PPE Rear Differential Cover

2001–2019 GMC Sierra / Chevrolet Silverado / 2003–2018 Dodge Ram

138051020

Overview:

The PPE Rear Differential Cover is a heavy-duty upgrade designed specifically for select GM and Dodge Ram trucks equipped with 11.5"-14 axle assemblies. This precision-engineered cover enhances the durability and thermal management of your vehicle’s rear differential, helping to protect critical internal components from excessive heat and wear. Ideal for truck owners who demand reliable performance under heavy loads, towing, or off-road conditions, the PPE differential cover extends the life of your gears, bearings, and limited-slip clutch packs by maintaining optimal fluid temperatures and improving fluid circulation.

By increasing fluid capacity and incorporating advanced cooling features, this cover ensures your differential operates more efficiently and with greater protection, making it a smart investment for maintaining drivetrain health and improving overall vehicle reliability.

Key Features:

The PPE Rear Differential Cover combines innovative design elements and premium materials to deliver superior performance and durability:

• Constructed from high-grade A356.0-T6 aluminum alloy for exceptional strength and heat dissipation
• Adds 0.75 quart of additional fluid capacity to improve lubrication and cooling
• Half-inch external cooling fins increase surface area for enhanced heat management
• Internal windage scrapers reduce fluid churning, lowering heat buildup and parasitic loss
• Strong cross-bracing structure formed by vertical fins improves load distribution and impact resistance
• Fill plug positioned at factory level for accurate fluid maintenance
• High-temperature-rated neodymium magnets in both fill and drain plugs capture ferrous particles to protect internal components
• Compatible only with vehicles equipped with AAM 11.5”-14 axles
• Not compatible with RAM 2500/3500 coil-spring rear suspension models (see SKU 238051000 for those applications)

Construction & Design:

The PPE differential cover is expertly cast from premium A356.0-T6 aluminum alloy, known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and superior thermal conductivity. This material choice ensures the cover effectively dissipates heat generated within the differential during heavy-duty operation. The integrated half-inch external cooling fins significantly increase the surface area, promoting efficient heat transfer away from the fluid and internal components.

Inside the cover, built-in windage scrapers precisely control fluid movement, minimizing excessive churning that can generate heat and reduce power transfer efficiency. The vertical fins not only aid cooling but also create a robust cross-bracing framework that enhances structural rigidity and impact resistance, protecting the differential from damage in demanding environments.

Installation & Fitment:

Designed as a direct replacement for the factory rear differential cover, the PPE unit installs easily with standard hand tools and requires no modifications to the axle housing. It fits 2001–2019 GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado models as well as 2003–2018 Dodge Ram trucks equipped with AAM 11.5”-14 axles. Note that this cover is not compatible with Ram 2500/3500 trucks featuring coil-spring rear suspension; those applications require a different part number.

The fill plug is positioned at the factory fluid level, simplifying maintenance and ensuring proper fluid volume. Both fill and drain plugs include powerful neodymium magnets to capture metal debris, providing an additional layer of protection for your differential’s internal components.

What's Included:

• One PPE Rear Differential Cover (A356.0-T6 aluminum)
• Fill plug with high-temperature neodymium magnet
• Drain plug with high-temperature neodymium magnet
• Installation hardware
• Detailed installation instructions

Ideal For:

This rear differential cover is perfect for truck owners who regularly tow heavy loads, engage in off-road driving, or operate their vehicles in demanding conditions that generate excessive heat in the differential. It is also an excellent upgrade for enthusiasts seeking to extend the life of their drivetrain components by improving fluid cooling and reducing wear. Compatible with popular full-size GM and Dodge Ram trucks, it offers a reliable solution for enhancing rear axle durability and performance.

Pacific Performance Engineering (PPE) develops heavy-duty and performance upgrades for trucks and diesel platforms, including differential covers, transmission pans, oiling and cooling components, and other durability-minded parts. PPE products are built to handle heat, load, and power—ideal for tow rigs and performance builds that need stronger hardware and better fluid control.