Hi,
I have a 2007 Vmax 6.0L 4x4 Silverado. I need a new differential cover. How do I identify my differential? Most stored only carry the cover for an 8.5" ring gear which has 10 bolts. How do I find what I need. I've found similar looking covers but they do not have a fill plug? Tks!

DS

 

If it has a fill plug it’s likely the 11.5” ring gear - see if this matches -

Dorman Diff Cover

If it’s a match, any parts store and/or online retailer should be able to get it.

 

I thought the 11.5 only came in 8 lug?

 

I don’t know for sure. Is that cover the wrong one?

 

The 11.5 in rear diff is used behind the 6.6L Duramax, and the 6.0L gasser uses a 10.5 in. The 11.5 has a fill plug in the cover and the 10.5 fill plug is on the right side of the housing and has bolts around the pinion that hold the drive pinion housing.

 

Doesn't the 6.0L gas use a 9.5" "hybrid axle" with 14 bolts and fill plug in cover?

 

The 6.0 and heavy duty axle combination can be used in a 2500 or 3500 chassis depending on intended vehicle use (a lot of cutaways with 3500 chassis have the 6.0).

Look at the RPO sticker in the glove box - find the codes that start with G and match it here -

West Coast Differentials

If you have a 1500 chassis, it’s possible a previous owner swapped in a heavier axle.

 

Ok, so it is 9.5" ring gear, hybrid axle. It has the 2500 9.5" diff with posi, limited slip, but has the 1500 axles and tubes.


Looking cal Chev dealer cannot get me a new cover. There's also a variation of the cover without a fill plug.

 

Hey @deepstuff have you looked under 2007 Silverado 1500 *CLASSIC*? That still used the 1999-2006 design, not the 2007+ parts, and it in fact has a couple of covers for the 9.5" ring gear rear differential option. Check it out here:

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...ial+cover,2306

None of those have a drain plug however.... but maybe it is a clue that you need to look through what is available for different year models, and not just the 2007 1500/2500?

 

Yes, I looked. A parts store actually had one come in for me that didn't have the fill plugged. Local Chev dealership cannot get one either. I'm having old one repaired now but will keep looking..

Thx