Product Overview

Volume: 0.5 quarts over stock

Dimensions: Click here for dimensions.

Number of Bolts: 10 bolts

PML designed and developed this differential cover for the GM 8.0 inch ring gear to add function and good looks. Sand cast aluminum construction and extra capacity aid with heat dissipation on GMC and Chevy trucks and SUVs and the classic straight fins dress up retro Chevrolet SSR roadsters.

Benefits:

Extra capacity
Fins for heat dissipation and style
Heavy duty sand cast aluminum construction
Drain hole and magnetic drain plug for easier servicing without removing cover
Thick gasket surface for a secure seal
Optional machining for a level check hole on face of cover if stock plug is unusable

Bracket On Stock Cover: Some vehicles have a bracket attached to the stock cover for the brake line. This bracket might need bending or grinding to clear the larger PML cover and the PML bolt may not be long enough. See INSTALLATIONS tab for examples on Colorado trucks.

Applications:

These vehicles usually have the GM 8 inch ring gear rear differential and may be able to use this PML cover:

2002 to 2012 Chevrolet Colorado
2003 to 2006 Chevrolet SSR with automatic transmission
2002 to 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, except SS
2006 to 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, except SS

2002 to 2012 GMC Canyon
2002 to 2005 GMC Envoy, except SS
2006 to 2007 GMC Envoy XUV, except SS

2003 to 2007 Isuzu Ascender (some models)

2005 to 2009 Saab 9-7X 4.2L (some models)

Always check your vehicle to verify your differential and clearance before ordering. Configurations vary. Some Colorado/Canyon trucks, especially those with the 5.3L engine, have a similar differential but with a larger ring gear.

Bracket On Stock Cover: Some vehicles have brackets that attached to the stock cover. This bracket might need bending or grinding to work with the larger PML cover and the PML bolt may not be long enough. See INSTALLATIONS tab for examples on Colorado trucks.

GM gasket part number: Customers with GM vehicles that have this differential have reported the Genuine GM part number for the rear differential cover gasket is 12479020.

We have had great feedback from many folks with SSRs, Envoys, Canyon, Colorado, and a 2008 4.2L Saab 9-7X owner.

This cover may also work on:

2002 – 2004 Olds Bravada
2005 Buick Renier
Many models of Audi, Toyota, Honda, Ford, Subaru

On some vehicles, the housing may be stamped "AAM" for American Axle Manufacturing.

Drain, Fill, Optional Alternate Fill, Optional Level Check, and Optional Temperature Sending Unit

This PML cover comes with the drain and fill hole on top machined. Optionally, more holes can be machined as needed for the application. Plugs are included. The drain hole includes a magnetic drain plug.

Click on image to view larger.

Level check and temperature sending unit holes are optional and have custom machining charges. Select before adding product to cart or call for more information. PML does not offer machining of the alternate fill hole check on the side of the cover.

Drain and Fill

This cover has a fill hole on the top and a drain hole on the bottom. New mounting bolts, a fill plug and a magnetic drain plug are included with the cover.

Optional Machining for Alternate Level Check Hole

The stock level check hole is on the passenger/right side of the differential. If that level check is not usable, this PML cover can be machined with a level check hole. This is an option and there is a machining charge.

When ordered, the circular area on the front face of the part would be machined with a 1/8 NPT. This hole can serve as an alternative level check location. A plug is included.

Images show: (1) PML cover with 1/8 NPT hole on the front, (2) PML cover with plug in hole, (3) Computer drawing of PML cover on a differential and level check location

Click on an image to view larger.

Always verify that the PML level check matches the level check on your carrier. The owner/installer is responsible for verifying the fit of the cover and fluid levels.

Optional Machining for Temperature Sending Unit

The small, unmachined boss on the right side of the cover at about 4 o'clock can be drilled and tapped for an aftermarket temperature sending unit. Optionally, PML can drill and tap a 1/8 NPT hole in this boss. There is a machining charge.

When PML machines a hole, a plug is included.

The temperature sending unit hole would be for an aftermarket temperature gauge and sending unit to monitor the differential fluid temperatures.

Another Option For Custom Use

There is a large, unmachined boss on the right side of the cover at about 3 o'clock. It could be used as an another fill hole or for something else. It is above the fluid level and cannot be used as a fluid level check..

PML does not offer machining of this boss.

Inside of Cover

Click on image to view larger.

Revisions

This part was updated March 2017 to make it easier to machine for a level check hole.

Originally, PML designed this rear end cover for GM 8.0 differentials in response to requests from the Chevy SSR community. Then some Canyon/Colorado owners asked us to have a location for the level check at the level check on the carrier rusted or became unuseable. So we added the additional boss that can optionally be used as a level check.

The owner/installer is responsible for verifying the fit of the PML cover and fluid levels.