8.8" Differential Cover

[RuffShod]

I was reading that Hoonatruck had some issues with using an aftermarket diff cover. Looks like it was in the way of his panhard bar.

Has anybody else experienced any clearance issues?

Thanks!

[Pat Landymore]

Yup, I did.
I just made my own home brew version of a Mustang pan hard relocation kit. My truck is currently masked for box painting later today in my garage, so it will be tomorrow before a photo of my solution is available...

Go to a website such as CJ Mustang parts (apologies to
the admin if they are not a sponsor...) and look up 2005 - 2014 Mustang panhard bar.

[Pat Landymore]

Link

https://www.cjponyparts.com/bmr-panhard-bar-relocation-bracket-2005-2014/p/PHBRB-V/


Again my apologies to admin if this is not kosher...

[RuffShod]

Thanks Pat! I looked it up. That is a simple fix!

Thanks again!

[chuck35truck]

Thank you, I saw where some guy welded up a bracket, but since I don’t have access to a welder, this will be a big saver.

[Pat Landymore]

Note:
The Mustang guys say it doesn’t seem to affect their handling but please remember this truck is different.

Please be careful until your certain how it affects your truck.

All I’ve done is put down a bunch of “11’s” in my back alley and that felt fine, launched dead @$$ straight.

[Pat Landymore]

F.W.I.W.
Here is my quickie panhard relocation kit. Basically an extra long grade 8 bolt with washers to take up the space in the original location, and very important, a washer over the outside of the rod end so that if it does pop out of place, the washer will keep the panhard rod from falling completely off the truck and ending my life prematurely.

View from drivers side
130374

View from passenger side

130375

[Derald Rice]

Just for general information, here is a great video on the subject of aftermarket diff covers:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-yG3D3JBRs

[RuffShod]

That was pretty interesting.

I think I am gonna use a G2 cover. It is similar in shape and size of the stock stamped steel.

[chuck35truck]

Based your experience I think I will try your way before buying the part.

[RuffShod]

Does anybody know if the girdle system is even necessary? I only see them used mostly on the 8.8". Is there an issue?

[RuffShod]

G2 is out. After reading reviews...it seems they have a QC issue.

[Pat Landymore]

Ford Racing has a nice cover, not much more $ but OEM engineering

To the O.p.’s question, the only time a reinforced cover is actually needed is when you are doing hard launches with higher HP...and with traction. The reinforcement bolts actually support the ‘main caps’ of the diff as the torque of a hard launch is trying to blow them straight out the back cover.

[RuffShod]

Went with Summit.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sme-8510500nl

Has girdle, magnetic drain plug, comes with ARP SS hardware, affordable and looks good!

And no logo!!!

[Pat Landymore]

That’s a really nice cover, especially at that price!

The Summit branded stuff is awesome.

[429 SCJ COBRA]

8.8 DIF girdle cover, I'm looking for one that says COBRA, Somewhere I seen a picture of one, it was aluminum and the word Cobra was casted into the girdle, if anyone knows anything about this girdle please reply thanks Mike

[Alan_C]

I was reading that Hoonatruck had some issues with using an aftermarket diff cover. Looks like it was in the way of his panhard bar.

Has anybody else experienced any clearance issues?

Thanks!
Yes, I had interference issues but not with the panhard bar. I bought one of the Ford Performance all aluminum diff covers, a beautiful cover. I had the FF Metal battery box mounted in the upper trunk area. I had some contact between them. I was able to grind down one corner on the battery box to eliminate the interference. It did not take much, maybe 1/8 inch ground off the corner. Fortunately the visible damage was on the battery box and not the diff cover.