Best Performance Differential Covers of 2026
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Performance differential covers are a popular upgrade for those looking to improve the durability and performance of their vehicle's differential system. These covers are designed to provide better protection to the differential by increasing its strength and providing better cooling. They are typically made from high-quality materials such as aluminum or steel, and feature a variety of design elements such as cooling fins, magnetic drain plugs, and thicker walls. Performance differential covers are available for a wide range of vehicles, and can be an affordable and effective way to improve the performance and longevity of your vehicle's differential system.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
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Top 10 Performance Differential Covers
Proform 66667 Aluminum Differential Cover for GM
This auto part is an aluminum differential cover with a Perfect Launch logo and bearing cap stabilizer bolts for GM. The package weighs 5.8 pounds, and the package dimensions are 27.686 L X 9.652 H X 28.194 W (Centimeters). This product is made in China and belongs to the category of car differential covers.
Proform Black Aluminum Differential Cover for GM
This car differential cover is made of black aluminum and comes with a Perfect Launch logo, bearing cap stabilizer bolts, and fits specific GM vehicles. The package dimensions are 9.652 x 27.432 x 28.447 centimeters and it weighs 6.35 pounds. It is made in Taiwan.
ARP Stainless Steel Rear End Cover Bolt Kit 4373002
The ARP Rear End Bolt Kit is a great upgrade for your GM 12-bolt rear end cover, adding both style and strength. Made from durable stainless steel, it resists rust and keeps your vehicle looking sharp over time. With a high strength rating of 170,000 PSI, this kit is much tougher than standard Grade 8 bolts, giving you extra security and peace of mind. Plus, it comes with washers included, making installation easier and ensuring a secure fit. This kit offers a practical and reliable way to enhance the performance and appearance of your rear end cover.
ARB 750003 Differential Cover for DANA 40
The ARB 750003 Differential Cover for DANA 40 is designed to protect your vehicle's differential and ring and pinion set from off-road hazards. Made using high tensile nodular iron, this cover features a computer-optimized cross brace design that increases the rigidity of the entire axle, prolongs carrier bearing life, and uses top-quality neodymium magnets to collect metallic wear particles. The unique dipstick/filler cap design allows for customized oil levels, making this the best differential cover of all.
Proform 69501 Aluminum Differential Cover for Ford
The Proform 69501 is a black aluminum differential cover designed for Ford vehicles. It comes with Perfect Launch Logo and 8.8" Bearing Cap Stabilizer Bolts. The package dimensions are 8.89 H x 28.194 L x 28.447 W (centimeters), and the package weight is 6.25 pounds. It is vehicle-specific and made in Taiwan.
Yukon YP DOF9-3-306 Aluminum Ford 9" Differential Case
The Yukon Aluminum Ford Dropout is designed specifically for Ford 9" differentials, making it a strong choice for your heavy-duty needs. Its dropout housing includes an adjuster lock positioned at a 90-degree offset, which ensures a solid and uninterrupted bearing cap, giving you better durability and strength. Made from high-quality A356-T6 aluminum, this dropout is lightweight yet tough, perfect for handling high horsepower and larger tires. The through-bolt design adds extra security, so you can trust this dropout to keep your differential stable during demanding drives.
B&M 10306 Differential Cover
The B&M Differential Cover is a top-quality car part that offers exceptional benefits to users. With load bolts providing extra support to bearing caps, your vehicle's differential gets added stability, ensuring smoother performance. Crafted from durable A356.0-T6 aluminum, this cover guarantees long-lasting use. Benefit from over 65 years of B&M expertise, ensuring superior quality and reliability. Plus, enjoy peace of mind with a lifetime limited warranty, knowing your investment is protected.
Yukon Chrome Cover for GM 12-Bolt Truck Differential
The Yukon Chrome Differential Cover is a performance upgrade for GM 12-bolt truck differentials. This chrome cover is designed to provide enhanced durability and protection for your differential. With its sleek chrome finish, it not only adds a stylish look to your vehicle but also helps prevent corrosion and rust. The Yukon Chrome Differential Cover is easy to install and fits perfectly on GM 12-bolt truck differentials. It is a great choice for those looking to improve the performance and appearance of their truck differentials.
Yukon AMC Model 35 Open Carrier Case
The Yukon AMC Carrier Case is designed specifically for AMC Model 35 differentials, making it a perfect fit if you own this model. It supports gear ratios of 3.54 and higher, which means it works well with a variety of setups, especially those requiring stronger or upgraded gearing. Keep in mind that this case does not include spider gears, so you’ll need to source those separately if needed. The case features a 1.560-inch side gear bore, offering compatibility with specific gear sizes to ensure smooth operation. Overall, the Yukon AMC Carrier Case provides a reliable option for those upgrading or repairing their AMC Model 35 differentials.
Proform 69502 Black Aluminum Differential Cover with Bearing Cap Stabilizer Bolts
This car differential cover is made of black aluminum and comes with bearing cap stabilizer bolts. It measures 10.84" L x 4.14" H x 10.3" W and weighs 8 pounds. It is manufactured in Taiwan, Province Of China and the part number is 69502. This product falls under the category of Car Differential Covers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are upgraded diff covers worth it?
Yes, upgraded differential covers are worth considering, especially if you plan on taking your vehicle off-road. OEM differential covers are not designed for off-road use and may not provide sufficient protection. Upgraded covers are stronger and more durable, reducing the risk of gear oil leaks and ensuring better performance in rugged terrains.
2. Do differential covers make a difference?
Yes, upgrading your differential cover can make a significant difference. These upgraded covers offer increased strength, better heat dissipation, and reduced weight. By improving these aspects, they can enhance the overall performance of your differential, providing better durability and reliability, especially in demanding conditions.
3. Do aftermarket differential covers work?
Yes, aftermarket differential covers generally work well. Most aftermarket covers have the same fill level as factory covers, but it's essential to check the fill levels when considering an upgrade. Additionally, aftermarket covers can improve fluid dynamics, allowing for more oil and better heat dissipation, which helps prolong the life of the differential and its components.
4. Is it better to use a gasket or RTV on a differential?
It is generally better to use a gasket, such as the Fel-Pro differential cover gasket, instead of relying on RTV (silicone sealant) to seal the differential cover. Gaskets are specifically designed for this purpose and provide a more reliable seal, especially on imperfect sealing surfaces. Using a gasket helps ensure proper sealing and reduces the risk of leaks.
5. How often should differential be changed?
For normal daily-driven vehicles, it is recommended to change the differential oil every 50,000 miles. However, for vehicles that undergo heavy towing or demanding work, such as trucks, it is advisable to change the differential oil every 15,000 miles. Regular maintenance helps ensure optimal performance and longevity of the differential.
6. Can a differential damage a transmission?
Yes, a poorly performing differential can cause damage to the transmission. When the differential doesn't function properly, it creates metal-on-metal friction, leading to wear and heat generation. This can weaken the gears and result in component failure, potentially affecting the transmission. It can also make the vehicle harder to control while turning corners, posing a safety risk.
7. When should you not use RTV sealant?
RTV sealant should not be used in applications that will have direct exposure to gasoline, such as powersports vehicles. In such cases, a solvent-based gasket maker should be used instead. It's important to consider the compatibility of the sealant with the specific application to ensure proper sealing and avoid any potential issues.
8. What are the disadvantages of RTV silicone?
Some disadvantages of RTV silicone sealants include their susceptibility to picking up debris like dirt, poor tear resistance, low tensile strength, and poor cohesive strength. Additionally, they can have corrosive properties and may require the use of a primer on certain substrates, like concrete, to catalyze the sealing process. These factors should be considered when choosing a sealant for a specific application.
During our performance differential cover research, we found 24 performance differential cover products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 7,403 customer reviews through our big data system to write the performance differential covers list. We found that most customers choose performance differential covers with an average price of $199.17.
The performance differential covers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of performance differential covers, including ProForm, ARP, ARB, Yukon Gear & Axle, B&M. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Robert Reyes is a dedicated writer from San Francisco with a bachelor of degree in mechanics and a bachelor of degree in marketing. He focuses on making some complicated topics simple and enjoys explaining complex and technical things in an easy-to-understand way.