Best Performance Differential Covers of 2025

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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
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 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.
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.
B&M 40297 Cast Aluminum Differential Cover
This cast aluminum differential cover by B&M is designed to provide durability and protection to your car's rear end. The cover is made with high-quality A356.0-T6 aluminum, ensuring reliable performance for an extended period. It comes with a drain plug and fill plug kit, as well as mounting hardware for easy installation. Made in the USA with B&M's top-notch quality, this is a great addition to your car's differential system.
B&M 41297 Differential Cover
The B&M Differential Cover is built to enhance the performance of your vehicle's differential. It features load bolts that offer extra support to the bearing caps, ensuring stability and reducing wear over time. With over 65 years of B&M's commitment to quality, you can trust that this cover is designed to last. Plus, it comes with a lifetime limited warranty, giving you peace of mind. This product is ideal for those who want to ensure their differential operates effectively and reliably, providing you with a smooth driving experience.
Yukon Gear & Axle Ford 8.8 Steel Cover
The Yukon Ford 8.8 Cover is a robust steel replacement designed specifically for the Ford 8.8" differential. This direct bolt-on feature ensures an easy installation process, saving you time and effort. Made from high-quality steel, it offers exceptional durability, providing long-lasting protection for your differential. With dimensions of 11.00 inches in length and 10.00 inches in width, this cover fits perfectly, ensuring a snug and secure fit. Additionally, the zinc exterior finish not only enhances its appearance but also adds an extra layer of corrosion resistance, keeping your vehicle's performance at its best.
Yukon Gear & Axle Steel Cover for GM 8.2/8.5
The Yukon Steel Differential Cover is designed for easy installation on GM 8.2" and 8.5" rear differentials. This heavy-duty cover ensures your differential remains protected, providing a reliable, leak-free experience even in tough conditions. It is versatile and fits a variety of vehicle types, making it a great option for many drivers. Engineered with advanced design software, this cover guarantees precise accuracy and fitment, enhancing your vehicle's performance and longevity.
Yukon Gear AMC Model 20 Chrome Cover
The Yukon Chrome Differential Cover is designed for the AMC Model 20, providing a sleek and shiny finish that enhances the overall look of your vehicle. This chrome cover not only adds aesthetic appeal but also offers protection to the differential, shielding it from dirt and debris. With its durable construction, it ensures longevity, allowing you to enjoy a stylish upgrade without frequent replacements. Additionally, the cover is easy to install, making it a convenient choice for anyone looking to enhance their car's performance and appearance.
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 Gear & Axle Steel Cover for GM 9.5" Differential
The Yukon Gear & Axle Steel Cover is a high-quality part designed specifically for GM 9.5" differentials. This 14 bolt cover is made of steel and provides excellent protection for your differential. It is a great choice for anyone looking to improve the durability and performance of their vehicle's differential.
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 5,720 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 $95.11.
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, ARB, B&M, Yukon Gear & Axle. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 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.