Banks Differential Cover

[LIKE2BUILD]

A while back I came across a video series of Banks Performance testing differential covers. I thought it was interesting and very well done.

Now I see why. They've introduced the Banks Ram Air Differential Cover. I've already installed an AAM aluminum finned cover on my Ram 2500 so I don't really plan to change it out for this one. But, the science and engineering they put behind it are really interesting. They put a lot of time into measuring temps and air flow around the cover and observing oil flow inside the diff. It's really curious they purposefully extended part of the cover below the axle to grab air and flow it across the fins.

Maybe the new diesel emissions rules are clamping down on their business so now they are turning their attention to other performance enhancement options? :h Either way, the cover does look well designed and not just a show piece.

KJ

[Cummins12V98]

I had a MagHytec on my 11 but don’t claim it did a thing.

[Cummins12V98]

I have had more than one tech say that looks like very little wear. Looked a lot like that when I dumped OE fluid. Unfortunately I didn’t take a pic then. AMZ/OIL with that many miles came out golden brown to brown.

[fj12ryder]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
I don't doubt it does what they say it does. If ya want the best bang for the buck throw in the AMZ/OIL Severe Gear!!! Simply look at the chart mentioned, AWESOME product!

My 2011 RAM DRW had 65k at the time of this pic. I was towing 29k combined with about 2/3 of the miles on the lube towing. You can still see the machining on the ring gear. The AMZ/OIL 75/110 Severe Gear was in there diff at least 55k.

To be honest the lines on the faces of the gear teeth look like wear marks, not machine marks. The machine marks I was referring to were on the top of the gear tooth where nothing touches. If that was the differential on my truck, I'd be changing to a different gear lube, and have the clearances checked. Doesn't look that good to me, looks like some pretty serious scuff marks.

[dodge_guy]

I just replaced my stamped steel cover with the Ford aluminum finned cover when I had my X. My stamped cover was just starting to rust and I was due for a diff fluid change. So I ordered it. For $45 plus the gasket it was money well spent. You will have to get slightly longer bolts.

[Cummins12V98]

Here is a closer look. The GL got so bad the rear started grabbing taking off on a turn while towing.

[Cummins12V98]

fj12ryder wrote:
"You can still see the machining on the ring gear."

I would certainly hope so since there should be nothing wearing at that point on the gears.

Well how bout my 15 with OE "SYNTHETIC" at around 22k towing 33k 1/3 or so of the miles??? MUCH more surface wear. Those teeth are spit polished! BTW I did a sample with Blackstone and the lube was TOAST!!!

Pinion gear turns the ring gear! Lot's of pressure on those surfaces.

[fj12ryder]

"You can still see the machining on the ring gear."

I would certainly hope so since there should be nothing wearing at that point on the gears.

[LITEPHIL]

Very good information and explained very well. I see no negatives except for the price. Not designed for rock crawling.

[Cummins12V98]

I don't doubt it does what they say it does. If ya want the best bang for the buck throw in the AMZ/OIL Severe Gear!!! Simply look at the chart mentioned, AWESOME product!

My 2011 RAM DRW had 65k at the time of this pic. I was towing 29k combined with about 2/3 of the miles on the lube towing. You can still see the machining on the ring gear. The AMZ/OIL 75/110 Severe Gear was in there diff at least 55k.

[carringb]

Turtle n Peeps wrote:
This whole thing reminds me of a solution waiting for a nonexistent problem.

Kind of like people freaking out over 240F ATF temps. :R

Well I've turned my gear oil into sludge with the stock cover, and turned a couple sets of ring and pinion gears blue from heat, using a "flat back" cover. My diff temp gauge maxes out at 250F. While 250F won't break down synthetic gear oil, it does affect the additives in them, and if I run that hot for a while, I'll end up with limited slip chatter until I change the oil. If I see it climbing past 250F and I'm not near the top of a grade, I pull over and let it cool. Or slow down if I'm not going to hold up any traffic.

Does everybody need this? Nope. Not at all. But anybody running over factory GCWR and over factory HP levels, and tows through mountain states, they should at least monitor their diff temps. They might be a candidate.

If anything happens to my current flat-back (or I blow up another axle), I might consider one of these. But for now, I'll just continue with my M.O, and pull over for 15 minutes once a year (if that).

[ib516]

And I'm sure the consumers will repay Bank$ for that research ($$$). Good products with very premium price tags.

[deltabravo]

Me Again wrote:
After watch is whole video and flow of fluid, I decided to just stay with the OEM cover, and spend the saved money for something fun to do!

The money saved will pay for multiple tanks of fuel to your favorite camping destination!

[Me_Again]

After watch is whole video and flow of fluid, I decided to just stay with the OEM cover, and spend the saved money for something fun to do!

[dodge_guy]

BenK wrote:
Hard core off readers understand this

Imagine crawling over a field of boulders...ranging from 1ft to 3ft or more

You manage to keep the front diff from hitting, but the rear does

The drive shaft may miss, but the pinion end of the rear diff casting might hit and climb up and over...while sliding off..the back side might Catch the diff cover lip and bend if lucky...if not..it bends or rips off to lose fluid

Part of why I converted my K5 to a Dana 60 front and GM 14 bolt rear

My Diff covers had 3/8th inch plate bolster. Take the diff cover and trace it on a piece of plate. Cut it and cut the center out to match the diff cover bolt pattern. Drill matching holes

Grind the OEM diff cover bend back

Gasket the diff casting, then the modified diff cover, then bolt the 3/8th inch thick bolstering over that stack

This is more wishful thinking these days...71 and might try rock crawling again...but my Sub is a whale out there...

Ben.....did you watch the entire video or read the responses on the previous page? The fins that hang down break away to keep the fluid from leaking out. And if it does breakaway for whatever the reason, they will send you a new one!

Not to mention this wasn't designed for off-roaders.