Factory aluminum diff cover.

[70monte]

Does the factory aluminum diff cover that comes stock on the Boss and track pack cars fit a regular GT? Looking at my regular GT, there is that bar that goes in front of the diff cover that looks fairly close to it.

I didn't know if the aluminum cover would clear this bar since it's supposedly a higher capacity than a stock cover and I have not looked under a Boss or track pack car to see if this bar is mounted the same. Thanks.

Wayne

 

[70monte]

Well, I just answered my own question and found out that the capacity is the same so it should fit.

Wayne

 

[irishpwr46]

get a panhard relocation bracket just to be safe. they are pretty cheap. its possible that even though they are the same capacity, the diff cover may be a different size. most aftermarket diff covers for the 05+ require the relocation bracket

 

[70monte]

Thanks for the response. This is a Factory Ford part so I'm not sure if a relocation bracket is needed but I will try and find out. Thanks.

Wayne

 

[rick@CJPonyParts]

Thanks for the response. This is a Factory Ford part so I'm not sure if a relocation bracket is needed but I will try and find out. Thanks.

Wayne

If its the factory part from the Boss then you don't need to move the panhard bar.

 

[Sky Render]

If its the factory part from the Boss then you don't need to move the panhard bar.

+1

If you're talking about this diff cover, you don't need to move it.

EDIT:

ALSO, do NOT get the smallest tube of black RTV. It isn't enough. Don't ask how I know this.

 

[70monte]

+1

If you're talking about this diff cover, you don't need to move it.

EDIT:

ALSO, do NOT get the smallest tube of black RTV. It isn't enough. Don't ask how I know this.

That is the cover I'm talking about. Are the factory covers sealed with RTV or a gasket?
Do you have to use longer bolts to mount this cover? I've heard that you do and the cover that I ordered does not come with new bolts. Thanks for the info.

Wayne

 

[Sky Render]

Buy the cover from Latemodel Restoration. It comes with the longer bolts you need, and they're even ARP.

I don't know what the factory gasket is made of; it falls apart when you remove it. I used black RTV gasket maker and had no issues (other than running out).

2 quarts of oil is probably enough, but get a third just in case.

Also, don't put the rear end up on ramps like this moron did. If the axle droops, you'll have more room to work.

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[skwerl]

I used gray RTV at the recommendation of my mechanic, but that may just be a personal preference. Black works as well. Most people who have done lots of rear axle work will tell you not to use the gasket because they leak.

 

[70monte]

Buy the cover from Latemodel Restoration. It comes with the longer bolts you need, and they're even ARP.

I don't know what the factory gasket is made of; it falls apart when you remove it. I used black RTV gasket maker and had no issues (other than running out).

2 quarts of oil is probably enough, but get a third just in case.

Also, don't put the rear end up on ramps like this moron did. If the axle droops, you'll have more room to work.

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Unfortunately I had already ordered the cover before I knew I needed longer bolts so I have to source the bolts somewhere. I found out the Ford part number for the longer bolts but at $13+ a piece, that is not going to happen. The size bolt is supposedly 5/16"-18x 1.40" I was never good in math so I'm not sure what the 1.40" length translates into such as 1 1/4, 1 1/2, 1 3/4 etc which are the only lengths I see online. Does anyone know for sure how this translates over?

There supposedly is another hole on top of the cover that is used for a vent plug but I have no idea what size that would be. I would have been better off getting one of the kits that had everything. I guess you live and learn.

Wayne

 

[skwerl]

The bolts are metric, not SAE. Take one of the old bolts to Ace Hardware and match it up. You will be surprised at the wide selection of fasteners available there.

 

[908ssp]

The bolts are metric, not SAE. Take one of the old bolts to Ace Hardware and match it up. You will be surprised at the wide selection of fasteners available there.

Actually in real life the bolts are SAE. This is an old part left over from the good old days and they didn't change it to metric. Only part I can think of that is still SAE.

 

[rebus]

The factory bolts have a sealer pre-applied, you can use vibra-tite, or some other thread sealant. 5/16 x 18, 1.5 inches long with either a shoulder or washer will work fine. I used a lube-locker silicone gasket instead of black silicone.

 

[Whiskey11]

Actually in real life the bolts are SAE. This is an old part left over from the good old days and they didn't change it to metric. Only part I can think of that is still SAE.

This and the 5/16-18x1.4" is reasonably short but the thread pitch is correct. I ordered mine from Tousley Ford (Because they do Ford Racing stuff and it's technically a Ford Racing part as much as it is OEM) and it came with the longer hardware. The stock diff cover bolts might be 1.4" in length but the ones for this cover are 2" in length but are only threaded for 1.75". I know this because I had to buy longer bolts for my torque arm install in order to actually install the torque arm. A 5/16-18x2" will not bottom out in the threads in the axle with a decent sized washer. I'm sure you'd be fine with a 1.75" full thread bolt from Home Depot. Here are those bolts installed:

 

[70monte]

The factory bolt size for the standard cover is 5/16"-18x0.75 if I remember correctly and the size for using this cover is the 5/16"-18x1.40. I ordered the Lubelocker gasket so I'm good there. I did read that people were using the 5/16"- 18x1.25" bolts with no problems on this cover.

Wayne

 

[Whiskey11]

The factory bolt size for the standard cover is 5/16"-18x0.75 if I remember correctly and the size for using this cover is the 5/16"-18x1.40. I ordered the Lubelocker gasket so I'm good there. I did read that people were using the 5/16"- 18x1.25" bolts with no problems on this cover.

Wayne

I will measure mine again when I get home because the only difference between the ones I pulled off that came with the cover where the same physical length of the ones I replaced them with just they were not full thread and the ones I replaced them with were. I was pretty sure they were 2" from cap to the end.

 

[rebus]

The factory bolt size for the standard cover is 5/16"-18x0.75 if I remember correctly and the size for using this cover is the 5/16"-18x1.40. I ordered the Lubelocker gasket so I'm good there. I did read that people were using the 5/16"- 18x1.25" bolts with no problems on this cover.

Wayne

I stand corrected on the 1.5" bolt, I measured mine and they are 1.25".

 

[70monte]

I stand corrected on the 1.5" bolt, I measured mine and they are 1.25".

That is good to know because I ordered the ARP bolts in that size.

Wayne

 

[70monte]

Well, I have all of the parts to do the install so I'm going to do it tomorrow if everything works out. I'm trying to figure out the best way to get the car off the ground so I can work underneath it. I have ramps and jack stands but don't know which ones would work the best. I would assume the car also needs to be level so that I can see if two quarts is going to be enough. Does anyone how much below the fill plug on the axle is the fluid supposed to be at?

I have not removed a rear axle cover on a car in years and don't remember what I did. I've only been doing it on trucks for the past 20+ years and I don't have to lift them at all. Thanks for any other advice on this.

Wayne

 

[skwerl]

With the upper and lower control arms, the axle doesn't change angle as it moves up and down. Therefore it doesn't matter if the axle is supported or hanging when you check/fill the differential. As long as the car isn't at a crazy angle you'll be fine.