You’re saying you want a higher fluid capacity? It’s my understanding even with an aftermarket cover you still only want to fill the diffs with the recommended amount in the manual. Any more and it might just burp it out the breather hose.
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Rear differential cover with upgraded fluid capacity?
2020 Gladiator Sport S fyi
I have looked (and found) a bunch of upgraded rear differential covers for the new-to-us Gladiator. However, most of these are stronger and more for protection. While I would never shy away from buying something that's "better", my main goal with an aftermarket cover is a higher fluid capacity. We will use the Gladiator to tow and before I replace the rear diff fluid, I thought I'd see what I could find for a new cover. The truck has 47k on it and as far as I can tell the stock fluid in both pumpkins.
I have looked (and found) a bunch of upgraded rear differential covers for the new-to-us Gladiator. However, most of these are stronger and more for protection. While I would never shy away from buying something that's "better", my main goal with an aftermarket cover is a higher fluid capacity. We will use the Gladiator to tow and before I replace the rear diff fluid, I thought I'd see what I could find for a new cover. The truck has 47k on it and as far as I can tell the stock fluid in both pumpkins.
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You still fill it to the same height but sometimes you can find them that make more room inside allowing for more fluid. It's more common in the truck world but idk if anything is available for the jl/jt
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Differential Covers Products - American Expedition Vehicles - AEV
JT Gladiator Differential Covers
www.aev-conversions.com
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that only has an oversized fill port. It doesn't say anything about added capacity.Differential Covers Products - American Expedition Vehicles - AEV
JT Gladiator Differential Covers
Ah interesting I didn’t know that was a thing!
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You need to be careful, and understand that the internal shape of the diff cover plays a very important role in the lubrication of the differential. The ring gear picks up oil between it and the cover, and then 'throws' it into the pinion bearing area, providing the pinion bearings with proper oil flow. This is why the factory diff covers have a funky shape.
So, just because a diff cover allows for more oil capacity does not mean it is better, and it could actually cause problems.
So, just because a diff cover allows for more oil capacity does not mean it is better, and it could actually cause problems.
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AEV said their diff cover is molded to the same shape and capacity as the OEM covers.
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Yes, and it's one of the few covers I'd consider.
The OP stated "my main goal with an aftermarket cover is a higher fluid capacity", so I just wanted to be sure they were made aware of potential issues.
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Two things:
47k on these axles with factory fill fluid is risky. Have you seen the fluid guys drain out of these with 15k on the clock? It's as black and contaminated as coal. I can't imagine what your fluid looks like pushing 50k. Early break-in service should always been done early in a truck's life to benefit it long term.
More fluid doesn't equal cooler fluid. It simply means the fluid will heat up more slowly to operating temp, but then also cool down more slowly after you park. There is zero benefit. Same is true of the aftermarket transmission fluid pans that are for sale.
47k on these axles with factory fill fluid is risky. Have you seen the fluid guys drain out of these with 15k on the clock? It's as black and contaminated as coal. I can't imagine what your fluid looks like pushing 50k. Early break-in service should always been done early in a truck's life to benefit it long term.
More fluid doesn't equal cooler fluid. It simply means the fluid will heat up more slowly to operating temp, but then also cool down more slowly after you park. There is zero benefit. Same is true of the aftermarket transmission fluid pans that are for sale.
40k is the first recommended oil change on the axles. Unless they get water in them.
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I agree with 100%. If you want stuff to last as long as possible you need to do an early and then regular fluid changes.
Absolutely! But full syn gear lube will preform well for over 30k miles UNLESS it gets contaminated.
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