1994-1998 Dodge 5.9L Cummins Rear Differential Covers

Rear differential covers on the 1994-1998 Ram 5.9L Cummins

Both rear axles behind the 5.9L Cummins are full-floating. The Dana 70 has a 10.5-inch ring gear. The Dana 80 has an 11.25-inch ring gear and is rated up to 11,000 lb GAWR; limited-slip versions carry a Power Lok through 1997 or a four-pinion Trac Lok from 1998. The two axles take different covers, so a 3500 owner and a 2500 automatic owner need different parts even though the trucks look alike.

Gasket or new cover?

If the stock cover is straight and you only need to stop a seep, a new gasket and fresh gear oil do the job. The common upgrade on second-gen Rams is a finned aluminum cover with a dipstick and drain. It adds fluid capacity and lets you check and change gear oil without breaking the cover seal again.

What we carry

• Dana 70: the Mag-Hytec Dana 70 cover and the BD Diesel 1061835 Dana 70 rear cover
• Dana 80: the Mag-Hytec Dana 80 rear cover and the AFE 46-70032 Dana 80 cover
• Also from AFE: the 46-70030 Street Series rear cover; check its listing for axle fitment
• Gaskets: Mahle P18562 and P38163TC differential cover gaskets
• Hardware: the ATS Diesel Performance 402-009-1000 drain plug for ATS pans and differential covers

Fitment notes

Confirm the axle by its tag before you order. Several titles list wider year ranges than this page, such as 1989-2002 Cummins trucks, and some also list Ford fitments; what matters is that your axle matches. For 1998 trucks, check that you still have the 12-valve, since the 24-valve took over partway through the year. Verify by VIN if you're not sure.

Frequently asked questions

I have a 3500. Which rear cover do I need?

A Dana 80 cover. Every 1994-1998 Ram 3500 has a Dana 80 rear axle, so look at the Mag-Hytec Dana 80 cover or the AFE 46-70032. If you're working on a 2500 instead, check whether it's an automatic (Dana 70) or a manual (Dana 80) first.

Which Mahle gasket fits my truck?

Check each listing. The P18562 is listed for 1989-2002 5.9L Cummins trucks and the P38163TC for 1994-2002, and both also list several Power Stroke trucks. Use the fitment checker on the product page, or call us with your axle tag info.

Not sure what fits? Call the shop at the number in the header, or use the fitment checker on any product page. We install everything we sell.