[njvagabond]

At least you didn't paint it before you found out. 🤣

 

[StarkMtn]

At least you didn't paint it before you found out. 🤣

Ha! So true! And my plan was to do just that to protect it from corrosion. I will say though, it seemed like a nice product and the hole pattern was spot on.

 

[asdrew]

The G2 cover was cleaned up and returned in the original box, still waiting to find out if they reject it because it was painted.

The refund went through today, so I guess they like my nice blue paintjob, lol,

 

[asdrew]

Ha! So true! And my plan was to do just that to protect it from corrosion. I will say though, it seemed like a nice product and the hole pattern was spot on.

I was ready to make some modifications to make it clear, but the entire hole pattern was not right. Are you saying that the one they sent you would have bolted on? I can't find where they specify the different versions. On mine, some holes lined up, yet the overall dimensions on the face were off.

 

[Chillis]

Any updates on proper fitting alternatives with drain holes?

I've got a lot of clearance so a bigger model would fit just fine.

The next time I do a diff fluid change I want to swap to a serviceable unit.

 

[asdrew]

The next time I do a diff fluid change I want to swap to a serviceable unit.

Same here. It appears you just have to verify which version of the 9.75 rear end it is for, which is based on year of manufacture.

 

[pbethel]

Any updates on proper fitting alternatives with drain holes?

I've got a lot of clearance so a bigger model would fit just fine.

The next time I do a diff fluid change I want to swap to a serviceable unit.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g1380

Just the first place I looked.

 

[njvagabond]

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g1380

Just the first place I looked.

Seems like a good way to go. Do you have any experience with those add a drain plug kits?
I suppose that nylon(?) washer will outlast the van and some red threadlocker will keep it in place too.

 

[pbethel]

Seems like a good way to go. Do you have any experience with those add a drain plug kits?
I suppose that nylon(?) washer will outlast the van and some red threadlocker will keep it in place too.

When I worked at a NAPA store I sold them and never got negative feedback.
No. I never used one.

 

[fasterblaster02]

Has anyone had success with the Dana Spicer 10023529 cover?

 

[powerhawk]

Bumping this thread. All this hassle because Ford couldn't use a **** drain plug.

Does this look like a fun time to anyone?

It should be an easy 10-20 minute job to replace the fluid. Instead, you need to go through that PITA.

For the price of these vehicles it's inexcusable not to use a properly designed differential with both a fill and drain plug.

 

[powerhawk]

Also, I wonder if any of these aftermarket companies might be interested in making a Transit specific diff cover that is the same size, linking them this thread so they can see the pictures, like this one in post 20.

With a drain plug, that won't interfere with the sway bar or oversized spare tire (the most common size is LT245/75/16, or 30.5").

For example, PML Ford Differential Covers

If we were to contact them and ask them to make the part, maybe they will oblige. I will buy this. I know there are buyers for this upgrade as the Transit is the number one selling full size van.

 

[Chillis]

 

[Boondox]

@Chillis Got a part number for that?

 

[Whofarted]

I usually don't change diff oil unless there is a water intrusion via a vent hole submerged underwater (water crossing). Unlike engine oil, it continues to get contamination thru combustion. I know many change their diff oil routinely, but I don't. Like the oil in a manual gearbox, transfer case, and diff, it is considered lifetime oil.

Lifetime oil lmao yea its lifetime oil if you enjoy way shorter lifetime out of your parts

 

[pbethel]

Bumping this thread. All this hassle because Ford couldn't use a **** drain plug.

Does this look like a fun time to anyone?

It should be an easy 10-20 minute job to replace the fluid. Instead, you need to go through that PITA.

For the price of these vehicles it's inexcusable not to use a properly designed differential with both a fill and drain plug.

Differentials have been built this way for more than a century.
Used successfully in much higher cost vehicles than the Transit.
They almost always outlast the car or truck.

 

[kazuo]

This is the one I installed;

 

[powerhawk]

Differentials have been built this way for more than a century.
Used successfully in much higher cost vehicles than the Transit.
They almost always outlast the car or truck.

So question for you. Do you ever change the diff fluid, and if you do, do you not mind paying a fortune to have the dealer do it (assuming they actually do it)?

 

[powerhawk]

View attachment 200248

Nice! Do you know if this cover sits any higher/taller than the stock cover? Because I'll be running a 30.5" LT245/75/16 and there's only a tiny amount of space for the factory cover in the factory spare location.

Also, have you done a drain and fill yet with the new cover? Is the fill hole the top of the two holes on the back cover?

 

[kazuo]

The OEM cover is 1/8" sheet metal, The Spicer aftermarket cover is cast iron with added bumps, so maybe 1/2 - 1 inch thicker. if your clearance is low I would stick with the OEM cover.
IRC the lower of the 2 holes (on the Spicer cover) seemed correct for refilling although I used the original hole in the side of the diff to refill. the OEM gasket is a multi-layer aluminum and rubber gasket used without gasket sealer, I reused it first time No leaks. second time when I installed a Truetac diff and a Spicer cover, reused the gasket again and now have a very slight weepage. The FSM says to replace the gasket everytime. (forget to read that section) easy to use the OEM gasket, No sealant to remove; wipe surface with Alcohol install gasket and you are good to go. only downside is I think the gasket is like $30.

This video shows it well;