Benefits
- Increases capacity to help lower the fluid temperature
- A thick gasket flange and thick walls add strength to the differential housing and provide a uniform clamping force on the gasket surface for a secure seal
- Heavy duty sand cast aluminum construction
- Finned for cooling and good looks
- Drain hole and magnetic drain plug, fill hole, and level check hole
- An un-machined temperature sensor boss
Some Ford differentials have a factory fill location on the driveshaft side of the third member. Newer vehicles do not and can use the fill hole on the differential cover. For a temperature sending unit, PML can machine the boss under the level check. The machining charge is $45 .
Applications
This rear end differential cover fits many Ford trucks and SUVs. Vehicle configurations vary so check yours carefully. Some common applications are:
- Bronco, within in-line 6 302, 351 engines, 1987-1996
- Crown Vics, 1982-2005 (may also have 7½ differential)
- Explorer, 1991 and newer
- F150, 1980 and newer (may also have 9¾ differential)
- E150, 1992 and newer
- Lighting, 1993-1995
- Marauder, 2003-2004
- Mountaineer, 1997 and newer
- Mustang, 1987-1995 (1996 to 2011 appear to have the same differential)
- Navigator (may also have Ford 7½ differentials)
- Ranger, 4.0 engine, 1989 and newer (other engine sizes, please check the PML Ford 7.5 differential cover)
- Mazda B4000, B2300 (may have other differentials)
Some models do not have clearance for a larger differential cover. Always check if you have clearance before ordering.
Some models may have the smaller Ford 7.5 differential, which is more rounder in shape and shorter (vertically). Other models have have the larger For 9.75 differential, which has a different shape and has 12 bolts. The Ford 8.8 stock cover is about 11 inches vertically and the 7.5 inch is about 9.75 inches vertically.
Check out our Ford 7.5 diff covers for pictures and more information if you have the smaller differential.
Check out our Ford 9.75 diff covers for pictures and more information if you have the larger differential.
PML makes two designs for the Ford 8.8 inch rear end to accommodate a variety of preferences and vehicles. Click here for the straight fin design or click here for the patterned fin design.
This Ford differential cover is designed for non-IRS, REAR differential on Ford vehicles. Some 4WD F150 trucks have the 8.8 ring gear differential in the front but on the trucks we have seen there is not enough room for this cover. For vehicles with IRS, the linkage bolts on to the cover and PML differential covers are not compatible.
Note to Expedition owners: a larger cover may be too deep to clear the track bar that runs behind the differential cover. Using the dimensions, please check your vehicle for clearance before purchasing.
Included With PML Differential Cover
This cover ships with a magnetic drain plug, fill and level check hole plugs and new mounting bolts.
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Drain
Drain on the bottom of the differential cover allows for easy fluid changes without the need to remove the cover.
A drain plug with a magnet on the end is included with the cover.
Inside of Cover
This image shows the inside of the cover. The drain hole is at the bottom of the image.
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PML Differential Cover Compared to Stock
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These images show this PML differential cover compared to the stock cover.
This image compares the depth of both PML Ford 8.8, 10 bolt rear differential covers and the stock cover. Click on image to view larger in a new tab or window.
Installations
2002 Ford Ranger
This video shows the installation of a PML cover on a Ford Ranger but the steps are generally applicable to most differential cover installations:
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1997 Ford F–150
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For a larger picture, please click one of the above images. A separate window will open showing a bigger picture. (The larger pictures take a minute to display.)
PML Differential Cover Features:
- Increased oil capacity for cooler temperatures
- Sand-cast aluminum with raised fins
- 3/16-inch thick wall construction to add strength to differential housing
- 3/8-inch thick gasket flange will not bend when bolts are tightened
- Machined gasket surface for a secure seal using RTV or factory reusable gasket
- Oil changes without removing the cover
- All hardware provided, including magnetic drain plug
