I want to get a couple of the PML diff covers and being cheap like I am,I want to get the raw aluminum and paint it myself.

The raw aluminum covers would save me $80.

 

I got the raw aluminum one.
I then gave it a quick beadblast to prep the surface and sprayed mine with clearcoat to keep it from oxidizing.
You can paint it any color you want without any problems.
Just keep in mind that any coatings you add to the surface can reduce its heat transfer properties. Not by a significant amount but by some none the less.
Black is actually a good color for heat transfer,though.

 

Maybe I'll rethink the painting thing. The raw aluminum doesn't look as goofy on a truck as I figured it would.

I actually kinda like the look now that I've seen a pic.

Thanks.

 

I put a PML on the front differential. Scrubbed it with a wire brush and alcohol to remove any residues. Then painted it with Krylon High Temp Barbecue Pit Spray paint(2 coats a day apart). The color is Red to match the truck. It has picked up some small rock chips over the past 1.5 years I have had it on, but still looks good I think. I went with the Oasis Black powder coat and polished silver Ram's Head for the rear. I might take pictures and post tomorrow.

If you do add covers, be sure to used some Teflon pipe tape around the threads of the drain plugs to prevent capillary seepage, which is just enough to collect dust around the drain plug.

 

The PML covers are anodized to prevent oxidation.

MikeyB

 

I painted mine black and then sanded the paint off the top of the raised fins I think it looks pretty good

 

So if you dont paint it, the finish should be ok?

 

Yep.

MikeyB