How To: Install a PML differential cover

[korey89]

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)

*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]

Added to online magazine.

Thanks!

 

[fixizin]

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? ) 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]

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]

I should have bought this sooner!


Painted and sanded the fins, then clear coated.

-Nigel

 

[fixizin]

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]

It's much easier to block sand after the paint cures and it comes out more even.

 

[cbxer55]

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.

 

[sgtsandman]

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]

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]

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]

The technical term for it is paint.

 

[cbxer55]

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]

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...

 

[racsan]

might be por-15. I just “bug-bomb” mine with rustoleom flat black every so often, frame rails too.