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.
Number of Bolts: 14 bolts on stock cover, PML cover uses 12, see Specifications for Bolt Information
Volume: 1.0 quart over stock, approximately
Dimensions: Click here for dimensions.
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 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.
Bolt Information
Bolt Sizes:
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.
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
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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.
