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Volume: 1.0 quart over stock, approximately
Dimensions:
Click here for dimensions.
Number of Bolts: 14 bolts, see SPECIFICATIONS tab for Bolt Size Guidelines
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$quot;) ring gear.
PML makes two different rear end covers for the GM 10.5 differential: this one and part number 9369, which has a patterned fin design and more clearance.
Benefits:
- Extra capacity
- Drain hole and magnetic drain plug to simplify maintenance
- Large, straight fins for heat dissipation and classic styling
- Sand cast aluminum construction for thick walls
- Machined gasket flange for a secure seal
- Round shape similar to profile of stock cover
Bolts: 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. 14 bolts secure the cover to the housing.
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.
2016 Silverado 2500HD
Jim installed this as cast finish PML differential cover on his 2016 Chevy Silverado 2500HD ZL1 6.0L. His truck has 8mm bolts and two longer bolts were provided for the bracket.
2016 Silverado 2500HD
OEM differential cover
PML cover installed
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2016 Silverado 2500HD
This black powder coated differential cover was installed by BOOSTPOWER.com on a 2016 Silverado 2500HD.
PML differential cover installed on a 2016 Silverado 2500HD
Cable and brake line clearance to PML differential cover on a 2016 Silverado 2500HD
Driver's side view of PML differential cover installed on a 2016 Silverado 2500HD
Cables and brake line routing after PML differential cover is installed on a 2016 Silverado 2500HD
2012 Silverado 2500
Michael installed this PML differential cover on his 2012 Silverado 2500 with a 6.0L gas engine and a GM 10.5 inch ring gear rear differential. He contacted PML to get longer bolts for the brake line bracket when he ordered. He reported that installation was "immensely straight forward".
bracket
bracket
PML cover installed
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2008 Sierra 2500HD 4WD
John installed this rear differential cover on his 2008 Sierra. His differential cover needed longer bolts than some other year and model Sierra trucks. Contact PML to determine which bolts you need and PML can provide either the longer or shorter bolts. John also installed PML transmission pan Part Number 11036.
2008 Sierra 2500HD 4WD
PML Cover
Differential Cover Bolts
Differential Cover Brackets
PML Transmission Pan
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Suburban 4WD
We were at the Off-Road Expo in Pomona, CA, and spotted this Suburban outfitted with our front and rear differential covers. The front cover is a GM 8 1/2 10 Bolt, PML part number 6077.
Suburban with PML rear differential cover for GM 10 1/2, 14 bolts, installed
PML GM 8 1/2 inch, 10 bolt front differential cover on a Suburban
Suburban 4WD
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Bolt Size Guidelines
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.
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Drain
PML put a drain on the bottom of the cover so fluid can be changed without removing the cover. A magnetic drain plug is included.
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Inside
The inside of the PML cover is open with a curve shape similar to the OEM cover.
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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.
