Anyone have a lead on aftermarket differential covers

[derotoreut]

I'm looking for a decent set of aftermarket aluminum front and rear differential covers for my 70 K10. Anyone have an idea where I can get a matched set?

The front axle is the one year only open knuckle Dana 44, 10-bolt
The rear axle is the GM truck 12-bolt (I believe 8.875")

For the life of me I've never been able to get them to stop leaking. I've tried several times. Gasket... No gasket... Black RTV sealant... Cleaned vent tubes. Nothing seems to work. I'm wondering if a heavier flanged differential cover would make a difference. I'm getting tired of trying. Your thoughts are welcome.

Front cover, Dana-44


Rear cover, 12-bolt design

[ManNamedJed]

Have you tried Lube Locker gaskets? Many people swear by them.

I'm running Ruffstuff covers on mine, which are awesome, but it doesn't look like they have a 12 bolt version.

[derotoreut]

I looked at Ruffstuff, and you're correct. No 12-bolt version.

[sweetk30]

10 and 12 bolt covers in HD steel off road use are kind of hard to find . it think it has to lend to there shape .

but easy search shows china to t/a to lpw and other name brands in good covers .

searched ebay with dana 44 aluminum cover and chevy 12 bolt truck aluminum cover and got a lot of hits .

i used a TA brand 12 bolt truck cover a few years ago on my 2wd build . i have yet to run the truck . but with thin film of sealer on both sides of the gasket and full of oil no leaks yet in the parking spot its at for now .

[b454rat]

summitracing.com

[derotoreut]

I hear you guys. I got quite a few hits on internet searches. I was just looking to see what others may have used. I was looking at Summit and may go with their brand since I don't need "high end" covers for my build. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[farmall]

"The front axle is the one year only open knuckle Dana 44, 10-bolt"??????

What is different about the 70 from the rest of the open knuckle 44s?

[57taskforce]

70 is the only year for red hub dials and open knuckles with drum brakes.

[sweetk30]

my dad had a late 69 or early 70 GMC K2500 sbc/465/205/4.56-power-lok posi truck with 44 front open and drum brakes with brass dial warn hubs .

[special-K]

I have finned aluminum covers on my '72 K2500. I found a used Dana 60 cover, then bought a shiny new Dana 44 cover off Ebay. To match it up to the old rear cover I dropped the shiny new one in a bucket with muriatic acid. Put a nice tarnish on it. I know I have seen 12-bolt covers like that, but have never needed one. I considered one for my little '67 2wd but figured the panhard bar wouldn't clear. Not a concern with a K/10 or leaf spring C/10. I remember a thread where we discussed the clearance issue

[Mike C]

Your 12 bolt rear cover has been lipped and that bends the sealing flange which is why you can't get it to seal up. My A1 rear was destroyed by a lipped cover that someone was driving in 4 wheel drive until all the pinion teeth peeled right off the pinion from heat.

The front Dana 44 cover is extra thick and it should be easy to get it to seal. A paper Fel-Pro gasket and brush Aviation Form-A-Gasket on both sides after making sure all surfaces are clean.

The Gale Banks diff cover tests on YouTube show the flat back diff covers don't work as well as the OEM ones. A nice used cover from a 2x4 that has not suffered the ravages of the rocks should seal up as well on the rear.

[dirish]

I used Alien machine worx. Very nice, powder coated
To your color. I got a matching 14 bolt rear, and a Dana
60 front. They are reasonable, and Rock solid. They
Come with bolts. I suggest lube locker as well.

[derotoreut]

Looking closer at my front Dana 44, it appears that the leaking may not be from the cover, but at the driveshaft. It looks like there must be some seal where the drive shaft is mounted, and it is leaking and running down toward the cover then dripping. Not sure how to address this now?

12-bolt rear is definitely leaking at the cover.

[57taskforce]

Originally Posted by derotoreut

Looking closer at my front Dana 44, it appears that the leaking may not be from the cover, but at the driveshaft. It looks like there must be some seal where the drive shaft is mounted, and it is leaking and running down toward the cover then dripping. Not sure how to address this now?

12-bolt rear is definitely leaking at the cover.

That’s a pretty simple fix, pull the front drive shaft, lock the hubs in so the yoke won’t spin. Use an impact to remove the nut holding the yoke on. Pull the yoke off and then remove the seal. Install the new seal then replace the yoke.(check the yoke for a seal groove worn in it before installation, if it’s got a groove you’ll need a speedi sleeve or a new yoke) I clean the threads on the pinion and the nut and torque to 50ftlbs. Reinstall the front drive shaft and your really too go. I’ve never had any issues with bearings or anything else with the 50ftlbs on the pinion shaft.

[derotoreut]

Originally Posted by 57taskforce

That’s a pretty simple fix, pull the front drive shaft, lock the hubs in so the yoke won’t spin. Use an impact to remove the nut holding the yoke on. Pull the yoke off and then remove the seal. Install the new seal then replace the yoke.(check the yoke for a seal groove worn in it before installation, if it’s got a groove you’ll need a speedi sleeve or a new yoke) I clean the threads on the pinion and the nut and torque to 50ftlbs. Reinstall the front drive shaft and your really too go. I’ve never had any issues with bearings or anything else with the 50ftlbs on the pinion shaft.

Thanks for this information. I'll have to give it a try. Are the seals a standard item?

[57taskforce]

Originally Posted by derotoreut

Thanks for this information. I'll have to give it a try. Are the seals a standard item?

No problem, Yea your local parts place should have them, or be able to get them easily.

[Bigdav160]

My Dana 44 leaked from the splines of the yoke. I think there is a seal for that but silicone works. Mine also leaks from the tube/housing connection. I've been too lazy to attempt to fix.