Cast aluminum diff cover

85_Ranger4x4 · Jun 11, 2018

Was looking for something else on Amazon and stumbled across this:

https://www.amazon.com/Ford-DR3Z-4033-B-Differential-Cover/dp/B00M37F86Y/ref=au_as_r?_encoding=UTF8&Make=Ford|54&Model=Explorer|663&Year=1997|1997&ie=UTF8&n=15684181&newVehicle=1&s=automotive&vehicleId=3&vehicleType=automotive

Would it fit a Ex 31 spline 8.8? It says it doesn't but I don't see why it wouldn't.

4x4junkie · Jun 11, 2018

I didn't see where it said it wouldn't fit a 31 spline...

28 spline 8.8" axles have the diff cover face approx ¼ inch closer to the axle centerline than 31 spline, which has resulted in an occasional case where a cover wouldn't fit because it wasn't deep enough to clear the ring gear, but going the other way 'round (28 spl cover on a 31) I don't see an issue.

If worse got to worse, go snag one off the rear of a 2002-2010 Explorer. Pretty much is the same cover but with two IRS mounting "wings" on it that you can cut off easily.

Edit:
I see in the reviews section someone mentions having to grind off a rib that was hitting the ABS tone ring on their F-150... So seems if there's anything needed to fit it, it should be minor.

Captain Ledd · Jun 12, 2018

I think I can answer this one!

So yeah, you'll need to grind just a hair off one fin to fit the ABS tone ring should you need to use it. This axle is a 31 spline Explorer axle. This is my axle off my truck after I put the ARB in.

Kinda wish I was able to buy mine for that price...

85_Ranger4x4 · Jun 12, 2018

4x4junkie said:
I didn't see where it said it wouldn't fit a 31 spline...

28 spline 8.8" axles have the diff cover face approx ¼ inch closer to the axle centerline than 31 spline, which has resulted in an occasional case where a cover wouldn't fit because it wasn't deep enough to clear the ring gear, but going the other way 'round (28 spl cover on a 31) I don't see an issue.

If worse got to worse, go snag one off the rear of a 2002-2010 Explorer. Pretty much is the same cover but with two IRS mounting "wings" on it that you can cut off easily.

Edit:
I see in the reviews section someone mentions having to grind off a rib that was hitting the ABS tone ring on their F-150... So seems if there's anything needed to fit it, it should be minor.

I have checked into the Explorer one, you about have to pull the rear diff out of the car to get the cover. Just not that appealing in a JY setting.

Captain Ledd said:
I think I can answer this one!

So yeah, you'll need to grind just a hair off one fin to fit the ABS tone ring should you need to use it. This axle is a 31 spline Explorer axle. This is my axle off my truck after I put the ARB in.

Kinda wish I was able to buy mine for that price...

Thanks!

I was under my truck and notice my stock stamped one is still oozing. Not really leaking just moist around the edges. The thing is glued on and I have done it twice now, I was looking for a "Solid" cover because I knew they were decent and fairly cheap when I came across this one which was cheaper yet and an actual Ford product. Bonus is saying I have a GT-500 part on my Ranger. :icon_hornsup:

I don't use the tone ring but I don't want to tear the axle apart to delete the tone ring.

Captain Ledd · Jun 12, 2018

I'm running 4.56 gears with 235/75R15's, I just wanted something that would dissipate heat better. Zero complaints about the cover.

85_Ranger4x4 · Jun 13, 2018

Captain Ledd said:
I'm running 4.56 gears with 235/75R15's, I just wanted something that would dissipate heat better. Zero complaints about the cover.

Ever measured the difference?

I just have 3.73's and 31's, never really worried much about heat but it probably won't hurt anything to run a little cooler. I think I saw somewhere it holds a little more fluid too.

I did find this one that came with the "correct" bolts. Basically a little over $2 a bolt which isn't horrible because they are kind of a special bolt (not just a generic cap screw)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C69GMTU/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A3MA0GVAOHQZNN&psc=1

CJ Pony Parts is over $200 for it.

Captain Ledd · Jun 13, 2018

I think I just used regular bolts? And I've never measured the difference. But I actually do haul a lot and I figured there'd be a lot more input RPM. Figured this would be the best option for a reasonable cost/effort. Looks better than the plastic one that was on it too.

85_Ranger4x4 · Jun 29, 2018

I haven't looked too hard into it yet, how did you plug the temp sensor hole? Is it pipe thread or some kind of o-ring seal against the flat face around the hole? Every other hole came with a plug in it but that one.

Captain Ledd · Jun 29, 2018

You know, I don't really remember, it was years ago. I think it was just a regular bolt? It sucks that I can't remember a whole lot when I did it, but how memorable is installing a diff cover several years ago that I haven't messed with since? The truck is at my parents place and I'm heading home the 14th/15th, not sure if you want to wait that long.

85_Ranger4x4 · Jun 29, 2018

No biggie, I can play with it some. Just wondering if you knew offhand :icon_thumby:

ericbphoto · Jun 29, 2018

If it's for a sensor, I'm sure it's parallel threads. If you know the manufacturer, you could ask them for the info.

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85_Ranger4x4 · Jun 29, 2018

ericbphoto said:
If it's for a sensor, I'm sure it's parallel threads. If you know the manufacturer, you could ask them for the info.

This message composed solely of recycled electrons. Go green!

It’s the factory cover for a 13-14 Shelby GT-500 with the track pack.

I need to get a moment to see what the sensor looks like.

ericbphoto · Jun 30, 2018

according to this page Click Me
the threads are M10 x 1.6 -6h. I believe the "-6h" is just a tolerance and 6h is general tolerance so you can ignore it. Best solution is to find an M10 x 1.6 plug with sealing washer like This One.

Captain Ledd · Jun 30, 2018

I think that may be M10x1.5, I'm not aware of a 1.6 thread pitch. Likely just a typo on the page, 6 being right next to 5, but just for clarification sake.

Also I checked the date I put some of those pics on Facebook, it was about 5 1/2 years ago I put the cover on.

ericbphoto · Jun 30, 2018

Captain Ledd said:
I think that may be M10x1.5, I'm not aware of a 1.6 thread pitch. Likely just a typo on the page, 6 being right next to 5, but just for clarification sake.

Also I checked the date I put some of those pics on Facebook, it was about 5 1/2 years ago I put the cover on.

That's quite probable. I didn't have time to cross-check everything. Just trying to help get him headed in the right direction. It took less than 2 minutes on Google to get that far.

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Cast aluminum diff cover

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