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Volume: 1.0 quart over stock, approximately
Dimensions:
Click here for dimensions.
Number of Bolts: 14 bolts on stock cover, PML cover uses 12 since the PML cover is thick and rigid 12 bolts is plenty for a no leak seal, see SPECIFICATIONS tab for bolt size information
This differential cover fits heavy duty trucks, SUVs, and vans such as Chevy and GMC 2500 and 3500, with the GM 10.5 inch (10½) ring gear.
PML makes two different rear end covers for the GM 10.5 differential: this one and part number 6060, which has tall straight fins, a round shape, and 14 bolt holes.
Benefits:
- Extra capacity
- Drain hole and magnetic drain plug to simplify maintenance
- Needs only 12 bolts to make a secure seal because of the heavy duty construction
- Patterned fins for heat dissipation and a custom look
- Machined gasket flange
Bolts: This PML cover uses only 12 of the 14 bolt holes because it is heavy duty. Check and order the correct mounting bolts. These differentials were made with 3/8 inch (0.375 inch) and 8 mm (0.315 inch) diameter bolt threads. PML offers the cover in both versions. They are not interchangeble.
This PML cover fits the GM 10.5 inch ring gear differential.
Typical applications include the following. Be aware that for each model and year there may be more than one rear axle possible so please check before ordering.
- 3/4 Ton Trucks, 1973 to 2016:
- C20 & K20
- C2500 & K2500
- Silverado 2500 & 2500HD
- Sierra 2500 & 2500HD
- Suburban 2500
- 1 Ton Trucks, 1973 to 2016:
- C30 & K30
- C3500 & K3500
- Silverado 3500 & Sierra 3500
- 3/4 Ton Vans, 1973 to 2016:
- Vandura
- Express
- Savana
- G20
- G2500
Vehicle configurations vary. Check clearance and verify differential before ordering. There is a restocking fee for returns.
Vehicles with towing packages may have limited space for a larger differential cover. Also, the spare tire may be close to the cover. Some folks have increased the space by tying the spare tire back.
From about 2003 on, GM switched to the AAM 11.5 inch ring gear differential on most diesel engine vehicles.
Other possible differentials would be GM 9.5 or GM AAM 11.5 inch ring gear.
Installation on a 2014 Silverado 2500
Alex installed this cover on his 2014 Silverado 2500 with the gas engine. PML can supply longer bolts for the holes with the brackets if needed. Just let us know when you order.
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Installation on a 2000 Chevrolet K3500
Jerry installed this cover on his 2000 K3500. He did need a longer bolt to attached the bracket to the the PML cover.
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Installation on a 1998 K3500
Mike installed this PML differential cover on his 1998 K3500. He does a lot of towing with his K3500 and wants to keep his fluid cooler during trips. He installed the PML rear cover and a transmission pan in 2004. Ten years later the truck still runs great.
Images from left to right: PML differential cover installed, K3500 towing a trailer, PML pan installed.
Click on image to view larger.
For information on the transmission pan, see PML part number 9167.
Installation on a 1994 Chevy 3500 7.4
Terry installed a polish finish PML differential cover on his 1994 Chevy 3500.
Click on image to view larger in a separate tab or window.
Bolt Information
GM used two different bolts on this differential: standard (3/8 inch) bolts and metric (8 mm) bolts
To determine which bolts to order, you can remove a stock bolt (a top bolt is best) and measure the diameter of the thread.
- Threads on an 8 mm bolt will have a diameter of 8 mm or 0.315 inch (5/16 inch)
- Threads on an 3/8 inch bolt will have a diameter of about 10 mm or 0.375 inch (3/8 inch)
The cover is machined with bolt holes for the specified bolt size. So specifying the correct bolts is important. They are not interchangeble.
PML supplies new mounting bolts with each cover. The stock bolts will not work with the PML cover because the PML cover is heavy duty so the flange is much thicker. The bolt cannot be so long that it bottoms out in any not through holes.
Brake line: If your stock cover has a brake line bracket attached to the stock cover, the bolts will need to be longer. Contact PML and we will supply longer bolts. We have only seen this with 8mm bolts and starting around 2005 models.
Click on image to view larger.
3/8 Inch Bolts: Here is a picture of the GM stock 3/8 inch bolt and the PML 3/8 inch bolt from PML. Note that the PML bolt is longer since the PML cover has a thicker flange. Standard bolts frequently have a letter on the bolt head.
Click on image to view larger.
Number of Bolts:
The stock cover for the GM 10.5 inch differential cover has 14 bolts. This PML replacement cover uses 12 of the 14 bolts. The bolt hole at the bottom was removed so that the drain hole could be located at the bottom. At the top of the cover another bolt hole was removed to avoid interference with a bracket and tubing on some vehicles.
We have never had a problem with leaking. The PML cover is heavy duty with thick walls so there is no tweaking or deforming. The flange is 3/8 inch thick and machined flat and smooth. The 2 bolts left out are not missed.
Optional Machining for a Temperature Sending Unit
1/8 NPT hole drilled and tapped in PML cover for GM 10.5 differentials. This machining is optional.
Another view of 1/8 NPT hole drilled and tapped in PML cover for GM 10.5 differentials
Inside of PML cover after machining a 1/8 NPT hole for a temperature sending unit.
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Optionally, this cover can be machined for a temperature sending unit. PML can drill and tap a 1/8 NPT hole on the front face as shown in these pictures. There is a machining charge.
The hole is on the FACE of the cover. PML spot faces the area for a good seal. PML provides a plug for the hole.
Matching Front Cover for 4WD
For 1991 and older 4WD trucks and SUVs, the front differential is usually the GM Front 8.5 and PML does make a cover for that.
PML Differential Cover Compared to Stock
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This image compares the depth of both PML GM 10 1/2 inch 14 bolt rear differential covers and the stock cover. Click on image to view larger in a new tab or window.
