2001 GMC Sonoma Differential Covers

Differential Covers

Aftermarket differential covers don’t just customize the look of your truck or Jeep’s drivetrain. These accessories also dissipate heat more efficiently than stock stamped steel differential covers, reducing fluid temps and prolonging the life of differential gears, bearings, and seals. All of which are huge assets when towing heavy or hitting the trail. 

Everything from heavy-duty Dana and AAM differentials to light-duty Ford 8.8 axles can benefit from an upgraded differential cover. Choose from best-selling brands, including Rugged Ridge and Yukon Gear & Axle. Whether you’re looking for lightweight aluminum or heavy-duty steel, RealTruck has the cover for your OEM or upgraded rear and front differentials.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Truck’s Differential Cover

Upgrading your vehicle’s differential cover offers several advantages, including more efficient cooling, superior lubrication, and improved durability.

Enhanced Cooling Performance

Compared to factory differential covers, which are typically manufactured from stamped steel, aluminum differential covers offer superior heat dissipation through integrated heat sinks and air channels. These design features reduce the temperature of gear lubricants, prolonging fluid life and preventing unnecessary wear and tear. 

RealTruck Expert Pick: Yukon Cast Aluminum Differential Cover

Why we love it: 

• Finned cast aluminum construction effectively dissipates heat

• Raw aluminum finish offers sleek aesthetics

• Direct-fit design ensures hassle-free installation

Superior Strength & Durability

Most aftermarket differential covers are manufactured from heavy-duty aluminum or thick-gauge steel, which offer far better impact resistance than warp- and puncture-prone stamped steel. Reinforced materials help prevent leaks and protect against debris, which is critical in off-road environments.

RealTruck Expert Pick: Fabtech Differential Covers

Why we love it: 

• Offers superior axle housing protection with durable fabricated steel construction

• Doubles differential cover crush strength

• Increased fluid capacity for optimum gear lubrication

• Thick steel ring eliminates denting and deforming

• Steel gussets protect mounting bolts

Extended Longevity

Expand the service life of your vehicle’s differentials with a premium differential cover, offering superior cooling, cleaner fluid, enhanced protection, and optimized lubrication.

RealTruck Expert Pick: Rugged Ridge Boulder Aluminum Differential Cover

Why we love it: 

• A356-T6 cast aluminum construction for superior impact resistance 

• Precision machined sealing surface ensures a leak-free seal

• Integrated magnetic drain plug enables mess-free differential service

Popular Differential Cover Materials

Differential covers are traditionally manufactured from three materials—cast aluminum, nodular iron, and carbon steel. Steel and nodular iron differential covers offer superior impact resistance in exchange for a greater corrosion risk. Alternatively, aluminum differential covers are more prone to cracking upon harsh impacts, though they offer exceptional heat dissipation and corrosion resistance.