Aftermarket 8.8 diff covers

[98 MERC]

I hadn't thought of those being deeper rearward, the sway bar is there not far behind it. Here's a unique view from above, it shows the stock cover and the EE rear bar. There's plenty of room it looks like for most covers.

View attachment 96429

What is that box sitting on the frame above the differential ? Seeing the body off that truck makes me realize i will never have a perfect undercarriage unless the body come off.

 

[98 MERC]

I just unbolted the rear sway bar from where it connects to the rear sway bar links, which allowed me to rotate it up and out of the way to fit the new cover. Once it was bolted on I simply rotated it back down and reconnected it.

Thanks for that advice ! My mechanic hates aftermarket stuff and he is fussy unless i show him the correct way.

 

[CDW6212R]

What is that box sitting on the frame above the differential ? Seeing the body off that truck makes me realize i will never have a perfect undercarriage unless the body come off.

That's something related to the charcoal canister fuel vapor system, where expanding fuel vapors go to/through. You can see the canisters behind the solenoid that the hose leads to, I think that box may be the end where the vapors come out after they go through the charcoal. I'd bet it just has a fuel resistant filter in it.

 

[VR4]

That's the canister vent valve filter assy. It shouldn't vent vapors out. The cvv allows fresh air in when it's open

 

[Greg_DonWindsor]

@98merc This is a link to my original installation thread:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/index.php?threads/g2-rear-diff-cover-installed.406517/

Check out my registry if you were thinking of attempting any other similar mods that I've done in the past. Happy trails!

 

[CDW6212R]

That's the canister vent valve filter assy. It shouldn't vent vapors out. The cvv allows fresh air in when it's open

What he said, with OEM terminology.

BTW, when the air in the tank expands naturally, it comes out somewhere. It does not pressurize the tank in any significant way. It goes to the charcoal canister to start with.

 

[lincolnlocker]

Try the high heat clear paints for that. I recently bought a few to do other parts like the engine and trans, which will see enough heat to ruin most paints. I was thinking of a transmission pan that I got as polished aluminum. It looked great in the pictures, and even better in hand, but it won't look nice if left bare.

Jon, have you learned of the best coating for polished AL yet? I know powder coating is out still. I want to preserve the appearance if possible, and I'd buy another one for my 98 Limited if it can be protected.

For an 8.8 cover, the later IRS Explorer covers look good too if you like them. They have lots of ribbing, and one or two plugs. Plus they used to be on eBay from someone who ground the excess mounting ears off, and finished them with paint etc. They looked nice.

I always wanted the original "SVO" ford 9.75 differential cover, but it was obsoleted ages ago. I have the next version from FMS, Jon powder coated it black for me. Thanks Turdle.

saw i have a little pin drop leak under my rear differential so looks like its time to pop it off and see whats going on. I'm toying with the idea of replacing the cover (the current stock one is beginning to look pretty crappy and old). Does anyone have and suggestions on good replacements? I looked at the one from Ruff Stuff and it looks VERY beefy and well made. Opinions?

 

[410Fortune]

Did you look over this thread? Many good suggestions here

I have a factory cover with poison spider rock ring, has worked well for me.

Arb makes about the best 8.8 cover you can get but they are $$$ and you can get a similar cover /Clone much cheaper