LuckySnake Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 Duane, you are a gentleman and a scholar. Once again, thanks for climbing underneath and capturing some critical shots. Here is my receipt from yesterday. Here is a shot of the 2001 Explorer cover that I previously cut down next to the 2007 Explorer cover, which matches what Ford used on your KR (note here that the older cover can be used as well). The '01 cover used the 'AC' revision... The '07 cover, and KR piece, uses the 'AB' revision. Thanks for confirming!! This gives you an idea of what needs to be cut off... Note the 'AC' drain plug... And the newer 'AB' drain plug... This shot shows what I did (some four years ago) to the vent hole on my '01 cover. I cut threads and put a pipe plug in its place... <snip> Thanks for sharing, I'm saving to file as this thread probably has a life limit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tob Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 <snip> Here is the vent hole, untouched, on the '07 cover... A shot of the right ear that needs to be cut off... Something of interest here. Ford raised the elevation of the fill plug on the newer style cover. I'll have to verify that it works in conjunction with the fill plug on the front of the axle housing (next to the pinion seal). Look closely at the relationship of the fill plug in comparison to the cover bolt holes. Here is the '01 cover... Now compare it to the '07 cover... A back to back comparison of how Ford shrunk down the drain plug as well... Guys, this is a great mod for a great price. Anyone with even a minimum of skills can handle doing this. I simply used a sawzall to cut the ears off. I found the lower tooth count, wood blades, to cut through the aluminum better than a fine tooth metal blade. Then I carefully cut pie slices off, to minimize finish work. I finished the cover up by dressing it up with a belt sander. In the case of the KR, it looks like they used black paint to coat the fresh cut aluminum (and maybe make the mod a bit more discreet as well). I'd really like to find out who the contractor was that did these for Ford, as they are not available from Ford Parts and Service (a 'finished' cover, that is). Again, thanks Duane. You have unearthed some history that may have fallen by the wayside, otherwise. Tob On edit...I also ordered the correct '07 Explorer bolts for this cover. I believe them to be a coated, integral style washer, bolt. For the heck of it I also ordered the '07 vent, just to see how it worked. It may help to have two vents, reducing the lube puking some have been seeing... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tob Posted November 26, 2009 Report Share Posted November 26, 2009 And in case the photo of the recipt isn't clear, here is the part number from the box It won't be long until CS picks up on this and adds them to their inventory. Care to speculate as to what they would charge? Tob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuckySnake Posted November 26, 2009 Report Share Posted November 26, 2009 Great Information Tob! I'm hoping to find out how much deeper the KR cover is? I'm using a Fays 2 Watts Link and an wondering if this will work with the KR cover? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuckySnake Posted November 26, 2009 Report Share Posted November 26, 2009 And in case the photo of the recipt isn't clear, here is the part number from the box It won't be long until CS picks up on this and adds them to their inventory. Care to speculate as to what they would charge? Tob to much Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldlugs Posted November 26, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 26, 2009 ...It won't be long until CS picks up on this and adds them to their inventory. Care to speculate as to what they would charge? Tob ...Probably more than we'd be willing to spend on it. Since the wrecking yards should be full of 'em in a few years though, I'm sure we'll be able to pull 'em off for $20 or so. Tob, thanks for doing all the research! I'm going to go have a look at the neighbor's new Explorer... around midnight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tob Posted November 26, 2009 Report Share Posted November 26, 2009 Heh. Wife has a 2007 Mountaineer Limited (V8, blah, blah). I put down my sandwich, jogged out into the garage, and held my arm out and underneath her car. Tough to see without it up in the air... Wishbone... The 'correct' bolts... The pumpkin, if you will, isn't a bad piece either. LuckySnake, I think the Fays2 wouldn't have any interference from this cover. It projects out ~ 1/2" further from its outermost face (this assumes the ears are gone) than the stock, tin cover. Tob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelbypt Posted November 27, 2009 Report Share Posted November 27, 2009 My 08, CSM# 0301 has a steel cover. White sticker on the cover with the gear ratio on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tob Posted November 27, 2009 Report Share Posted November 27, 2009 I snuck out to the shop before dinner and prepped the cover I bought a couple of days ago. Even taking time for photos and playing with my dogs, it still only took about an hour to take the Explorer cover and cut it down so it resembled to KR unit. I documented it in the hopes that those that might be on the fence regarding their 'abilities' would see this and realize how easy it is to do. All I used was a sawzall, a belt sander, and a couple of clamps to hold it down. Here's a bit of how I did it... I started with a quick mark of the pen, to keep me from veering off my intended line. Grabbed the sawzall, fitted with a 'rough in' blade to do the majority of each cut. Cut away! I found that what works best was to use the rough in blade for about 75% of each cut, followed by a 'Bi Metal' (I like the Milwaukee brand called 'The Torch') to finish the cut all the way through. <snip> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tob Posted November 27, 2009 Report Share Posted November 27, 2009 <snip> If it helps, this is what the blades look like. They are on the shelf at your local Home Depot. The following shots should give you an idea of how rough the cut can be... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tob Posted November 27, 2009 Report Share Posted November 27, 2009 <snip> Done with the cutting, I started with the beltsander. I used whatever belt was already in it, I think it was about 90 grit. This is after about thirty seconds... This was how the other side looked after cutting... This time maybe forty five seconds with the belt sander... For posterity, the gasket face side of the cover And that is it! For approximately 1/4 of the cost of the FRPP cover and a minimum of effort. Nice thing this cover offers is increased panhard bar clearance over the FRPP cover. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tob Posted November 27, 2009 Report Share Posted November 27, 2009 <snip> I then chose to clean up around the circumference of the gasket flange face. In a nutshell... Next to the '01 Explorer cover I did about four years ago... All that is left is to coat it in either clear (similar to the FRPP cover) or just blast it with gloss black (ala the KR). A rather quick and painless piece of work if I may say so. Happy cutting! Tob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ken07gt500 Posted November 27, 2009 Report Share Posted November 27, 2009 OK - got under the car again, this time armed with a light so I could see, and my wife's little pocket camera.Here are a couple more pictures of the diff cover, and the numbers on it, and my axle code label. I sure wish Ford had spent the extra $ to paint this thing... Anyone recognize that cover as being used on another car..? These covers were installed at the Shelby Mod shop as part of the KR package... if you look up above they also installed a over flow resivor that allows the fluid to drain back into the rear diff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tob Posted November 27, 2009 Report Share Posted November 27, 2009 I'm well aware of the reservoir. A nice piece as well. If it was the mod shop that installed them, why didn't they do all the KR's once they started putting them on? Tob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ken07gt500 Posted November 27, 2009 Report Share Posted November 27, 2009 I'm well aware of the reservoir. A nice piece as well. If it was the mod shop that installed them, why didn't they do all the KR's once they started putting them on? Tob I will have to get back to ya on that...Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandro Posted November 28, 2009 Report Share Posted November 28, 2009 Anyone seen this cover before. I have not. Its on ebay claims its a take off from a 2010 shelby. Ford Mustang 8.8 Differential Cover GT 500 item # 270490492586 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tob Posted November 28, 2009 Report Share Posted November 28, 2009 This thread is so rich with interesting items! That link, http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...%3D1&_rdc=1 , is very interesting. I see no part numbers cast onto it, aside from a cast in Ford oval. The groove on the gasket face nearly matches the cast Explorer/Mountaineer cover, which has me thinking it may not be aftermarket afterall. The fact that the bosses are cast for a fill/drain plug but not machined has me thinking one thing - prototype. I have never heard mention of an '10 GT500 having this cover, nor have I ever seen it before. That said, I like it!! Tob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexander Fearn Posted November 28, 2009 Report Share Posted November 28, 2009 Here's a pic of the underneath of mine - if that helps.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slabo Posted November 28, 2009 Report Share Posted November 28, 2009 Here's a pic of the underneath of mine - if that helps.. Hey Sandy don't let them lift your car at those spots anymore! We have already seen the unibody under the k-member bent in from a lift exactly where they are lifting yours. The rear is wrong as well not supposed to lift there either. Have them lift at the pinch welds on the sides where the jacks go next time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldlugs Posted November 28, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 28, 2009 Thanks for the pic, Sandy! So - I wonder how many KRs came with this diff cover, and when SAI started/stopped putting them on. Any way to find out? Duane Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tob Posted November 28, 2009 Report Share Posted November 28, 2009 I've been trying to think that through Duane. This statement has me wondering... These covers were installed at the Shelby Mod shop as part of the KR package I didn't think that CS' "Mod Shop" had a part in KR production. Especially since the axle used in this application was actually the '08-'09 Bullitt unit, installed under the car at the Ford factory and not by Shelby (this information was from Bud at Shelby). But more and more I'm thinking that the cover was installed by Shelby in Vegas. Why? The hardware. There is no way that the hardware shown in the photos you linked (I forget Duane - your car?) would pass Ford's quality standards. Look closely at it... It had to be installed by someone after the vehicle left Ford's hands. It makes sense that it was done at Shelby, especially since it would seem the hardware choice was inconsistent. Another photo previously linked shows the proper Explorer bolts being utilized... http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9cf04b3...3D720/ry%3D480/ This all has me wondering if it was CS people that modified the Explorer covers as well, which may have tied the 'Mod Shop' into all of this. Amazing that CS people are always so quiet about things like this... Tob On edit...Sandy, if you have a higher resolution photo of the above could you please forward the link to me via pm? I can't tell for sure, but it looks like generic hardware was used on that cover as well... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuckySnake Posted November 28, 2009 Report Share Posted November 28, 2009 Hey Tob, I ordered the cover at a cost of $56.62 and the bolts are $2.49 each but are on back order. Do you think the KR used a machined plug for the vent hole? It appears to me, the "KR" cover will require modification for use with a watts link. The cover only 1/2 deeper isn't an issue, it's the ribs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuckySnake Posted November 28, 2009 Report Share Posted November 28, 2009 Hey Tob, I ordered the cover at a cost of $56.62 and the bolts are $2.49 each but are on back order. Do you think the KR used a machined plug for the vent hole? It appears to me, the "KR" cover will require modification for use with a watts link. The cover only 1/2 deeper isn't an issue, it's the ribs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexander Fearn Posted November 28, 2009 Report Share Posted November 28, 2009 Hey Sandy don't let them lift your car at those spots anymore! We have already seen the unibody under the k-member bent in from a lift exactly where they are lifting yours. The rear is wrong as well not supposed to lift there either. Have them lift at the pinch welds on the sides where the jacks go next time. Ok thanks And this was done by a Uk Roush mechanic ! ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexander Fearn Posted November 28, 2009 Report Share Posted November 28, 2009 I've been trying to think that through Duane. This statement has me wondering... I didn't think that CS' "Mod Shop" had a part in KR production. Especially since the axle used in this application was actually the '08-'09 Bullitt unit, installed under the car at the Ford factory and not by Shelby (this information was from Bud at Shelby). But more and more I'm thinking that the cover was installed by Shelby in Vegas. Why? The hardware. There is no way that the hardware shown in the photos you linked (I forget Duane - your car?) would pass Ford's quality standards. Look closely at it... It had to be installed by someone after the vehicle left Ford's hands. It makes sense that it was done at Shelby, especially since it would seem the hardware choice was inconsistent. Another photo previously linked shows the proper Explorer bolts being utilized... http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9cf04b3...3D720/ry%3D480/ This all has me wondering if it was CS people that modified the Explorer covers as well, which may have tied the 'Mod Shop' into all of this. Amazing that CS people are always so quiet about things like this... Tob On edit...Sandy, if you have a higher resolution photo of the above could you please forward the link to me via pm? I can't tell for sure, but it looks like generic hardware was used on that cover as well... Tob Have a look at my flickr link - there are a few underside shots and they are all high resolution: JerseySandy's Flickr KR Gallery I hope this is helpful to you Best Regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldlugs Posted November 28, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 28, 2009 Tob Have a look at my flickr link - there are a few underside shots and they are all high resolution: JerseySandy's Flickr KR Gallery I hope this is helpful to you Best Regards Hey Sandy, thanks. I made a crop of the best shot of the diff cover: Looks like the same cad-plated grade 5 hardware my KR has. Duane Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tob Posted November 29, 2009 Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 Do you think the KR used a machined plug for the vent hole? Difficult to answer that question judging by the lone photo I've seen from the outside of the cover. I'd love to see it up close for myself. I've got a few ideas swirling in my head regarding what I may do. I'll wait to see what the Explorer part that went there looks like first... It appears to me, the "KR" cover will require modification for use with a watts link. The cover only 1/2 deeper isn't an issue, it's the ribs. The ribs off to the side of the ring gear 'bubble' could always be taken down a bit if necessary, but I think it'll clear with room to spare - if my spatial judgement is worth anything. I'll try and get some comparison shots between the Explorer cover and the factory steel one, along with a few dimensions if that will help you. Thanks for the link to those shots Sandy. Tob On edit...I sent the gentleman selling the cover on eBay a short note, not really expecting a response. I just got one. Dear mopar578, This cover doesn't make sense. I own a GT500 and have never heard or seen mention of this cover - anywhere. Every 2010 GT500 I have seen has a steel cover. I also notice there is no part number either. Was this a prototype? Was this off your car? - Tob His answer... Dear Tob, You will see this soon, maybe not untill 2011. The axle is getting other upgrades also. thanks - mopar578 Other upgrades? Paint? Stronger axles? Beefier differential? I'm in contact with an engineer from SVT to try to find out what is going on with this. Tob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slabo Posted November 29, 2009 Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 I've been trying to think that through Duane. This statement has me wondering... I didn't think that CS' "Mod Shop" had a part in KR production. Especially since the axle used in this application was actually the '08-'09 Bullitt unit, installed under the car at the Ford factory and not by Shelby (this information was from Bud at Shelby). But more and more I'm thinking that the cover was installed by Shelby in Vegas. Why? The hardware. There is no way that the hardware shown in the photos you linked (I forget Duane - your car?) would pass Ford's quality standards. Look closely at it... It had to be installed by someone after the vehicle left Ford's hands. It makes sense that it was done at Shelby, especially since it would seem the hardware choice was inconsistent. Another photo previously linked shows the proper Explorer bolts being utilized... http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9cf04b3...3D720/ry%3D480/ This all has me wondering if it was CS people that modified the Explorer covers as well, which may have tied the 'Mod Shop' into all of this. Amazing that CS people are always so quiet about things like this... Tob On edit...Sandy, if you have a higher resolution photo of the above could you please forward the link to me via pm? I can't tell for sure, but it looks like generic hardware was used on that cover as well... Hey Tob, modified and installed by SAI makes a lot of sense to me. Were these early in the KR builds? When did they stop installing these? Just curious... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
07-2937 Posted November 29, 2009 Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 LOL look @ my signature maybe i know a thing or two... anyhow these were installed during the KR upfit they are on the majority of the cars it was a "running change" the parts AND hardware were provided by Ford... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tob Posted November 29, 2009 Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 Back up for a moment there Bill. Are you saying that these covers were delivered to Shelby (along with the requisite hardware) from Ford and as such were not altered by anyone at Shelby? Tob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.