I have a 2003 2500 5.9L Quad cab 4x4. I am wanting to change the differential gear oil but I will change the diff covers at the same time. The cover plates have 14 bolts, I can find no reference to a 14 bolt pattern for the cover plate There is nothing stamped on the axle or diff to denote what it is. There is one sticker with UPC on the rear axle only that has the following numbers on it (T)X2DG154311337. Does anyone know what rear and front end I have on this truck, what Diff cover I need to replace the existing ones and where I could get them?

 

I think Mag-Hytek is a common brand for diff covers. Go to any diesel dealer web site and do a search. If you know your year, 2500, 4wd, etc - that should steer you into your needs. I do not think there is any choice - the websites will state what year / tonnage truck it will fit.

 

I went with PML because the magnatec hit my oversized spare tire. works fine holds a little extra good bang for the buck.

its done by ring gear diameter. odds are you have a 11.5 but you need to confirm as some 2003's had 10.5" rear ends also. it was determined by hp level and transmission. 305/555 6 speed had 11.5, automatic 235/460 had 10.5, ca automatics had 10.5. then 2004 all went 11.5 because they shared the same hp/tq


heres some links with pictures both had 14 bolts holding the covers but the AAM 11.5 is shaped more like a diamond and the 10.5 a little rounder.

PML cover 11.5
http://www.genosgarage.com/PML-10361...info/PML10361/


Magnatec 11.5
http://www.genosgarage.com/MAG-HYTEC...nfo/MH-AA11-5/


PML cover 10.5
http://www.genosgarage.com/PML-10302...info/PML10302/

 

And how do I confirm this. All I got off the axle was what is in my original post.

 

look at teh pictures linked in my above post also engine hp level and tranny are a factor in guessing what you have

 

Not sure if you got this yet -

easy way to tell what axles you have - front is 9.25 for all years 2003 forward.

For a 2500 rear axle, check the tag on the engine for the hp rating.

235 or 250 hp is an SO model and has the 10.5 rear.
305 is the HO model and has the 11.5 rear.

the 3500 (one ton) all have the 11.5 regardless of the hp rating.

 

You can tell by the shape of the cover..
If you look at the images the shape of the cover is different for 10.5 and 11.5.

 

Go to your dealer, take reg with you, give them vin and they wil give you a print out with everything that was installed at factory. Mine says I have a 11.50 rear end.Nice to have just for info.

Wayne

 

I should add that the magnatec cover protrudes further.

I ran the PML because with my oversized spare tire 285/75R17 spare and previously my 315/75R17 spare tire under there they both would make contact with my magnatec cover so the PML just barely clears both those sizes dues to its slightly lower profile design.

I tow alot of weight and the change to an aluminium cover has made a difference in the burning of my diff fluid and fluid life.

 

genos garage has a special on the mag-hytec w/sight glass $252 s/h incl

 

and they will tell ya exactly what kind ya need