Banks Power GM/Dodge Ram, Differential Cover Kit

Cools 4X Better than flat-backs, increases MPG, Patented
Banks Ram-Air Differential Cover is unlike any other. After testing covers with flat-backs and those with larger fluid capacities, it was apparent that those covers do not cool as well as advertised and suffer from poor fluid dynamics. As a result, they reduce fuel economy. Banks Ram-Air differential cover increases fuel economy and extends lubrication life!

What began with a simple question, resulted in millions of video views, innovation and another patented Banks product.
More than a year ago Gale questioned the benefits of aftermarket diff covers asking, “Are they just bling or are they really doing something?” The answer wasn’t as easy to uncover as he’d hoped. Out of dozens of manufactures, only one claimed to reduce fluid temps, yet no data could be found to back up those numbers. All other manufacturers, and there are many, simply copied the originator’s design. Manufacturers still parrot the same phrase today, “More oil means cooler temps.” Although there’s some truth to it, what Gale and the Banks Engineering Team uncovered were two underlying problems with aftermarket covers; poor air flow and flawed fluid dynamics. The Banks Ram-Air differential cover solves both issues.
Almost all aftermarket covers have fins for cooling. Unfortunately, those fins are almost useless because there’s little or no airflow immediately behind the differential. Nearly all aftermarket covers impede fluid flow. Why does this matter? Aim a fire hose at a brick wall. It turns out liquid doesn’t like 90° angles or obstructions.
After testing covers with flat-backs and those with larger fluid capacities, it was apparent that these covers do not cool as well as advertised and suffer from poor fluid dynamics. As a result, they reduce fuel economy. With its computer-aided and road-tested design, the Banks Ram-Air differential cover increases fuel economy and extends lubrication life!
Many have asked, “Why did testing take so long?” Well, there was no precedent for testing rear differential covers, nor was any data available for rear differential lubricants as tested in vehicles. “There are just too many variables,” said the lubricant companies. Creating the proper test procedures was incredibly time-consuming. We started from scratch several times. We even burned up our chassis dyno and destroyed several sets of tires. It was a humbling process.
Fitment Notes: Fits 2001-2019 Chevy/GMC/Dodge/Ram vehicles with AAM 11.5" and 11.8" 14-bolt rear differential cover.
Check clearance, fitment and confirm your truck has the correct differential before purchasing.

Features and Benefits
Banks cools 4X better than flat-back covers in on-road towing tests over the same road, same weather, operator and vehicle
Banks cools 118% better than flat-back covers in controlled 200hp 60mph sustained dyno tests
New patented design features Ram-Air scoops
Forces air up and into massive heat radiation fins providing the fastest cooling on the market
Provides cold high velocity air, overcoming “dead air zone” behind differential
Engineered to break-away if snagged on an obstacle
Internal heat absorption fins transfer heat through the cover to the external fins
Dry-mount high-pressure silicone O-ring seal. No messy RTV clean up when servicing differential
Clears spare tire heat shield, Panhard bars and other suspension components
Lowest point is the rear differential housing, not the Banks Ram-Air cover
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Fluid Dynamics
Cover mates perfectly with differential housing for unobstructed fluid flow
Ring gear controls the fluid flow path to the pinion and bearing sets
Axle tube lubricant guides direct fluid to axle bearings without over-filling
Low fluid aeration means longer fluid life
Oil service
No need to remove cover to change fluid
Magnetic 3/8” NPT drain plug with 3/8” square drive, no hex wrench required
3/4” NPT fill port plug with 9/16” hex drive, hex key included
20° angled fill port for easy access
1/2” Stainless steel sight glass with contrast screen (visual aid) and Viton seal
Banks recommends Amsoil 75W-90 Severe Gear Synthetic Gear Lube Easy Pack
Technical Specs
Finish: cast aluminum
Material: A380 aluminum diecast with CNC machined surfaces
Weight: 11.7 lbs
Dimensions: 14.2” X 13.3” X 3.8”
Internal volume: 4 quarts matching factory fill level
External heat radiation fin count: 24
Internal heat absorption fin count: 26
External heat radiation fin surface area: 533.782 inches
Internal heat absorption fin surface area: 119.882 inches
External heat radiation total surface area: 808.81 in2
Internal heat absorption total surface area: 215.78 in2
Fasteners: Chrome-plated 12-poing flanged M8-1.25x32mm bolts

Purpose Built
The Banks Engineering team’s goal was to perfect fluid flow and reject BTUs from the fluid as fast the ring and pinion puts them in. If the fluid flow is impeded in any way, it results in resistance and aeration which reduce fuel economy and creates heat, thereby degrading the fluid and decreasing the lifespan of the gearset.
In all studies, the stock stamped steel AAM (American Axle Manufacturing) was used as a baseline. Competitive covers tested included Mag-Hytec, AFE, ATS, BD, PPE and others, with Mag-Hytec and AFE representing the ‘flat-back” design category.

Heat Absorption and Radiation Surface Area Comparison
The Banks Ram-Air cover features 169% more exterior heat radiation surface area and 21% more internal heat absorption surface area than Mag-Hytec. This is impressive considering the Banks cover retains the stock 4-quart fluid capacity.