Banks Power Differential Cover

Unless you’ve still sporting a Motorola flip phone and relying on AOL dialup internet, you should be aware of both the existence of aftermarket differential covers and the YouTube video series from Gale Banks Engineering (aka Banks Power) regarding the negatives of the traditional flat-back aluminum covers. Not ringing a bell? Check out the links below before moving on.

With more than a year into research and development, and a patent from the US Patent and Trademark Office, the Banks diff cover is the real deal. And while Gale Banks makes some big claims in his videos, we’re not in a position to confirm or deny any of them, so use your best judgement while watching the videos.

We did, however, want to see one of these new covers for ourselves. And let us tell you, they in high demand! It features: a curved back so that fluid flows more easily to the pinion and pinion bearings; air ducts that channel cool air to the fins on the back of the cover; and internal heatsink fins. There’s a lot to love about the Banks cover. Fill and drain plugs have become standard fare on aftermarket covers, but Banks takes it a step further and adds a sight glass for easy fluid checks. Finishing off the package is a Viton O-ring seal and chrome 12-point fasteners.

To try out the cover for ourselves, we went over to the axle experts at South Bay Truck & 4×4, where Frank Gilliland had the new cover installed in no time. Mind you, we were there with our 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD for other gear work anyway. The Banks diff cover can be installed in your driveway with basic hand tools in about 30 minutes.

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