Do Diff Covers Work or Are They Just Bling? Part 2 of 3

Do rear diff covers really work or are they just bling? In part 2 of 3, Gale Banks explains the test methods, why it's taken so long, and takes a look at a few aftermarket covers.
See the culmination of more than 18 months of research and development.
Is your differential cover KILLING your gears?
• Is your differential c...
Watch the full "Behind the Diff Cover" video series here:
/ playlistlist=plwtmrqcw...

[@primetime934]

Real world questions take real world answers. Anyone can build a product and say it works. Gale takes the time and effort to show us what works and why.

[@danielscott9769]

He hasn't showed us anything yet. Only opinion and theory.

[@ffjsb]

Prime is talking in general, not specifically THIS test. And he hasn't compiled the data yet, but it's coming. All his theory and opinion is based on sound information and YEARS of experience.

[@jasonbennett6339]

He’s actually talked about a lot of facts, fluid dynamics, he’s spot on about the design of the after market covers causing more fluid work because of their shape, also it’s proven that if a flowing liquid has to make a really sharp turn, it causes flow accelerated corrosion and can wear the wall thickness away over time. I’m really looking forward to the final video!

[@warrenfogleman9962]

Gale is awesome I love his content

[@63jeepj20]

@@danielscott9769 you obviously don't know Gale Banks. The only diesel drag trucks I have ever seen that don't roll coal spooling the turbos are all banks trucks. The man knows his shit.

[@mikewalko536]

As an engineer it's so refreshing to hear someone not missuse a single piece of terminology. You're one smart guy, Gale!

[@theupscriber65]

Gale Banks defines the difference between an Engineer and a mechanic.

[@Sicktrickintuner]

But a damn good mechanic that thinks like an engineer

[@JHuffPhoto]

Mr. Banks is more of an engineer than most engineers. He is analyzing this in a quite scientific way. I have no idea if he is formally schooled or not but he is an engineer none the less. My hat is off to you sir.

[@9856CB]

the upscriber I’d like to see the same study done with all of the intake air filters as opposed to stock. I don’t believe the statistics posted online.

[@rodzilla134]

No, he's showing the difference between mechanics, engineers, and parts changers. The first two are supposed to be good at what they do. The latter? Well, anyone can be a parts changer, make false claims, or machine and sand billet aluminum to make it look cool. If you look around, MOST of the people doing real work with their trucks are running very close to stock setup. They're well within the safety parameters for the vehicle, spend less on bling, and make plenty of power. It's all the fanboys who want their trucks to be pretty and claim massive gains, but never really use them that way. It's like when a seller claims his part is so much better because it's used on the racetrack. What he doesn't say is race vehicles have major rebuilds at very regular intervals. That is not applicable in the real world as vehicles are expected to last 200-300 thousand miles and beyond. I'm interested to see what Mr. Banks comes up with. I'm betting the OEM covers and capacities end up being better for the vehicles than half-baked "pretty" diff covers.

[@9856CB]

To actually prove his point, he needs to make a plastic cover like the ones that he's downplaying. I would think that the GM developers made the shape of the stock cover to accommodate the larger ring gear and create the flow of gear oil to the highest point letting it flow to all of the bearings. Other than creating outside "cooling fins" what else can Banks do?

[@mikekennemer7737]

Dear Mr Banks, as an engineer with over ten yers of education and over thirty years of experience you have hit the nail on the head. the people that build the rear ends for cars have spent thousands of hours designing the covers so that the oil will flow soft and smooth and cool with the least resistance. The curvature of the cover in this case must be a close as posable to the curvature as the gear. Its kind of like water would follow a round ball much better then something square like a block of wood. Some people like things that look cool but have no idea what they are doing when the are going to designing something. Thanks for taking the time and doing such a wonderful job on your videos. I will be in your shop on Aug 6th for some work to my truck. Thanks Mike Kennemer M.E.E / PE

[@davidhamilton163]

I don't even own a truck....can't wait for part 3.

[@viivcreations9161]

it applies to all vehicles that have a rear diff. Cars, trucks, vans, everything needs a way to spin that back axle

[@isaakwelch3451]

I have an old car with lots of diff cover options. This applies to anything rwd.

[@TheRealZJE313]

Me too I have a 94Limited Buick Roadmaster this is so me good info

[@pablo3735]

What’s the hold up on part 3

[@More_OhSo]

I do not own a truck. I have zero skin in the game. I find this fascinating purely from a gear head scientific view. Great information and I look forward to the results.

[@highoctain113]

Gale is a ridiculously smart man. Of course that wisdom came from decades of thought, trial error, and and education in general, but its all because he wanted to push the boundaries that everyone else wouldn't. Putting that time and effort in to accomplish what he wanted. That is a true roll model. He's always been my hero. Maybe ill get to meet him some day. Dreams do come true on occasion.

[@crazyhass84]

Down boy down. Banks is a pretty good guy but he has sold snake oil over the years just like everyone else. He is old now and has his money so he calls others out. Fyi he only pics the worst of the competition for his tests. He runs an engineering company not a billy Bob's tuning shop. He isnt saying anything 1000s of engineers dont already know. It's just the average truck buyer is an idiot.

[@loctite222ms]

Basically all he's doing is not just assuming the aftermarket part is better and is trying to understand what really goes on. It's really common sense for engineering types. Problem is lots of times common sense isn't that common.

[@levidedonis4267]

@@crazyhass84 what companys covers are better that they arnt testing?

[@silvermediastudio]

You've been blinded by what seems intelligent but it's really leaving a lot out.

[@smokeybanditdiesel3918]

An actual real test of something a lot of people talk about but with no real backing of info. Excellent work Mr. Banks!

[@bankspower]

Thank you!

[@J4CK4LFUL]

There really is no replacement for the testing Banks is doing, and you can tell he is trying his best to cram in just a little bit of what he has to say. Really appreciate the work you guys are putting out here on KZbin

[@silvermediastudio]

It's dumb. Completely unrealistic.

[@silvermediastudio]

actually there is... like the last 80 years of gearbox design and development this might help: gearsolutions.com/features/the-anatomy-of-a-lubrication-erosion-failure-causation-initiation-progression-and-prevention-part-ii/

[@silvermediastudio]

not jealousy, more disgust that so many people are so easily fooled or misled. youtube and bite-sized information on the internet isn't where one should go to satisfy a curiosity or answer a detailed question

[@Motomadman43]

Straight to the point. No annoying music playing in back ground. I cant wait for part 3!

[@lordraiden8638]

I was planning on doing an aftermarket because i did think it may have been an upgrade. But ol' Gale here has knocked me upside the head with some serious insight that has me thinking. Most of the stuff he is taking time to explain is just flat out common sense that went over my head. Thank you Gale

[@dukecraig2402]

Word of advice if you ride a Harley Davidson, that world is full of these kinds of gimmicks that half of the time make the problem they're supposed to solve even worse, the other half of the time they just plain don't do anything, about 90% of the aftermarket products that you can buy for them are like that.

[@mojorisin7371]

Is it me or can you listen to Gale all day long. His wealth of knowledge and comprehension in his field is bar none. Can't wait for the finished series of this great insight of diff covers. Thanks Gale for your time and knowledge, people pay big dollars at school to get half the interesting knowledge you exude. 👍👍

[@bankspower]

What David Attenborough does for nature documentaries, Gale does for racing and engine data analysis.

[@duanehamn6996]

I think I'll buy whatever cover mr. Banks recommends and then I ll have to buy the truck that the cover fits.

[@killyonbibbs5601]

duane Hamn lol, I know right. Gale has me wanting a diesel truck just to use his products.

[@GIGABACHI]

ROTFLMAO.

[@Chub4Chevy]

Lmao 😆

[@RudyC27]

😂🤣👍🏼

[@MrTommy001]

Duane, my kinda guy! Hahahaha.

[@pspaduzzi]

Thanks Gale… I’m an Amsoil Dealer, and a lot of people ask me about Severe Gear, and aftermarket diff covers. I always tell them to stay stock, and don’t addd more fluid, as per Amsoil. But, now I know why!!! Thank you!!!

[@JibberJabber70]

Prolly gonna come down to "stick with OEM." Banks is a legend!

[@165grnosler7]

yep, seems to be headed in that direction. Will be interesting to see the results!

[@daviddroescher]

It'll probably be stock as #2 best and the new Banks developed cover as #1 as a combination of increase fluid capacity of the other aftermarkets and improved fluid dynamics of the stock cover

[@jhendren0001]

Yeah but this legend wont just stop there if it comes down to the stock one being best you bet your ass this man will design one that looks great and works better than stock because. Banks doesn't play around

[@twiddler2386]

I don’t think he will make a diff cover. I think he’s just curious.

[@torque258]

"best" is kind of subjective. He doesn't discount the bling factor

[@triceps1961]

Bring on part 3. The suspense is killing me. This is absolutely awesome information Gale!!!

[@htcooley04]

Love Gale's mindset and just because of the way he thinks I would only suggest Banks products. I just hope he finds the fountain of youth so we never have to loose a legend like Gale Banks

[@Colorado4x4]

Honestly, this is the best thing I have watched on KZbin. Now I'm going to start Part 3.

[@fluke196c]

Can't wait for the third and get the results.

[@seangoldsworth5921]

I recently worked for Dana and one of it's axle assembly plants. The only one that had an aluminum cover was for some of the HD full floater for the super duty Fords. So I asked an engineer why not More made with an aluminum cover. His answer is exactly what you said, it's making the fluid work harder and actually raises the temperature because of the design. So I'm confident your tests will show the same.

[@sethh8365]

Love banks for shit like this. This guy speaks my language.

[@kleetus92]

Yeah, it's English. It's pretty common.

[@_BangDroid_]

English? I thought it was American..

[@kleetus92]

Lol!

[@fulltiltdrift]

we very much appreciate your time, effort, and expenses in this Gale. Thank you from everyone here

[@gmctech]

I still remember my buddy's dad had this late 80's beastly F250..... one day the truck disappeared for a week then came back with a nice little sticker under the F250 emblems on the fenders that read BANKS... I was all like "what the heck is that?" Then we popped the hood because something sounded different about the old girl and we just stood there in awe at the turbo setup... for quite a while, that old farm truck was the hottest thing in town.... nothing like rolling up beside a rig in a farm truck covered in mud and cow crap then rolling some coal and moo-ving like greased lightening. .... still remember the first 6.5L diesel that came in to the chev dealer, this old Navistar with its Banks magic stomped its face into the dirt from 0-60 and dragged that chevy all over the country side chained up back to back... I've always held a great respect for Banks and his style of engineering and products. This type of testing for what most people would think is just a simple diff cover is why Banks has always been the leader of the pack.

[@timothycc711]

Yup nope rolling coal is stupid af. No offense.

[@pinkhead6857890]

If you got time time to fuss over the best aftermarket diff cover for your brodozer then you aint country. Most real farm trucks are just V-6 2wd longbed pickups.

[@LucaPaindelli]

One cover that would be interesting to add is Mopar p/n 68149259AC. It's an AAM part used in the 3500s with the 4.10 ratio. It's cast aluminum and finned as opposed to stamp steel and flat. It retains the same inside shape and fluid capacity.

[@Xterminator4i]

Brilliant research, I cannot wait for the outcome vid. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

[@silvermediastudio]

this is pretty basic stuff dude

[@Xterminator4i]

@@silvermediastudio cool, please tell me what you have found in your research?

[@silvermediastudio]

That stock is just fine, unless you have a very specialized application that puts specific stresses on the drivetrain, in which case there is no "one solution." Heavy towing is different than off-roading which is different to highway cruising. Application dictates hardware requirements.

[@silvermediastudio]

Also, if you change the fluid frequently (like a fleet vehicle that's run 6d/wk), it sure is nice to have drain & fill plugs, instead of having to change the gasket or o-ring each time. Saves time on the lift, meaning the vehicle is out making money. Maintainability matters.

[@justinclabots881]

Gale , I really appreciate you taking the time and money to produce these videos and get some of your years of knowledge out to the world. Cant wait to see the results.

[@cassian72]

Love the video series! Your determination to understand is what makes your products great. Can’t wait to see part 3.

[@sixshooter4570]

I like how he approaches the test keeping the variables constant which gives us a result based in fact.

[@BEASTProjects]

I would love to sit down with Gale & pick his brain one day, he's wealth of knowledge. It's awesome that he's taking the time & resources to do this research, furthermore that this stuff interests him.

[@Yamaha200YT]

Cool story bro

[@silvermediastudio]

or take one engineering dynamics class

[@silvermediastudio]

or you could just look it up yourself, since this has all been done, in far more detail by others for I dunno, about 80 years. gearsolutions.com/features/the-anatomy-of-a-lubrication-erosion-failure-causation-initiation-progression-and-prevention-part-ii/

[@johnfrese4851]

I think he is like the most of us. On looking into what intreuge us. His vid reminds me of a really good teacher that makes us wonder

[@hemitj]

I have had the honor to meet Mr Gale Banks twice, what a true gentleman! I love the work that he and his team do! His thirst for knowledge is amazing! I am enjoying this series. Wonder how many of the diff cover mfg's are watching this series? Wonder how many if any will make changes... THANK YOU!!!!

[@brappplife9879]

I see 5 dislikes....... And five aftermarket covers guess we know who hit the thumbs down lol

[@pablo3735]

Touché. Haha

[@LawF250]

brappp life I have an after market cover on one of my trucks and just listening to Gale Banks logic, by itself, makes my want to change it back to the factory cover.

[@PandaMan02]

it might be his blind faith in the manufacturer, yes, they may have done some testing, but if they were always right, we wouldn't see plastic intake manifolds.

[@zoultronzoultron9723]

He has posted two videos on this one subject but no answer

[@jaredanthony8070]

@@PandaMan02 what problems do plastic intakes have? 😂 ls has been around since 1997 with plastic intakes on both cars and trucks. Ford dodge GM Toyota Honda.. if they didn't work as well as they do for stock applications and even some performance applications then they would have never come out. They would have never lasted for 20+years. They are lighter cheaper easier and still maintain reliability. If you put boost through it that intake may not last but n/a and they work fine.

[@DavidWithers]

Thank you Mr. Banks! I love how you can be both technical and practical

[@jimmylynn2896]

True tests that won’t lie! Great job 👌

[@greatvalleyone]

He should tackle climate change next.

[@silvermediastudio]

Except... The test doesn't simulate operating conditions and he's missing key points. Snake oil.

[@sebastian56309]

I was never mechanically inclined, so I thank you for explaining how things work.

[@Mr.Killswitch]

Thanks for spending your time and money to test this for everyone! Gale you're a legend!

[@terrywaters6186]

You can bet this is research and development plus marketing. There will be a Banks diff cover because people are willingly spending money on them.

[@jasonwinscott386]

Outstanding! I never cared about what was going on with the lube in the differential. I do now. Thank you, Gale and thanks to your guys.

[@spoogle621]

If this man calls your product out you better be damn sure it works the way it should, he pretty much destroyed the aftermarket diffcover, amazing research and testing, really detailed and thorough.

[@tylerflickinger7181]

Where is part 3??

[@drunkdonutboy]

I need more videos like this...engines...transmissions...power steering...all of it

[@UncleMikeH]

GALE is my hero!

[@kmcwhq]

Yep. He's a Gearhead's.......Gearhead!

[@toddmotuelle6474]

Thank you Mr. Banks for your fine work. You bring an element of integrity to the table that is rarely seen nowadays.

[@davesracingchannel9261]

Would you please give my racing channel its 1560th Subscribe

[@scottmueller5995]

If you raise the level of the fluid , it will cover the pinion in turn create air bubbles ( cavatation ) raising temp and losing viscosity . Not to mention raising internal pressure , blowing pinion / wheel seals . Have seen it before , best case is puddles under the vent hopefully it is figured out before real damage is done . On the flip side is these covers look cool until someone thinks he needs it more than you . Hopefully you notice it before heading down the road to work ! Towed to many after market mistakes .

[@flinch622]

Paint it flat black, no matter how nice it looked out of the box.

[@SunsetValleyRanch]

Thanks for breaking this down for the world to see. This man knows his stuff. I like watching these videos, it reminds me of when I used to chat with Bobby Watts about carbs and gas engines.

[@K_M_M_G]

I always laughed when seeing people purchasing aftermarket differential covers. I hope he covers cavitation with the specific shape of factory vs aftermarket covers as well.

[@K_M_M_G]

Comment answered, 14:00

[@Danner_Auto_and_Equipment]

I really like that Gale is taking the time to be thorough with the testing. can't wait to see the results.

[@machscga6238]

Banks = beast mode

[@leftystrat62]

Man,I don't even own a Jeep yet, but this is GOLD to when I do finally own one and consider if it's worth upgrading to stronger diff covers. What a great teacher, so able to explain things.

[@WVsilverzuk]

I am impressed the level of detail Banks put into this. I have "thought" these results for years. Very good video and test.

[@BMfins]

Thanks for your hard work. I greatly appreciate it.

[@davesracingchannel9261]

Would you please give my racing channel its 1560th Subscribe

[@toddschmidt4287]

If this is the amount of research that goes into satisfying Gale’s curiosity, it’s no wonder they make good products. Looking forward to part 3.

[@kingstonsean]

Part 2 was posted 5 months ago. Is there going to be a Part 3?

[@avgFloridian]

This series is absolutely fascinating.

[@Was-here2]

Hopefully when you test the Ford, you test the OEM aluminum 10.5" diff cover P\N 8C3Z4033A with the same curve as the stamped OEM steel one.

[@gbasplen]

Eric J. Ford Racing makes a similar cover for the 8:8” diff (Mustang, Explorer, etc.) that I bought simply to get the drain plug in the diff cover to make changing the gear oil easier. It does require longer bolts than stock.

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

George Asplen Do you have a part number for that 8.8” cover for Explorer? We have a Mountaineer version.. Front diff cover has no drain...Rear does, its fine.

[@gbasplen]

DR3Z4033B is the diff cover and E9SZ4346A are the longer bolts that are required. It's what I put on the rear of my '96 Explorer and is the same as the front on my '03 Expedition

[@kleetus92]

I was just going to make the same post. Thank you.

[@immikeurnot]

Cheapest answer for the 8.8 is the stamped aluminum cover from the Crown Victoria. Years back, I bought a Bronco with an 8.8 rear Dana 44 twin beam front setup (both limited slip, which was awesome), and some dumbass had coated the diff cover with undercoat. Rather than remove the stuff, I went looking for a new cover and had someone offer me one of the used CV covers for $20. Slapped that on and ran the next 100,000 miles without even worrying about it.

[@christhompson2006]

Learned a new word today. Had never heard of bogosity but I like it.

[@v.e.7236]

Curious if Part 3 was ever made, as I'm unable to locate the video, if so.

[@pnwRC.]

Mr. Banks, innovative thinking such as this are what have made you one of the BEST names in automotive aftermarket parts!

[@johnroethel5527]

this is a prime example for the saying "RESPECT YOUR ELDERS"!!!!!!

[@tomcooper920]

Thank you for doing this no BS testing. It is really interesting to see where things go with this.

[@MustGoFasterVR4]

Wish I could hit the thumbs up a bunch more. Science is happening here.

[@jetdriver]

It's interesting that the original Nissan Titan had a standard stamped diff cover and suffered from a high failure rate. Nissan's solution was a cast aluminum cover (which may look like the original ones internally I don't know off hand) and I believe a switch to synthetic fluid. Between the two they solved the problem.

[@giorgiogroves]

Great, now I have to lookup “bogosity”.

[@donalddarbonne779]

Lol

[@wmsbrum]

Doggone it! I thought for sure I'd made that word up!!

[@aSinisterKiid]

I tried looking it up hahahahaha. Must be some term one of his competitors used

[@TheNemosdaddy]

Just bought a new ranger. Was looking at these types of items. They just didn't make sense in the difference they offered. Glad to see someone taking time to do the science.

[@kendigjl]

I just subscribed for the pure goodness that I see in what this dude's talking about. Gale Banks is obviously a legend, but I don't even own a garage or a place to work on my own vehicles. But this guy's integrity, knowledge and sincerity are soul satisfying.

[@noahsheehan7824]

Look, Im all for these tests being done, I think its epic someone is finally doing it. And its awesome that Gale and his team at Banks are the ones testing this theory. But I have some critiques. First, This "series" could have been summed into 1 video. The first video was mostly him talking about how they plan to test this. And this video is ALL just him talking. Im all for learning and listening, but this was just a very basic explination of how a rear axle works, and his personal opinion. He literally says its his opinion untill they test it. I see many comments on here about how guys are already saying aftermarket diff covers are a waste of money, before they even see the results of the tests. Second, I want to see some of the testing! Take some pointers from Engine Masters on motor trend, the way they test is just absolutely perfect. Quick, accurate, to the point, and very entertaining! No offense but watching this is like a sunday school lecture and Im not a fan. If yall want to be successful at making a youtube channel, make it more exciting, get to the point quicker, and add some graphics! The camera zoomed in on the test print out is just really bad, its very easy to add a graphic to a video, please keep that in mind. I would expect the production value to be much better coming from such a big company... Just some constructive criticism. Im anxious to see the results just as everybody else, this is going to be an awesome test, but I am not a fan of the video production. I tow alot with my f350 dually, and I run a stock diff cover. I am not siding either way bewtween aftermarket or stock diffs till I see the results. It will be interesting to see where it plays out.

[@TheMEXICANBEEF]

I agree with you 100%. With gale banks giving his opinion, I get the feeling like this is some sort of marketing for him to start making his own diff covers. This is what many people on the boards are thinking too.

[@timothycc711]

I'll predict that the stock diff covers will be better then aftermarket. You heard it here first.

[@hyper-1]

Thx for the tech on rear diff covers. Your research has really spiked my curiosity . Looking forward to the middle of September. Keep up the great work and thank you!

[@bankspower]

Thank you!

[@LethalDentCompany]

Mr banks approves of harbor freight tool boxes

[@reggiereed5262]

I really get his dedication to obtaining data. Employment with this operation has to be one of the best environments a gearhead could experience. Mr. Banks,may I please sweep up when you're done?

[@MrCarnutbill67]

Are you monitoring the pinion bearing temperature? You mentioned how the factory cover throws the fluid over the top to the pinion bearing. I wonder if the aftermarket ones do this? Could they cause premature pinion bearing failures?

[@bankspower]

Unfortunately, we're not able to measure that temp at the moment. But yes, there could be premature failures.

[@donalddarbonne779]

I had a good friend that used an aftermarket cover on his dually that he used for a hot shot service in the oilfield in south Louisiana. He went through two pinion bearings in two years before the axle guys realized and told him about the aftermarket cover issue. It definitely does reduce oil to the pinion.

[@GoFastGator]

Banks Power, would a hose clamp and a thermocouple on the exterior of the bearing housing be enough to get an idea on temperature?

[@kleetus92]

@@GoFastGator you'd probably want to drill into the cap to just touch the bearing race and epoxy an RTD in it so you're reading the bearing face temp, not the oil temp on it. If you're gonna go that far. You might as well do the left and right, and front bearing too. The pinion pair could be tough. The axle caps are easy.

[@charliebardo6255]

Extremely smart man. Love to learn from someone like him. Really looking forward to seeing his results

[@abrahamsalcido9174]

Knowledge is power! Thanks for your time and efforts in this project. Definitely see a banks diff cover coming. Keep the good work up !

[@ronaldarchibald2506]

As someone that has experienced tear axle issues I am interested in this research. I blew up a carrier I. A 10 1/2 inch gm rear end. The gear was fragmented with 4-5 gear pieces at every securing bolt for the ring gear. Replaced it with eaton locker and new everything in housing. Never another problem.

[@ID10Tpig]

I really hope he can also test the factory AAM aluminum finned cover. P/N: 68149259AC

[@854XTOY]

I had the same thought. Also, PML diff covers seem to hold the OEM internal design from what I can see, I would like to see Banks test these as well.

[@loveracing1988]

I can say that under load it drops fluid temp by 20 degrees Celsius.

[@timothyking3171]

As a former Racer a former and race performance engineer its nice to watch yr video and to see someone has the opinion , Gale Banks believe you will find you on the right path ,, in my research for power i found the only way i could power at the rear differential was to go a dry sump pressure lubrication system so i could run lower viscosity lubricants , the only other way to improve the diff is to add add strength to carrier group and opening support which i don't think it be worth for daily street driving ,

[@ppump24valve53]

I can say right here and now that Banks performance diesel parts are the most scientifically studied out on the planet, and the best performance for the money hands down!! thanks again Gale for showing all this in detail. We need more engineers like you, keep it up!!!

[@v12alpine]

I predict stock wins or at least ties in some cases. Perhaps a better than stock design could be a stock shaped cover (on the inside) with deep, vertical aluminum fins on the outside? That's how nissan did the nismo cover for the Z car... doesn't add any capacity, just cooling.

[@timothycc711]

Yes I think you are right. The designers and engineers know what their doing moreso then some aftermarket products.

[@jeepadventures909]

I use to work at banks and Gail is a honest and very thorough person. If he says it doesn't work then I believe what he says like gospel. Thank you for doing this test Gail it's something that I've always wondered about.

[@freshlysquosen]

This is the most interesting science i've seen since the Hadron Collider. Someone get Mr.Banks a white lab coat.

[@silvermediastudio]

this is some basic shit

[@silvermediastudio]

8 years of engineering, with some applied work... the information is already out there sorry so many people are too lazy to find it. you think over the last 100+ years of mechanical design, nobody has investigated lubrication of geared systems?

[@silvermediastudio]

Nope, I was smart and capable enough to go out and find the information that exists. Rather than have it spoon fed to me. Matter of fact, it doesn't take that much smarts or capability to do that at all... just a little bit of self-starter attitude. Hmm

[@silvermediastudio]

@Wayne Morphett it's effectively an advertisement for their aftermarket shop. plus popular videos get monetized. Wake up.

[@silvermediastudio]

@Wayne Morphett and if you understand the physics you don't need to test every single instance and configuration. A handful of data points lends itself to engineering judgement and extrapolation. understanding the underlying forces and dynamics means you can understand something without going hands on.

[@johnL-xk2js]

I never realized how interesting rear end are!!

[@texacajundiy]

So, a different take: I'm a jeep guy. We rock crawl. If you drag that dinky stamped metal dif cover over a rock, it will peel and you will lose fluid, or you if you miss a line you can smash the dif cover into the ring. We run heavy cast covers or thick fabbed covers. Personally I'm using poison spider.

[@oz_medias]

The question isn't the durability of the cover, it's the engineering behind the shape and volume of the cover. I've installed much heavier cast covers on rock crawlers but still with stock shaping to them.

[@texacajundiy]

Thanks, I assumed that by leading with "so, a different take", would cover that I had a different perspective on aftermarket diff covers and their utility.

[@timothycc711]

Oz media has it. It's not just that Mr Banks said aluminum gets rid of heat better. So the big ol heavy duty cover your using isn't helping in that regard.

[@texacajundiy]

AND thats why I started my comment with "so, a different take". What "so a different take" means is someone has a different point of view, maybe for a different reason. At 2mph in Moab, where we stop all the time and video our buddies trying obstacles, heat isn't an issue, at all. BUT aftermarket diff's ARE useful, because of their durability. Now, on my one ton, I run factory diff covers, factory everything really for now.

[@zb3621]

He is not talking about crawlers, geez.

[@cassiuspuckett8789]

I saw the first video on the diff. covers, and tried to hunt around for part 2. Didn't find it till now, not realizing Mr. Banks was right in the middle of the test. Can't wait to see part 3 with the results of the testing..... thanks for taking the time and taking us along wile you are doing this, Mr. Banks!!!!

[@stump426]

this is fascinating, and just in time as I was looking at putting these on my Ram. I was thinking the same as most that more fluid is better. Cant wait to see the final episode.

[@josephvalentjr7677]

Great Job Gale always thinking on a common sense level ,on what really works not what works for Marketing a product Keep up the Excellent work you and your think tank does Thanks for all you do for the Automotive Industry

[@Dr_Xyzt]

Thanks Gale, for De-Bunking bullshit! No regurgitating information. Real engineering. Real measurements. I have a slight guess as to why the factory covers are shaped the way they are near the ring gear. They want the gear to retain lubricant and "Pump" some lubricant onto the pinion. No more, no less. My guess is, the diff cover is sucked in towards the carrier to limit splashing and promote the oil to run down the internal walls of the container without getting foamed up. I want to see a bore-scope inside the diff, from three angles. 1: Aimed at an angle from the passenger side carrier cap towards the ring gear. 2: Aimed from the housing ceiling from the passenger side, towards the mesh of the pinion and ring. 3: Aimed where the ring and pinion are coming out of mesh. The fill level might have something to do with that forcing the oil into the void, to promote fluid retention.

[@JAMESWUERTELE]

Guns Cars and Digits lol my thoughts exactly! I would love to see it scoped as it runs!

[@Dr_Xyzt]

I just snapped, you could take some Polycarbonate, push the stock diff cover against it, heat it with a propane torch, and blamo, you have a clone of the stock diff, that's clear, then bolt the thing up! Won't have to fool around with drilling holes for the bore scope.

[@jasonharrison25]

Watch his other video with a clear plastic cover. It shows what you seek

[@Dr_Xyzt]

Jason Harrison I just watched that video. It did exactly what I suspected it would do. That ring makes a relatively good oil pump. Gotta lube that pinion. It sees quite a lot of load. Twisting, torsion, compression and tension. I cheated. I designed a trans-axle in college. The intermediate shaft did the oil pumping. We thought about using ATF to stop the foaming, but it didn't pump as uniformly. When oil gets squished out from between gears, it's one of the most violent ways to pump oil that I can think of. The pressure is almost always above 20,000 psi. The other side of the mesh is a vacuum and cavitates the oil. There's not a whole shitload you can do. Gears are very heartless machines. You can run axles dry. The oil is meant to wash the contaminants up against the diff cover and the little magnet. When you run a gearbox or bearing dry, the tiny little hardened particles remain in the bearings and cause lots of microscopic spalling and galling. The shape of the pinion pushes the pinion against the carrier.

[@johnhinton3014]

Love this study. Never thought about the work being done with the covers. Cannot wait to see Part 3!

[@mcclx4183]

How about the 99-07 steel super duty cover vs. the 08+ aluminum finned OEM cover?

[@FishFind3000]

ElleExxe Foursixty might just help passively cool

[@jimmyaber5920]

Those and the Ram finned alloy one are finned but don't alter internal shape very much if at all. It looks like they were after cooling and no change in lube capacity. The factory cooler covers look to stand more proud of diff case but i have not measured internal depth to know if the extra height is due to thicker wall or if the internal clearance to ring gear grows considerably. The ring gear shape being carried into the cover is mimiced on the alloy ones.

[@223loki]

My thoughts exactly. As thorough as Gale is being. I'd hate for him to skip over the upgraded factory cover

[@kleetus92]

@@Mr.Beastforpresident lol right that's why they make radiators out of steel and not copper or aluminum, because the metal conducts heat faster... good God man.

[@kleetus92]

Nooooooo they don't. You made the statement that steel is a better conductor of heat than aluminum which is flat out incorrect. Aluminum out performs steel several times over, and copper does even better than that. That's why aluminum and copper are used in heatsinks and radiators. Copper is heavier and more expensive than aluminum, but its performance is superior.

[@CharlieBerg53]

Take that last cast cover and weld in a strip of flat alum to form the ramp/fluid path. Done. The added piece would direct fluid flow yet still allow the added fluid volume. Win Win. Thanks Gale.

[@philtripe]

im a bling guy but...would the oil spending more time on the back cover give it more time to dissipate heat? guess we will find out and i would have just towed a boat 100 miles, slightly less scientific but a lot easier ...thanks GB we really appreciate someone of your caliber (and modesty i didnt know about) doing these informative videos ...geeze, if my name was banks id be the most arrogant a hole ever, this is really sobering

[@aSinisterKiid]

the more time the oil spends running down the back cover, the more friction it creates

[@silvermediastudio]

@@aSinisterKiid your grandma's hand mixer at 1/20HP can slosh around a couple quarts of brownie batter. does that create heat from friction? are you really worried about sapping 1/20hp from a 400hp engine? something you think you can measure? This whole concept is a joke.

[@aSinisterKiid]

while I find your attempt at a comparison humorous, it isn't similar in any way. Come back to that example when your grandma's hand mixer is flinging batter across the kitchen at 80mph and show me the temp. You don't seem to understand the science or physics involved in fluid dynamics, so that's ok. Go somewhere else then.

[@brandoncaldwell95]

Ive been watching this test like a hawk. I have always wondered about these too. Ive looked at diff covers but would never pull the trigger. I thought about having a custom fabed cage that clamps to the axle shafts housing and using 3 bolts om the diff cover as a protectant for rocks. Never believed these covers helped and always wanted to test. Happy this is being done.

[@redbluesome2829]

Not looking good already for the aftermarkets. The logo shaped relief in the ATS casting has BS efficiency written all over it, not to mention the others.

[@hugieflhr03]

I’m happy to see Mr Banks sharing his skills and frankly methods on how to get things done! Great work!

[@twanospano5293]

This is Cletus McFarland in the future.

[@tungstenair375]

Gale, I can’t wait to see the results. Thank you for having the curiosity and drive within your team to work through the unforeseen challenges and logistics. I have a ‘03 Ram 2500 and have been contemplating Diff covers, more for looks as I don’t tow very often but have always been curious about what the increased fluid capacity does to the gears

[@danielscott9769]

I see a lot of opinions on here that fall in line with Mr. Banks. I am in disagreement with most. I think the smaller OEM diff cover creates a higher duty cycle and quicker degradation of the fluid. It's obvious that the more volume of fluid you have the longer it will last. As far as the design, it might be fair to say rounded covers are better than square. I prefer steel over aluminium. Take a look at Ruff Stuff's diff covers, no bling all business. If heat was an issue the OEM guys would offer a diff cooler. As far as know, they don't. Does a thick steel diff cover add structure to a housing? I think so. Will aluminium crack when it hits an immovable object? Use your brain folks.

[@jaskowick]

Gale, thanks for doing these tests. I have an older truck and I look for ways to make it run better, but most of all, keep it alive longer. I was told once that an aftermarket diff cover could help fuel economy and power output. Looking forward to seeing the results.

[@TheSiraffe]

I have never been more interested and captivated by a channel and brand. I cannot wait to see these results

[@erichildreth7562]

Can't wait to see what kind of results he comes up with!! He is one incredible guy and he always wants to promote products that work!!! Thank you!!

[@Bahia_Woodworks]

Awesome video Mr. Banks and awesome work by you and your folks.

[@brentweisgerber3616]

Wow, am I glad I was too frugal to get one of these in the hopes of keeping my diff cool while towing heavy, once he explains it, the light comes on and you go... of course, it all makes sense now. Bring on #3, thanks for taking this on and giving a good example to us of critical thinking.

[@ACZxGalm2]

This guy makes me feel like he's forgotten more than I know. And I for one, we'll gladly just sit here and listen to his wisdom.

[@Jaime142624]

I'm glad you're doing this because as a consumer I wanna buy a product that really helps me out and I love the products you make so I can't wait