Differential cover

[MountainManJoe]

I'm considering buying an aftermarket diff cover. Every time I drag the rear over a rock or something, it starts to leak. Also, with all the rust that has flaked off, there probably isn't much metal left in the stock stamped steel. Reversing into something pointy could prove disastrous. Can anyone recommend a good product that won't break the bank? I've looked but as I found out with my oil pan, manufacturers only seem to make beefy GM parts for V8's and axles >8.5".

[doyoulikeithere]

ask http://nsor.com/

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Not a bad idea! Covers are hard to find!

Here is one: PML 9401.
Another: Proform 66667

Another option is to build a guard like I did. It ended up on Blazer's Astro. You can see it in the following pic.

[MountainManJoe]

@doyoulikeithere
Unfortunately, they don't have anything.

@LiftedAWDAstro
The PML isn't bad, but it's made of 3/16" aluminum. Same as my oil pan and you know what happened to that.
For $165 + cross border shipping I'm not sold on it.

The proform one is just ridiculous looking. I don't want a huge company logo across my axle.

How much do you want for yours?

[LiftedAWDAstro]

I sold it to BLAZER when I went to a Dana 60 axle. Let me see if I still have a template around.

[1Gary]

TB-I think for you to build something to protect you stuff isn't that hard.

[doyoulikeithere]

I agree with Gary.
Get some 1/4 inch plate and weld some beef onto your stock cover, or on a new stock cover.
Looks like thats what Lifted did.

[MountainManJoe]

I would love to make my own cover, guys (among other things), but that requires two things: fab tools and a garage. Neither of which is happening right now. Some day though.

[1Gary]

TB-I do agree with you about a garage,but then again I surely have seen guys work outside.In fact Dean still doesn't have indoor garage space.Lockdoc works out of a outdoor carport with sides that do not go to the ground.But then again,working outdoors isn't my cup of tea either.

You know it could be as simple as going to a scrap steel place having them cut to a size you need and then pay a weld shop to weld attaching tabs to bolt to drilled holes to the sub frame.

Or you stay out of situations that you know put your parts at risk.

[MountainManJoe]

Believe me, Gary. All these possibilities are in the back of my mind.

The skidplate will have to wait until I sweet talk a friend. Until then I have to behave myself.

Right now the diff is my priority because it's making a mess. I'm tired of reworking it to make it seal, only to have it leak again by just looking at it the wrong way. It's cold out and I don't wanna work on the van very much. I was hoping I could just throw a hundred bucks at it for a permanent solution. NSOR said they could make one for around $150 if I bring them a cover in good shape. Maybe one day I'll wander down the JY. What else has the same cover? S10/Blazer/Sonoma/Jimmy right?

[doyoulikeithere]

NSOR said they could make one for around $150 if I bring them a cover in good shape. Maybe one day I'll wander down the JY.
What else has the same cover? S10/Blazer/Sonoma/Jimmy right?

NSOR would just be paying someone to do what I said.

I see Canadian tire has a 4.5 inch angle grinder on sale 60% off at 19.49. Right Now!
Other than a drill and a way to weld, thats all the tools you'll need most likely. That leave you about 80 bux to throw at your local welder to stick your pieces together.
And Yup, You can buy small bits of steel plate from a welder or a recyclers for cheep.
It wouldnt be hard to make some small pieces that you could then weld to a cover that you have, spare.
Sounds like you might want a skidpan for the very bottom of the diff to, with a bit of wrap to protect the bottom seal of the cover.
Have you looked on 4x4 websites to see the funky skids they put on bush-mobiles? They really protect the bottom of the diff and half way up the cover too, then just keep the stock cover.


You could Buy a brand new cover, or a good used one at the JY for a small price.
They used the 10 bolt on a million different GM cars and trucks, not just the astro/s10 families.

[WoodButcher]

I got a shiny new chrome cover off fleabay, $20 or so shipped IIRC.

[MountainManJoe]

It wouldnt be hard to make some small pieces that you could then weld...

Trust me ... condo ... not happening. I'll save that for when I get a house. If they even become affordable. Thanks for the pics though. I've never seen those kind of shields.

I got a shiny new chrome cover off fleabay, $20 or so shipped IIRC.

Linky?

[doyoulikeithere]

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/GM-75-Inc ... r,706.html
you need to email him first at foreignorders@speedwaymotors.com cuz yur Canadian eh.
Great store.
I find it hard to believe that your local NAPA or Lordco (ripco) don't have these in stock though......

[MountainManJoe]

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/GM-75-Inc ... r,706.html

I wonder how thick the metal is. Probably the same as the stock , eh feller?