Diff Cover?
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Senior Member
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 1,209
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From: Baton Rouge, La
Diff Cover?
I'm thinking about Painting My differential Cover Bright red to match my truck. My ? is can I get it Glossy Red to match? I dont want to take it off to paint (Too Much Trouble) I want to use spray Paint. But i don't want a dull red color. Any ideas?
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98 F150 2WD,Bright Red, Regular Cab, 4.2, 3.55, 5 Speed, Superchip, 2 Superchip Decals (I Think They Add 5 HP Each), 3 Inch Bullseye Lift Spindles, Manik Grill Guard,Nerf Bars, Vent Visors, Fog Lights Mounted In Front Air Dam ,2 Kc DayLighters, Back Up Lights, Alpine CD Player, 2 Kenwood Amps, 10 Inch MTX Blue Thunder SubWoofer, Tinted Windows. And Coming Soon: 3 Inch Body Lift Kit, 16.5 x 9.75 American Racing Baja Wheels Wrapped With 35x12.5x16.5 BFG All Terrains
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98 F150 2WD,Bright Red, Regular Cab, 4.2, 3.55, 5 Speed, Superchip, 2 Superchip Decals (I Think They Add 5 HP Each), 3 Inch Bullseye Lift Spindles, Manik Grill Guard,Nerf Bars, Vent Visors, Fog Lights Mounted In Front Air Dam ,2 Kc DayLighters, Back Up Lights, Alpine CD Player, 2 Kenwood Amps, 10 Inch MTX Blue Thunder SubWoofer, Tinted Windows. And Coming Soon: 3 Inch Body Lift Kit, 16.5 x 9.75 American Racing Baja Wheels Wrapped With 35x12.5x16.5 BFG All Terrains
Member
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Aurora,IL,United States
For the best results you should take the cover off, I agree it can be a headache laying on your back. You should sand any road grime, corrosion, or any other crud off of it, prime it with a few coats of automotive primer, any parts store would have it, put a few coats of paint on. In my opinion top it off with a couple coats of clear coat, that you can get at a parts store also. my .o2
Guest
Posts: n/a
ccla,
my advice is to pull it off, you would be doing yourself 3 favors. 1st, you will see how dirty the diff gear oil REALLY is. 2nd you will be ably to clean up that diff cover a lot easier on a work bench. and 3rd by pulling the cover off, you won't have to mask it off under your truck, that itself is a pain, about 60% of the work.
cleaning tips;
Use a small wire brush steel and brass to remove all dirt and grime.
Use Lacquer thinner and a clean rag to clean the diff. cover. Leaves no residue on the metal
Use a good primer paint, I recommend VTH very good spray paint. Can't find it, then try Rrylon (sp).
VTH also makes gloss spray paints. For best coverage and looks (sagging, running) apply 5 or 6 light coats of paint, avoid heavy coats.
Aww hell just follow the directions on the
can and you will be alright.
Good luck, it will look sharp!
PS don't forget about diff. gear oil and a good gasket compound. Just knowing you have fresh gear lube will make you feel good :-)
F&B's
[This message has been edited by franks&beans (edited 12-16-1999).]
my advice is to pull it off, you would be doing yourself 3 favors. 1st, you will see how dirty the diff gear oil REALLY is. 2nd you will be ably to clean up that diff cover a lot easier on a work bench. and 3rd by pulling the cover off, you won't have to mask it off under your truck, that itself is a pain, about 60% of the work.
cleaning tips;
Use a small wire brush steel and brass to remove all dirt and grime.
Use Lacquer thinner and a clean rag to clean the diff. cover. Leaves no residue on the metal
Use a good primer paint, I recommend VTH very good spray paint. Can't find it, then try Rrylon (sp).
VTH also makes gloss spray paints. For best coverage and looks (sagging, running) apply 5 or 6 light coats of paint, avoid heavy coats.
Aww hell just follow the directions on the
can and you will be alright.
Good luck, it will look sharp!
PS don't forget about diff. gear oil and a good gasket compound. Just knowing you have fresh gear lube will make you feel good :-)
F&B's
[This message has been edited by franks&beans (edited 12-16-1999).]
Senior Member
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Columbia Pa.
If you really want it to stand up, get it powder coated. Thats the process that they use on most of the exterior parts. My .02
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'99 F150 XLT SC SB 5.4x2 Harvest Gold
3.55 limited slip/ trailer towing package/slip on extender mirrors/powerstop brake controller/Covermaster 1000 topper with wing/
BugflectorII
http://members.xoom.com/firezap/truckpage.htm
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'99 F150 XLT SC SB 5.4x2 Harvest Gold
3.55 limited slip/ trailer towing package/slip on extender mirrors/powerstop brake controller/Covermaster 1000 topper with wing/
BugflectorII
http://members.xoom.com/firezap/truckpage.htm
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Canada's TROPICAL paradise
ccla - is the diff cover metal, or plastic?
My Ranger was plastic. Ford says NOT to jack UNDER the banjo - which makes me think it might be plastic - That does not meen you can't paint it, but you have to prime it with something other than lacquer base. Dont clean it with a solvent that eats plastic. And, as the others say - if you take it off - you can see any wear & install new lube. - Maybe syinthetic.
Good luck
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98 F150 S/C 4.6 2wd Vermillion/Silver,HD Tow Pkg, Boards, Vents, Bug Chaser, DIY "breezer" Tailgate, 5th whl hitch, Tool box, 16" OEM Mag's,
Mobil1 /Wix Oil filter/ K&N / air box mod.
In looks & go - Chevy - like a rock.
My Ranger was plastic. Ford says NOT to jack UNDER the banjo - which makes me think it might be plastic - That does not meen you can't paint it, but you have to prime it with something other than lacquer base. Dont clean it with a solvent that eats plastic. And, as the others say - if you take it off - you can see any wear & install new lube. - Maybe syinthetic.
Good luck
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98 F150 S/C 4.6 2wd Vermillion/Silver,HD Tow Pkg, Boards, Vents, Bug Chaser, DIY "breezer" Tailgate, 5th whl hitch, Tool box, 16" OEM Mag's,
Mobil1 /Wix Oil filter/ K&N / air box mod.
In looks & go - Chevy - like a rock.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
From: Jackson, NJ usa
If ya want it done right, do it the right way. Take it off. Sand it down and clean it with some Zylene or Acetone. Use the red primer one since it etches to bare metal and two because it will help the red to match. Get some Dupli Color or Plasti-Cote touch up paint in a spray can. This is the closest you'll get to the factory color. (You'll need your paint code.) Spray on a few coats and let dry overnight. Spray on a few coats of a good clear coat spray, and whalla!! The clearcoat will bring out the shine in the paint and also help protect it. Good luck and don't inhale the fumes.
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1997 F-150, 4.6, automatic, Dark Toreador Red, Supercab, Flareside, 4X4 Off-Road, Towing Package, Chrome Grizzly Wrap Around Push Bar, Ventshades, Ford bedliner, Code Alarm Sure Start RVS remote starter, Ford alarm, Realistic CB with Wilson Little Wil antenna and Astatic power mic, ported MAF sensor, and Lots of TLC!! (Besides being an F-150 nut, I am a Ford auto technician.)
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1997 F-150, 4.6, automatic, Dark Toreador Red, Supercab, Flareside, 4X4 Off-Road, Towing Package, Chrome Grizzly Wrap Around Push Bar, Ventshades, Ford bedliner, Code Alarm Sure Start RVS remote starter, Ford alarm, Realistic CB with Wilson Little Wil antenna and Astatic power mic, ported MAF sensor, and Lots of TLC!! (Besides being an F-150 nut, I am a Ford auto technician.)
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: New Vienna, OH
easiest way to tell if plastic or metal diff cover is to use a magnet
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'97 F-150, 2WD, 8'bed, 4.2L,5-spd, 3.55 axle, Pendaliner, D. plate toolbox & mud flaps, K&N filter, 3" air box mod,slotted taillight covers, Ventvisors, bug deflector, Westin nerf bars, champion truck plugs, towing pkg, 2000# helper springs, Whelen Responder 2 light bar, 100Watt Street Thunder Siren and speaker, headlight flasher, Rancho RS5000 shocks
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'97 F-150, 2WD, 8'bed, 4.2L,5-spd, 3.55 axle, Pendaliner, D. plate toolbox & mud flaps, K&N filter, 3" air box mod,slotted taillight covers, Ventvisors, bug deflector, Westin nerf bars, champion truck plugs, towing pkg, 2000# helper springs, Whelen Responder 2 light bar, 100Watt Street Thunder Siren and speaker, headlight flasher, Rancho RS5000 shocks
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Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Waldorf, MD, USA
If ya' need some cans of Dupli-Color, I have two never used for my old truck, bright Ford red, that you're welcome to. Just give me your mailing address and I'll send them postage due....
Erik
teksec01@hotmail.com
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TekSec, 2000 F-150 XLT, Deep Wedgewood Blue/Silver,4.6L,3.55LS,Class III Tow, Keyless w/alarm, soft tonneau. Basically a Lariat w/o the Leather!
Mods:
Line-X Spray Bedliner
GTS Headlight and Bug Shield (Carbon Fiber)
Airaid
Superchip
Borla Anniversary Edition CatBack
JBA Headers
Future Mods:
Supercharger
Roll Pan w/ Hidden Hitch
2"/4" Drop (or 3" raise...don't know yet!!!)
[This message has been edited by TekSec (edited 01-05-2000).]
[This message has been edited by TekSec (edited 01-05-2000).]
[This message has been edited by TekSec (edited 01-05-2000).]
[This message has been edited by TekSec (edited 01-05-2000).]
Erik
teksec01@hotmail.com
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TekSec, 2000 F-150 XLT, Deep Wedgewood Blue/Silver,4.6L,3.55LS,Class III Tow, Keyless w/alarm, soft tonneau. Basically a Lariat w/o the Leather!
Mods:
Line-X Spray Bedliner
GTS Headlight and Bug Shield (Carbon Fiber)
Airaid
Superchip
Borla Anniversary Edition CatBack
JBA Headers
Future Mods:
Supercharger
Roll Pan w/ Hidden Hitch
2"/4" Drop (or 3" raise...don't know yet!!!)
[This message has been edited by TekSec (edited 01-05-2000).]
[This message has been edited by TekSec (edited 01-05-2000).]
[This message has been edited by TekSec (edited 01-05-2000).]
[This message has been edited by TekSec (edited 01-05-2000).]
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Hey guys - you can purchase a dif. "cover" from, I think, JC Whitney. Its chrome plated and just fits right over your present dif, and snaps in place. You could get one of these and paint it and snap it in place.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Greetings!!!
I believe that Ford Motorsports makes a really nice chrome diff cover for the 9.75" diff, although I'm not sure where you can get one. The local Ford dealership's parts counter may be able to order one for you.
I will look into this myself as I was going to paint my diff cover, and when I saw how nice the chrome diff cover looks, I was sold on it. I will post part # and price once I get the info.
Steve
2000 4X4 Lariat SC SB
5.4
Two tone black/silver
All options except LS differential
MODS so far:
-Westin step bars (powder coated matte black)
-Lund bug shield
-Gentex electrochromatic rear view mirror
-Cabin Air Filtration Kit
MODS to come:
-Superchip (of course!!)
-K&N or AirAid air plenum/filter (can't decide yet which one to get)
-Flowmaster Force II exhaust (series 50 SUV with duals out the rear)
-Mickey Thompson Classic 16" wheels with 305/75 BFG AT KO's
-4.10 gears (still thinking about this one ...anyone have any input?)
-LS diff or locker of some sort once they are available..
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I believe that Ford Motorsports makes a really nice chrome diff cover for the 9.75" diff, although I'm not sure where you can get one. The local Ford dealership's parts counter may be able to order one for you.
I will look into this myself as I was going to paint my diff cover, and when I saw how nice the chrome diff cover looks, I was sold on it. I will post part # and price once I get the info.
Steve
2000 4X4 Lariat SC SB
5.4
Two tone black/silver
All options except LS differential
MODS so far:
-Westin step bars (powder coated matte black)
-Lund bug shield
-Gentex electrochromatic rear view mirror
-Cabin Air Filtration Kit
MODS to come:
-Superchip (of course!!)
-K&N or AirAid air plenum/filter (can't decide yet which one to get)
-Flowmaster Force II exhaust (series 50 SUV with duals out the rear)
-Mickey Thompson Classic 16" wheels with 305/75 BFG AT KO's
-4.10 gears (still thinking about this one ...anyone have any input?)
-LS diff or locker of some sort once they are available..
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Member
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Suffolk, VA USA
Installed a Motorsports chrome diff cover,and it lasted well in VA. I got up here to Iceland, and it was rusted in a month. I had it waxed several times before I got up here, too. Something like $28. It's the gear oil from Ford that was the killer. Something like $16 per qt. Had I known about the rust, I'da painted it.
Member
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
If you really want show truck quality do this:
Take it off and sand it dilligently, remember the golden rule: "Preperation, prepairation, prepairation"!
Go to an autobody supply store and get some primer and 2 stage paint mixed and put in cans (paint and clearcoat) to match your truck's paint code. Primer for the above is very important since all primers were not created equal and the wrong primer may make your paint peel or crack.
Since this part will likely be oily, wipe it down with lots of thinner.
After applying 3-4 coats of primer, and allowing it to dry, using lots of water...sand it lightly with 800 grit wet sandpaper.
If you sand down to bare metal anywhere, you have to re-prime (sorry)!
Apply the paint in as many as 7-8 coats letting each coat dry to a tacky feel before the next coat. Allow to dry and possible bake under some bright/hot lights for about 4+hours (the longer the better 24 hrs. is great).
Very gently (Using lotts of water) sand with 800 grit then 2000 grit then 2400 grit... ONLY REQ'D IF... you have any dirt, runs, etc. to remove.
Clear coat in the same fashion as you have painted but be aware the clear takes longer to dry.
If you need to remove any dirt etc. refer to the above 800/2000/2400 BUT if you do you sand it will be cloudy so... you will require the use of "Fine cut polishing compound" and a foam pad to attach to a drill. Soak it (foam pad) down with water, apply the compound and keep it moving! You don't need very much pressure or rpm's for the pad to work nicely.
I know it seems like alot of work but think of it this way, by doing all the above steps (and practicing on a part that goes under the truck), you will be ready to perfectly master the art of paint repair for door dings and stone chips and even if you dare... painting your entire truck!!!
Best of luck!
Bruce
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'97 F-150 Lariat,4.6, S/C, 4X4, SB, 17"wheels, no mods.
Take it off and sand it dilligently, remember the golden rule: "Preperation, prepairation, prepairation"!
Go to an autobody supply store and get some primer and 2 stage paint mixed and put in cans (paint and clearcoat) to match your truck's paint code. Primer for the above is very important since all primers were not created equal and the wrong primer may make your paint peel or crack.
Since this part will likely be oily, wipe it down with lots of thinner.
After applying 3-4 coats of primer, and allowing it to dry, using lots of water...sand it lightly with 800 grit wet sandpaper.
If you sand down to bare metal anywhere, you have to re-prime (sorry)!
Apply the paint in as many as 7-8 coats letting each coat dry to a tacky feel before the next coat. Allow to dry and possible bake under some bright/hot lights for about 4+hours (the longer the better 24 hrs. is great).
Very gently (Using lotts of water) sand with 800 grit then 2000 grit then 2400 grit... ONLY REQ'D IF... you have any dirt, runs, etc. to remove.
Clear coat in the same fashion as you have painted but be aware the clear takes longer to dry.
If you need to remove any dirt etc. refer to the above 800/2000/2400 BUT if you do you sand it will be cloudy so... you will require the use of "Fine cut polishing compound" and a foam pad to attach to a drill. Soak it (foam pad) down with water, apply the compound and keep it moving! You don't need very much pressure or rpm's for the pad to work nicely.
I know it seems like alot of work but think of it this way, by doing all the above steps (and practicing on a part that goes under the truck), you will be ready to perfectly master the art of paint repair for door dings and stone chips and even if you dare... painting your entire truck!!!
Best of luck!
Bruce
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'97 F-150 Lariat,4.6, S/C, 4X4, SB, 17"wheels, no mods.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 527
Likes: 0
From: INDIANA,.....USA " Where more than Corn grows in Indiana"!!!
Hey does anyone know where I can get a fake Diff. cover for my truck 97` Rear diff. I don`t want to paint or put a real chrome one under truck . I know years ago they made a plastic cover that snaped on over the real one. Anyone know where to find one at?????? Please E-mail me @.... Terrylariat1@aol.com Thanks Alot!!!!!!!!!!!!....Lariat#1
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1997 Red/Silver F150 Lariat Flareside 3 Dr. SC W/ ORP & Tow Package, Complete Lariat Package Option List ,{APPEARANCE}: AVS Carbon Fiber Headlite Covers, Tail Lite Slots & Door Sill Protectors,Owens Fg. Step Boards, Tinted Windows,Ford 2-Piece Bra,20" Chrome Exhaust Tips,A.R.E Bed Cover Lid,Pendaliner Inner Tail Gate Protector,Zie-Bart Total Paint & Under Coating W/ Sounder Deadener Protection, #1 Ford Truck Plate under glass on Front Bumper, {PERFORMANCE}: 4.6L Auto, 3.55LS, 4-Wheel ABS,Platinum 3 Spark Plugs,K&N Air Filter W/ modified stock air box, Tornado Air Man.,WMS Velocity Tube,Dual Exhaust System,Per. Fiction Carbon Mettalic Disc Brake Pads,Goodyear Wrangler A/TS Tires,55 Watt(replacement) Back-up Lites, Pilot 55 watt Back-up Lites on Hitch under truck,Foglites work W/ Brites On , {STEREO}: Stock In-Dash Cass. W/6 Disc Changer & 4 Stock Speakers, {SECURITY}: Ford Security System W/ Motion Alarm All on same Key Fob, This is LARIAT 1... IN The Great State Of Indiana..........http://hometown.aol.com/terrylariat1...page/auto.html A very Proud Member of ...www.f150online.com
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1997 Red/Silver F150 Lariat Flareside 3 Dr. SC W/ ORP & Tow Package, Complete Lariat Package Option List ,{APPEARANCE}: AVS Carbon Fiber Headlite Covers, Tail Lite Slots & Door Sill Protectors,Owens Fg. Step Boards, Tinted Windows,Ford 2-Piece Bra,20" Chrome Exhaust Tips,A.R.E Bed Cover Lid,Pendaliner Inner Tail Gate Protector,Zie-Bart Total Paint & Under Coating W/ Sounder Deadener Protection, #1 Ford Truck Plate under glass on Front Bumper, {PERFORMANCE}: 4.6L Auto, 3.55LS, 4-Wheel ABS,Platinum 3 Spark Plugs,K&N Air Filter W/ modified stock air box, Tornado Air Man.,WMS Velocity Tube,Dual Exhaust System,Per. Fiction Carbon Mettalic Disc Brake Pads,Goodyear Wrangler A/TS Tires,55 Watt(replacement) Back-up Lites, Pilot 55 watt Back-up Lites on Hitch under truck,Foglites work W/ Brites On , {STEREO}: Stock In-Dash Cass. W/6 Disc Changer & 4 Stock Speakers, {SECURITY}: Ford Security System W/ Motion Alarm All on same Key Fob, This is LARIAT 1... IN The Great State Of Indiana..........http://hometown.aol.com/terrylariat1...page/auto.html A very Proud Member of ...www.f150online.com
Member
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Fort Bragg, NC
Summit Racing sells aluminum differential covers that not only look great, but provide 6 tons of support for your differential. Additionally, the design has load bolts that help keep the bearings and ring gear in place, and provides a drain bolt for future maintenance. The only drawback is cost ($139 plus the cost of 3 qts. of 75w140 at $10 each)