GM Torsen 8.0 10 Bolt Rear Differential Cover

Part Number 11035

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Volume: 0.5 qt. over stock

Dimensions: Click here for dimensions.

PML designed this rear end cover for Torsen differentials in response to requests from the Chevy SSR community.

Applications

Vehicles that have had this PML differential cover installed are:

• 2002 – 2012 Chevrolet Colorado / GMC Canyon (see installations below)
• 2003 – 2006 Chevrolet SSR with automatic transmission
• 2002 – 2005 GMC Envoy, except SS
• 2005 – 2009 Saab 9-7X 4.2L
• 2002 – 2009 Trailblazer, except SS
• 2006 – 2007 Trailblazer EXT / GMC Envoy XUV (except SS)

We have had great feedback from many folks with SSRs, Envoys, Canyon, Colorado, and a 2008 4.2L Saab 9-7X owner. Torsen 8.0 differentials are found on many other vehicles so this cover could also work on:

• 2002 – 2004 Olds Bravada
• 2005 Buick Renier
• Many models of Audi, Toyota, Honda, Ford, Subaru

Always check your vehicle to verify your differential and clearance before ordering. Vehicle configurations vary.

This part was updated March 2017 and now has an additional boss for optional machining for a level check.

Drain, Fill, and Level Check and Optional Machining

This cover has a fill hole on the top and a drain hole on the bottom. All hardware, including a a magnetic drain plug, is included.

There are three unmachined bosses on the right side of the cover at about 3 o'clock and 4 o'clock. For an additional $45 machining fee, PML can machined these bosses to your specifications.

• The smaller boss at 4 o'clock can be used for a temperature sending unit when drilled and tapped with a 1/8 NPT hole.
• The large boss at 3 o'clock can be machined for a second fill hole or for other uses.
• The third boss on the face of the part can be machined with a 1/8 NPT as a alternative level check location. This boss was added to the part in March 2017. Always verify that the PML level check matches the level check on your carrier. To have PML machining this hole is a $45 option that must be ordered over the phone.

In the past, some Canyon/Colorado owners have had us machine the 3 o'clock boss and used this as a way to check the fluid level even though the location was above fill on the carrier and estimate the difference. We updated the cover to include the front boss in March 2017 so that when the front boss is machined with a 1/8 NPT hole, it can be used as a level check. The truck owner/installer is responsible for verifying the fit and fluid levels.

When PML machines a hole, a plug is included.

There is a level check on the carrier on the passenger's side.

Image shows a computer generated drawing of this PML differential cover on a differential and level check location. Click on small image to view larger.

PML Differential Cover Compared to Stock

    
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These images show this PML differential cover compared to the stock cover.

Installations

SSR 2005, Polish Finish with PML Differential Cover

Dirk at S-Tec in Kiel, Germany installed a PML differential cover on a 2006 6.0 SSR. This cover has the polish finish. Our thanks to Dirk for sending us the picture.

SSR 2005 with PML Differential Cover

Mike purchased a PML Torsen differential cover and personalized it with black paint on the ribs and bolts. Mike reported that the PML cover "is a very nice piece. It installed easily with no modifications." And Mike has been told that "the cover makes the SSR look great going down the road." Our thanks to Mike for taking the time to email us his comments and pictures.

2006 Canyon with PML Differential Cover

An owner of a 2006 Canyon 4x4 with the 3.5L engine installed this PML differential cover. The PML cover provides the Canyon with easier maintenance, increased cooling and strength. The cover is not visible unless you look under the truck so the natural cast finish was perfect for this application.

He wanted to replace the level check/fill hole on the carrier with holes on the PML cover. So the boss on the left (3 o'clock position) was machined as a level check hole although it is about 1" higher than the factory. The owner reported that it is still easy to check with a finger. (If you use this method, be careful not to overfill.) In March 2017, PML added a boss that can be machined at the same location as the stock level check location.

The customer also reported that the brake lines did not need to be moved but there was a small issue with the brake line mounting brackets as they have pressed in bolts which have to be cut off in order to use the new bolts provided by PML. The original stock bolts are too short to reuse. Also the brake line mounting brackets square ends needed to be rounded with a grinder so that they would fit flush to the cover. Neither of these were issues and the swap was quite quick and painless.

     
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2005 GMC Envoy 4.2 Straight 6

This video shows the installation of a PML 4L60E transmission pan and this differential cover on a 2005 GMC Envoy. There is not much clearance between the pan hard rod and the PML cover but the is no movement of the rod in that direction so there is no problem.

 
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2006 Chevrolet Colorado

Erik purchased this PML rear differential cover for his 2006 Colorado. He emailed us with these pictures and said:

My truck runs much, much smoother with the added gear oil capacity. I purchased an "as cast" finish but being a metal fabricator I grained the fins and the side of the mounting flange, masked them off and painted the cover with BBQ black hi temp. Came out beautifully.

  
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2007 Chevrolet Colorado

Thanks to John for sending us pictures of the PML differential cover on his 2007 Chevy Colorado.

  
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2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Thanks to Jim at Champion Transmissions in Thousand Oaks (805-495-9312) for installing this differential cover on a 2009 Trailblazer and sending us pictures.

  
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PML Differential Cover Features:

• Increased oil capacity for cooler temperatures
• Sand-cast aluminum with raised fins
• 3/16-inch thick wall construction to add strength to differential housing
• 3/8-inch thick gasket flange will not bend when bolts are tightened
• Machined gasket surface for a secure seal using RTV or factory reusable gasket
• Oil changes without removing the cover
• All hardware provided, including magnetic drain plug

Learn more about finishes and construction of PML parts.