Okay, so I am going to change my 13 year old gear oil with 23K on it. The last time I changed it I did not bother to put an aftermarket rear diff cover on. I did that on my 1999. So I have to pull the cover and then RTV.

I am long term with this truck so I am wondering if it is worth putting a cover on with a drain plug. Or is the idea that you pull the cover so you can take a look in there to see how things look and look for shavings? It was easy on my 1999 to just drop the drain plug ... maybe I am lazy .. but less work and messing with RTV.

Any thoughts on if it is worth swapping the diff cover out for one with a drain plug? I have seen the cast iron ($180) which don't seem to bad? Not sure if there is a rust issue or an Aluminum which would not have that issue? Any thoughts and recommendations on aftermarket covers?

 

I think it was Banks that did a video series on rear diff covers, and the various designs thereof. Might wanna have a look at those before you spend money. ) That said, a drain plug makes the job less messy, but, not like it is something you do every 3000 miles......

 

My thoughts exactly, is it worth it for something I do every 10 years? There would have to be some other benefit. Like the cast iron for strength but I am not sure I need that ... and then perhaps less efficient a cooling than the thin OEM sheet metal cover. Or the fancy aluminium but then you get in to $300-$400.
Hopefully, I will get some opinions here...

 

My take on it is this.... If you use your truck for 'truck stuff' (tow/haul) on a daily basis, a better rear cover might be of some benefit. However, given that they cost serious money, I am thinkin' the stock cover, and more frequent fluid changes would be a more financially sound plan. So far as I am concerned, the cost/benefit ratio just ain't there.

 

You can also use a fluid extractor to the suck out the oil. You don't get to see the insides though.

 

Check out this video by Banks...

I'd just stick with the original cover, and buy a lubelocker reusable gasket and forget about the mess and wait times with rtv.

 

LOL: I love Banks ...I don't know about their products since I cannot afford them; but they were/are great at marketing. But heck ... That is a good video!

Thanks fj5gtx I am going to try those LubeLockers. I think I need the LLR-A925 (front) and LLR-A115 (rear). Then I don't have to mess with the RTV.

 

The video left me wanting a see thru diff cover. What better way to check your oil level and condition? LOL

 

Haha, apparently you are not alone! I'm starting to dig into a mopar 440 rebuilding project, and while looking at ignition system options, I noticed someone is marketing a see through distributor cap as an option for a performance distributor.

 

and see thru valve covers...