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Front Diff cover clearance

3.5K views 7 replies 4 participants last post by  Wileycoyote1911  
#1 ·
Hey guys and girls. So I got a deal on a G2 rear diff cover. I would like to buy a matching front cover (49-2034AL) because....why not. My question to the collective is this- has anyone experienced clearance issues between the cover and tie rod? Not necessarily this cover but just aftermarket covers in general.
These covers are obviously thicker and, based in the rear, would stick out further. I have read of some issues but couldn't find definitive proof.
 
#3 ·
#5 ·
It's leveled but otherwise stock. Steering stabilizer is in the factory location. With the wheel cranked to one side the tie rod is closest. I'm led to assume since it is listed for the Super 60 that it'll be fine. This can't be the 1st one put on a Super Duty. I can't believe they would still list the application if it did not fit.
 
#6 ·
The end result is a big. fat. noooooo.
Most of this I knew but hope to help another inmate here should the question ever come up.
The D60 Ford put on the front of the SD is a reverse rotation unit. The gears sit deeper in the head, thus providing the clearance needed for the tie rod. Us Jeepers use either high knuckles or an angled tie rod to clear the cover for a standard D60. The standard or reverse have identical bolt patterns so the covers bolt right in.
So we are left with very very few covers to choose from. They all seem to be bent and welded raw steel that you get to paint. Most with no drain plug. Some you can pay to add one. I think that is pretty dumb. Why would anyone take a cover off and not put a drain plug in the cover or replace the cover with one that does?! :unsure:
End result- I'm not even taking the cover off. Just gonna use my vacuum pump and slip a 3/8 silicone hose through the fill hole. It does not leak so no need to go messing with it.