American Axle 9¼" 235mm Ring Gear, 14 Bolt, Front Differential Cover
For Dodge Ram 2500 & 3500

Part Number 11118

Click on image to view larger.

Click on image to view larger.

Click on image to view larger.

Volume: approximately 0.5 qt. over stock

Dimensions: Click here for dimensions. Check for clearance with wheels straight, left and right and at limits of suspension.

This cover is a bolt on replacement for the stock cover on the American Axle Manufacturing (AAM) 9 1/4 inch 235mm ring gear differential used in Dodge Ram trucks.

PML designed this cover for the front differentials on:

• 2003 to 2013 Ram 2500 (2013 folks, please check shape to verify)
• 2003 to 2012 Ram 3500
• 2006 to 2008 Ram 1500 Mega Cab

2013 Ram 3500 and 2014 and newer Ram 2500 and 3500 have a new front end with a football shaped cover. See PML Part Number 11136 for that cover.

Always check your truck to verify differential and clearance.

This differential cover features a low profile for clearance and oil fill/level check and drain holes to make it easy to follow the 15K oil change interval. Extra capacity, fins, and aluminum construction aid in heat dissipation to keep fluid cool.

This cover replaces PML part number 10740.

Why a Low Profile Cover?

Because of many clearance issues with steering, u-bolts, and suspension, PML maintained a low profile with partial fins with this cover.

Starting in about 2008, Dodge added a u-bolt to the front end design that would contact larger aftermarket covers when at the limit of the steering. This u-bolt was retrofitted on early year trucks during service visits. The suspension on Megacabs would also contact a larger cover when the truck was loaded. To avoid these problems, PML designed this cover.

The PML cover follows the contour of the stock cover to maintain clearance.

The fin-free left side prevents interference with the u-bolt.

This PML cover is on the left and the stock differential cover from a 2007 Ram 2500 Mega cab is on the right.

The PML cover is still larger than the stock cover so please check your truck carefully to make sure you have space for a larger cover. Reference the dimensions in the above link.

Rear Differential Cover

PML makes a matching rear end cover for these Ram trucks. Please see the AAM 11.5" ring gear, 14 bolt cover (click here) or the AAM 10.5" ring gear, 14 bolt cover (click here).

Gasket

PML recommends RTV gasket material. RTV is a type of silicon rubber and it comes in a tube. There are several brands, such as Permatex, and these are readily available at automotive stores like Pep Boys and AutoZone.

Some people use the reusable factory gasket. Please make sure the gasket is clean and free of any nicks. If there is a nick in the gasket, that is where you'll get a leak. This PML cover is compatible with Mopar gasket part number 5086682AA.

Optional Temperature Sending Unit

This part has an undrilled boss for a temperature sensor. The option to have PML drill and tap the boss will need to be ordered over the phone, not on-line, and there is an additional charge of $45 per hole.

PML Differential Cover Compared to Stock

  
Click on image to view larger.

These images show this PML differential cover compared to the stock cover.

Installations

This cover has been installed successfully on many trucks. Our thanks to those who have emailed us pictures of their installations.

• 2013 Ram 2500 Longhorn
• 2012 Ram 2500
• 2010 Ram 3500 Mega Cab
• 2010 Ram 2500 HD Crew Cab
• 2008 Ram 3500 Diesel
• 2008 Ram 2500 Diesel
• 2007 Ram 2500 Diesel
• 2006 Ram 2500

2013 Ram 2500 Laramie Longhorn 4x4

Andrew Lowe's "Game Over" Ram 2500 with this PML front differential cover. The PML cover looks great with all the custom work.

   
From left to right: stock front cover, PML front cover installed, 2013 Ram 2500 truck
Click on images to view larger.

2012 Ram 2500 Diesel 4x4

The PML front and rear differential covers look great in custom powder coat. The covers started in the natural as-cast finish and Kevin had them powder coated with the rest of the suspension to a custom teal blue.

Kevin's 2012 Ram Megacab is a 2019 SEMA Show truck. The truck is also known as the "Alberta Adventurer" and features an 8 inch lift, BDS long arms, and American Force wheels.

2019 SEMA Truck, 2012 Ram 2500 Lifted, PML Differential Cover   2012 Ram 2500 Lifted, PML Rear Differential Cover
Click on image to view larger in a new tab or window.

2010 Ram 3500 SRW Mega Cab

Dave installed this PML 14 bolt front differential cover on his 2010 Ram 3500 Mega Cab. He reported no issues with the suspension and he did not cut off the end of the u-Bolt. When on a inclined and wheels at full left, he still had clearance.

These images show the front axle on a 2010 Ram 3500 Mega Cab. The stock cover is show in the image on the far left and the PML cover installed as seen from the passenger's side in the images in the center and on the right.
   
Click on images to view larger.

2010 Ram 2500 HD Crew Cab

The pictures below show this PML cover installed on a 2010 Ram HD pickup. The truck has a 3" level kit and all Carli components. The clearance is very tight when the wheel is cycled to the left but makes no contact. Our thanks to Richie's Truck & Auto for installing a PML cover and sharing the pictures.

   
Click on images to view larger.

2008 Ram 3500 Diesel

One of our customers made a video of his installation and posted it on his YouTube channel:

He included a suggestion for using a torque wrench in the tight space.

2008 Ram 2500 Quad Cab 6.7 Diesel

Larry installed this cover on his 2008 Ram 2500. He has a the U-bolt as shown in the first image. He serviced his differential at the same time he replaced the cover. He wanted a custom look, so he spray painted his cover a shiny red.

   
Click on images to view larger.

2007 Ram 2500 Mega Cab

Larry installed this front axle PML differential cover on his 2007.5 Dodge Ram 2500 Mega Cab 4x4 with the 6.7L Cummins diesel. He noted the clearance with the steering at the stops on the left and right at ½ an inch minimum. In the forward position, the clearance with the stock cover is 2 inches and 1½ inches with the PML cover.

These images show (left to right) Ram 2500 Mega cab stock cover, PML cover installed with wheels straight, PML cover with wheels at the right stop, and PML cover with wheels at the left stop.
     
Click on images to view larger.

We appreciate Larry taking the time to provide pictures and measurements from this installation.

2006 Ram 2500

Jeff was "really happy" with the covers. PML rear cover is Part Number 10361. The PML transmission pan is Part Number 9393.

PML rear differential cover on 2006 Ram 2500   PML front differential cover installed on a 2006 Ram 2500   PML transmission pan on 2006 Ram 2500   2006 Ram 2500
Click on image to view larger in a new tab or window.

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

Learn more about finishes and construction of PML parts.