (as you said, it's not gonna fall off, probably even without RTV, the RTV is to hold it just for good measure).

 

[adsm08]

The steel cover is going to reduce it's magnetism on the inside though. Why not have it inside where it'll be fully effective? (as you said, it's not gonna fall off, probably even without RTV, the RTV is to hold it just for good measure).

Yeah, but for a magnet that strong and pieces as small as you would worry about inside a diff it isn't going to matter. Plus I like having s shield piece between my magnet and my debris. That way if I ever have to clean it I can just pull another piece off and have the debris fall.