Do Diff Covers Work or Are They Just Bling? Part 2 of 3 

Real world questions take real world answers. Anyone can build a product and say it works. Gale takes the time and effort to show us what works and why.

Gale Banks defines the difference between an Engineer and a mechanic.

Bought an aFe rear diff cover like an idiot, but sent it back and ordered a Banks rear diff cover. Found this video just in time!

As an engineer it's so refreshing to hear someone not missuse a single piece of terminology. You're one smart guy, Gale!

Prolly gonna come down to "stick with OEM." Banks is a legend!

I don't even own a truck....can't wait for part 3.

Dear Mr Banks, as an engineer with over ten yers of education and over thirty years of experience you have hit the nail on the head. the people that build the rear ends for cars have spent thousands of hours designing the covers so that the oil will flow soft and smooth and cool with the least resistance. The curvature of the cover in this case must be a close as posable to the curvature as the gear. Its kind of like water would follow a round ball much better then something square like a block of wood. Some people like things that look cool but have no idea what they are doing when the are going to designing something. Thanks for taking the time and doing such a wonderful job on your videos. I will be in your shop on Aug 6th for some work to my truck. Thanks Mike Kennemer M.E.E / PE

I do not own a truck. I have zero skin in the game. I find this fascinating purely from a gear head scientific view. Great information and I look forward to the results.

Mr Banks is a thorough man. This is the kind of engineering I want behind what I put on or in my truck.

Gale is a ridiculously smart man. Of course that wisdom came from decades of thought, trial error, and and education in general, but its all because he wanted to push the boundaries that everyone else wouldn't. Putting that time and effort in to accomplish what he wanted. That is a true roll model. He's always been my hero. Maybe ill get to meet him some day. Dreams do come true on occasion.

Gale Banks is gonna come up with an awesome Diff Cover hopefully

Knowledge is power! Thanks for your time and efforts in this project. Definitely see a banks diff cover coming. Keep the good work up !

I think I'll buy whatever cover mr. Banks recommends and then I ll have to buy the truck that the cover fits.

There really is no replacement for the testing Banks is doing, and you can tell he is trying his best to cram in just a little bit of what he has to say. Really appreciate the work you guys are putting out here on RU-vid

An actual real test of something a lot of people talk about but with no real backing of info. Excellent work Mr. Banks!

I been mechanicing for 40 years. I've always stuck to the manufacturer recommended fluid and parts. This is a interesting video. U have brought up several interesting pounts.

Love the video series! Your determination to understand is what makes your products great. Can’t wait to see part 3.

I was planning on doing an aftermarket because i did think it may have been an upgrade. But ol' Gale here has knocked me upside the head with some serious insight that has me thinking. Most of the stuff he is taking time to explain is just flat out common sense that went over my head. Thank you Gale

Bring on part 3. The suspense is killing me. This is absolutely awesome information Gale!!!

Gale , I really appreciate you taking the time and money to produce these videos and get some of your years of knowledge out to the world. Cant wait to see the results.

Can't wait for the third and get the results.

Really love getting factual information and learning. Your videos make a lot of sense. Keep up the great work.

I am impressed. Your dedication is remarkable and I expect the test results will be discussed widely throughout the industry.

Honestly, this is the best thing I have watched on RU-vid. Now I'm going to start Part 3.

Brilliant research, I cannot wait for the outcome vid. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

The great mind of Mr Banks...and he's sharing his curiosity with us! This is superbly entertaining and educational. THANK YOU for your efforts and these vids Sir!

Fascinating breakdown of something I’ve never thought about, can’t wait for pt 3!

Love this study. Never thought about the work being done with the covers. Cannot wait to see Part 3!

Love Gale's mindset and just because of the way he thinks I would only suggest Banks products. I just hope he finds the fountain of youth so we never have to loose a legend like Gale Banks

Love banks for shit like this. This guy speaks my language.

Straight to the point. No annoying music playing in back ground. I cant wait for part 3!

Great work, sir! Very informative, I really appreciate the work that you have put into this area of the truck that often gets overlooked 👍👍

I think you guys are doing a great job on this,,, and even tho some guys may not have ever even thought about this. thank you for taking time on this and showing us what kind of difference these covers may make they may be hurting us in the long run,,,, thumbs up and thanks again great job,,👍👍👍

Thanks for spending your time and money to test this for everyone! Gale you're a legend!

I just simply love this stuff. Keep it coming. Thank you for the RND

Thank you for your videos sir, this is the only video I have ever commented on. I appreciate how thorough you are and your explanations. Thank you I have subscribed.

I see 5 dislikes....... And five aftermarket covers guess we know who hit the thumbs down lol

I still remember my buddy's dad had this late 80's beastly F250..... one day the truck disappeared for a week then came back with a nice little sticker under the F250 emblems on the fenders that read BANKS... I was all like "what the heck is that?" Then we popped the hood because something sounded different about the old girl and we just stood there in awe at the turbo setup... for quite a while, that old farm truck was the hottest thing in town.... nothing like rolling up beside a rig in a farm truck covered in mud and cow crap then rolling some coal and moo-ving like greased lightening. .... still remember the first 6.5L diesel that came in to the chev dealer, this old Navistar with its Banks magic stomped its face into the dirt from 0-60 and dragged that chevy all over the country side chained up back to back... I've always held a great respect for Banks and his style of engineering and products. This type of testing for what most people would think is just a simple diff cover is why Banks has always been the leader of the pack.

Thank you Mr. Banks! I love how you can be both technical and practical

Much respect for this man and his company! Finding out the answers to the difficult questions! Well done sir!

One cover that would be interesting to add is Mopar p/n 68149259AC. It's an AAM part used in the 3500s with the 4.10 ratio. It's cast aluminum and finned as opposed to stamp steel and flat. It retains the same inside shape and fluid capacity.

I would love to sit down with Gale & pick his brain one day, he's wealth of knowledge. It's awesome that he's taking the time & resources to do this research, furthermore that this stuff interests him.

Gale, I can’t wait to see the results. Thank you for having the curiosity and drive within your team to work through the unforeseen challenges and logistics. I have a ‘03 Ram 2500 and have been contemplating Diff covers, more for looks as I don’t tow very often but have always been curious about what the increased fluid capacity does to the gears

Is it me or can you listen to Gale all day long. His wealth of knowledge and comprehension in his field is bar none. Can't wait for the finished series of this great insight of diff covers. Thanks Gale for your time and knowledge, people pay big dollars at school to get half the interesting knowledge you exude. 👍👍

True tests that won’t lie! Great job 👌

Thanks for your hard work. I greatly appreciate it.

I really like that Gale is taking the time to be thorough with the testing. can't wait to see the results.

Thank You Mr. Banks. This is a very interesting, educational, and fun series you are embanking on. I look forward to seeing the final results.

GALE is my hero!

Banks = beast mode

I am impressed the level of detail Banks put into this. I have "thought" these results for years. Very good video and test.

Thanks Gale… I’m an Amsoil Dealer, and a lot of people ask me about Severe Gear, and aftermarket diff covers. I always tell them to stay stock, and don’t addd more fluid, as per Amsoil. But, now I know why!!! Thank you!!!

Wish I could hit the thumbs up a bunch more. Science is happening here.

If you raise the level of the fluid , it will cover the pinion in turn create air bubbles ( cavatation ) raising temp and losing viscosity . Not to mention raising internal pressure , blowing pinion / wheel seals . Have seen it before , best case is puddles under the vent hopefully it is figured out before real damage is done . On the flip side is these covers look cool until someone thinks he needs it more than you . Hopefully you notice it before heading down the road to work ! Towed to many after market mistakes .

this is fascinating, and just in time as I was looking at putting these on my Ram. I was thinking the same as most that more fluid is better. Cant wait to see the final episode.

Thank you for this series. I’m still very intrigued by the results!

I always laughed when seeing people purchasing aftermarket differential covers. I hope he covers cavitation with the specific shape of factory vs aftermarket covers as well.

Where is part 3??

Thank you for the dedication you have to knowledge and learning the best way to improve on every aspect of the trucks! Keep up the good work!

Thx for the tech on rear diff covers. Your research has really spiked my curiosity . Looking forward to the middle of September. Keep up the great work and thank you!

You deserve way more views,regarding the work you do,the quality content and its presentation. A stock cover with brazed fins on it would improve temps. Aluminium stock shape cover with fins even more.

Curious if Part 3 was ever made, as I'm unable to locate the video, if so.

Thank you. This series of videos has been extremely informative

I saw the first video on the diff. covers, and tried to hunt around for part 2. Didn't find it till now, not realizing Mr. Banks was right in the middle of the test. Can't wait to see part 3 with the results of the testing..... thanks for taking the time and taking us along wile you are doing this, Mr. Banks!!!!

Hopefully when you test the Ford, you test the OEM aluminum 10.5" diff cover P\N 8C3Z4033A with the same curve as the stamped OEM steel one.

this is a prime example for the saying "RESPECT YOUR ELDERS"!!!!!!

Extremely interesting and excellent information. I really like the great lengths you are going to make this test accurate, while at the same time, not even trying to sell me anything or push a specific brand! I wish more manufacturers could be like this.

Can't wait for the final results thanks for this I'm enjoying learning about what works and what doesn't work.

Look, Im all for these tests being done, I think its epic someone is finally doing it. And its awesome that Gale and his team at Banks are the ones testing this theory. But I have some critiques. First, This "series" could have been summed into 1 video. The first video was mostly him talking about how they plan to test this. And this video is ALL just him talking. Im all for learning and listening, but this was just a very basic explination of how a rear axle works, and his personal opinion. He literally says its his opinion untill they test it. I see many comments on here about how guys are already saying aftermarket diff covers are a waste of money, before they even see the results of the tests. Second, I want to see some of the testing! Take some pointers from Engine Masters on motor trend, the way they test is just absolutely perfect. Quick, accurate, to the point, and very entertaining! No offense but watching this is like a sunday school lecture and Im not a fan. If yall want to be successful at making a youtube channel, make it more exciting, get to the point quicker, and add some graphics! The camera zoomed in on the test print out is just really bad, its very easy to add a graphic to a video, please keep that in mind. I would expect the production value to be much better coming from such a big company... Just some constructive criticism. Im anxious to see the results just as everybody else, this is going to be an awesome test, but I am not a fan of the video production. I tow alot with my f350 dually, and I run a stock diff cover. I am not siding either way bewtween aftermarket or stock diffs till I see the results. It will be interesting to see where it plays out.

Part 2 was posted 5 months ago. Is there going to be a Part 3?

Best video I have seen all year. Thank you. Real world, honest, with all the facts. So much information have watched 3 times.

Extremely smart man. Love to learn from someone like him. Really looking forward to seeing his results

Great, now I have to lookup “bogosity”.

Mr banks approves of harbor freight tool boxes

Thanks for going to the effort for these tests. Keep up the good work!

we very much appreciate your time, effort, and expenses in this Gale. Thank you from everyone here

Are you monitoring the pinion bearing temperature? You mentioned how the factory cover throws the fluid over the top to the pinion bearing. I wonder if the aftermarket ones do this? Could they cause premature pinion bearing failures?

I am pretty sure the result is gonna lead to aftermarkets redesigning their bling covers to actually serve a purpose other than looking pretty. I see u have picked up 4k subs since the last vid. 31k as of this writing.

Gale, thanks for doing these tests. I have an older truck and I look for ways to make it run better, but most of all, keep it alive longer. I was told once that an aftermarket diff cover could help fuel economy and power output. Looking forward to seeing the results.

Thanks for breaking this down for the world to see. This man knows his stuff. I like watching these videos, it reminds me of when I used to chat with Bobby Watts about carbs and gas engines.

I really hope he can also test the factory AAM aluminum finned cover. P/N: 68149259AC

I predict stock wins or at least ties in some cases. Perhaps a better than stock design could be a stock shaped cover (on the inside) with deep, vertical aluminum fins on the outside? That's how nissan did the nismo cover for the Z car... doesn't add any capacity, just cooling.

Thank you Mr. Banks, I love the attention to detail. I sincerely appeciate the time and cost to answer this question.

Great video!! Looking forward to the results of your testing.. Keep up the great work...

This is the most interesting science i've seen since the Hadron Collider. Someone get Mr.Banks a white lab coat.

Thanks Gale, for De-Bunking bullshit! No regurgitating information. Real engineering. Real measurements. I have a slight guess as to why the factory covers are shaped the way they are near the ring gear. They want the gear to retain lubricant and "Pump" some lubricant onto the pinion. No more, no less. My guess is, the diff cover is sucked in towards the carrier to limit splashing and promote the oil to run down the internal walls of the container without getting foamed up. I want to see a bore-scope inside the diff, from three angles. 1: Aimed at an angle from the passenger side carrier cap towards the ring gear. 2: Aimed from the housing ceiling from the passenger side, towards the mesh of the pinion and ring. 3: Aimed where the ring and pinion are coming out of mesh. The fill level might have something to do with that forcing the oil into the void, to promote fluid retention.

Thanks for taking the time. Some work hard for our money and want to spend it wisely. This will be interesting. Cheers

Great information guys, can't wait to see the results!

im a bling guy but...would the oil spending more time on the back cover give it more time to dissipate heat? guess we will find out and i would have just towed a boat 100 miles, slightly less scientific but a lot easier ...thanks GB we really appreciate someone of your caliber (and modesty i didnt know about) doing these informative videos ...geeze, if my name was banks id be the most arrogant a hole ever, this is really sobering

How about the 99-07 steel super duty cover vs. the 08+ aluminum finned OEM cover?

Awesome content. Can’t wait for the final result video!

Man,I don't even own a Jeep yet, but this is GOLD to when I do finally own one and consider if it's worth upgrading to stronger diff covers. What a great teacher, so able to explain things.

I added a Mag HyTec cover to my '03 Ram 2500. I almost bought the AFE because it has internal fins that none of the others have. My original cover was horribly rusted on the outside, with heavy flaky rust. The rest of the underside is near perfect, so I assumed AA&M used some bad metal and didn't paint anything. I would like for you to include the PML/Yourcovers.com cover for this axle in your test, as it is very similar to the OEM but more capacity and is aluminum, and doesn't appear to have the internal design you don't like (shoulders and edges and traps). PML is an excellent company to deal with. www.yourcovers.com/diffcover_10361.php

So, a different take: I'm a jeep guy. We rock crawl. If you drag that dinky stamped metal dif cover over a rock, it will peel and you will lose fluid, or you if you miss a line you can smash the dif cover into the ring. We run heavy cast covers or thick fabbed covers. Personally I'm using poison spider.

Very interesting. I will keep watching your series and I truly appreciate everything you put into this test. Sincerely

Oh this is getting good! Awesome experiment Gale!

Not looking good already for the aftermarkets. The logo shaped relief in the ATS casting has BS efficiency written all over it, not to mention the others.

This is Cletus McFarland in the future.

I look forward to the results mr. Banks thank you for taking the time and effort and spending money to figure this out I'm intrigued to find out the results love the videos please keep them up

What an excellency in creating informative content! Just WOW!! Thank you, Sir!