During our last photo shoot for Project Tahoe, we noticed that the rear end was in need of some help. With the increased lift, the rear diff is more exposed and more in-sight. The stock cover was showing some leakage and just generally looking downright ugly.

So we contacted PML in Inglewood, Ca for some help. PML builds aluminum sand cast differential covers, transmission pans, and valve covers. PML's diff covers are constructed with 0.160" walls, have a precision-machined gasket flange so all you need is some sealant, have increased oil capacity, feature raised fins for better cooling and a custom look, and come with a magnetic drain plug so you can perform an oil change without removing the complete cover. Bottom line is that this is one trick differential cover that will look good AND work better than your stock one.

Installation

Stock differential cover	Remove the bolts from the bottom.

Pry the cover slightly and let the fluid drain.	With the old cover off you need to carefully clean the surface with a gasket scraper. Don't scratch it.

We promptly added RTV sealant, only to find that we needed to disconnect the sway bar first. The sealant should run around the inside of the bolt holes.	The new cover is much deeper and will not fit over the diff without first dropping the sway bar out of the way.

New vs Old	Bolt the new PML cover on with the hardware that is provided. We did have to go round up one longer bolt for where the brake line attaches.

You will need some gear oil and a pump to re-fill the rear differential.	Remove the fill plug on the other side and pump some fluid in until level with the fill hole. The new cover will add a quart or so to the capacity.

Old	New
Ok, which do you like better?

Summary

The black powder coat PML cover that we installed will set you back $160.00. They also have a polished version available for $235. A little on the spendy side but what isn't anymore? The cover definetly gave our rear end the upgraded look it needed.