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Speed School Podcast with Gale Banks

Ram-Air® Differential Cover Kit

Starting at $315.00

Select Options
Ram-Air® Differential Cover Kit

Starting at $315.00

Select Options

Introducing the Banks Power Ram-Air® Diff Cover Kit

Patented design cools 5X better than flat-backs

Banks Ram-Air® differential cover extends lubrication life, retains fuel economy, and rejects heat faster than any other cover on the market.
3 Image composite of the Black-Ops, Machined, and Natrual Aluminum Ram-Air Diff Covers For Sterling 12 Bolt

Key Features

Die-Cast Aluminum Construction

A380 aircraft aluminum die-cast for exceptional strength and precise fit.

Magnetic Fill Plug

Magnetic fill plug. 20° angle for easy fill. Simplifies oil changes.

304 Stainless Steel Hardware

Hex flanged mounting bolts.

Sight-Glass with Contrast Screen

Sight-glass with contrast screen and Viton O-ring seal.

Class-Leading Heat Rejection

24 external radiator fins offer 694.2 extra square inches of surface area to ensure optimal heat rejection.

Magnetic Drain Plug

Recessed magnetic drain plug. Simplifies oil changes.

Patented Ram-Air Scoops

Ram-Air system directs cool high-velocity air through radiator fins, eliminating the dead zone. Designed with breakaway scoops.

NPT Sensor Port

1/8in NPT port for transmission temp monitoring.

Key Features

Image showing a smooth radiused internal surface

Radiused Ports

Radiused ports for smoother fluid flow.
Animation depicting fluid flow

Directional Fluid Guides

Axle-tube guides direct fluid to axle bearings without churn.
Animation highlighting covers O ring seal

O-Ring Seal

Integrated No Mess Viton Seal. Dry-mount silicon high-pressure O-ring seal. No messy RTV required.
Graphic highlighting covers machined surface

Precision Fit Machined Surface

CNC-machined surface ensures precise fit.
Animation showing internal fins obsorbing heat

Internal Heat Absorption Fins

Internal absorber fins offer 120 square inches of surface area to transfer heat to external radiator fins without disrupting fluid flow.
Animation showing oil drain process

Simple Fluid Change

No need to remove cover to change fluid.
Animation highlighting lubricant raceway

Lubricant Raceway

Ring gear raceway provides path for fluid flow to pinion and ring gear-bearing sets.
Graphic showcasing Ram-Air scoops

Ram-Air System w/Breakaway Scoops

Ram-Air scoop break away point prevents damage if scoop is snagged.

Purpose Built

The Banks Engineering team’s goal was to perfect fluid flow and reject BTUs from the fluid as fast as 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.
Transparent animation showing differential internal design

Outperform The Competition, For Less

Thanks to its superior fluid and aerodynamics, the Ram-Air® Cover out-performs stock and flat-back high-capacity covers and does so with less lubricant. Increased distance between service intervals and less lubricant means you'll save money while extending gear life.
Animation showing Banks Ram-Air Differentials superior fluid dynamics

Flat-Back Fail

Extra capacity "Flat-Back" covers have worse fluid dynamics than stock. Effectively splattering oil at a wall reducing lubrication on key components and increasing wear-tear and heat.
2D Animation showing Flat-Back covers flawed design

Banks Does It Right

With the proper distance between the ring gear and raceway, oil is lifted up and around the differential. The internal fluid guides directs the flow exactly to where it's needed.
2D Animation showing Banks Ram-Air Differentials superior fluid dynamics

Flat-Backs Dead Air

The competition has no way of directing airflow, their covers leave a deadzone so temperatures rise faster and fall slower, meaning your oil works harder and components wear faster, costing you fuel economy.
2D Animation showing Flat-Back covers poor cooling ability

Ram-Air Engineering

The Banks differential cover is fundamentally different from its competition because it utilizes Ram-air scoops that direct air through channeled fins, cooling the differential and internal oil temperatures.
2D Animation showing Banks Ram-Air scoops superior cooling ability

Heat Radiation Comparison

The Banks Ram-Air cover features deep external fins with 160% more exterior heat radiation surface area than Mag-Hytec, or almost 5x that of the factory cover.
Bar chart comparing external heat surface area. Banks Ram-Air Cover has 160% more than a flat-back cover.

Heat Absorption Comparison

With 22 internal heat absorption fins to pull heat, total internal surface area is almost doubled vs stock providing a total of 222.2in2.
Bar chart comparing internal heat surface area. Banks Ram-Air Cover has 41% more than a flat-back cover.

The Superior Choice, Backed by 18 Months of Testing

What began with a simple question, resulted in millions of video views, innovation, and another patented Banks product.


All other manufacturers simply copied previous designs. They all run on the belief that "more oil means cooler temps."

The Banks Engineering Team uncovered two underlying problems with aftermarket covers; poor air flow and flawed fluid dynamics. The Banks Ram-Air® differential cover solves both issues.
Test chart showing Banks superior cooling vs AFE and Stock. Banks design cools 118% better.

Keeps Your Diff Cool

And your oil even cooler

Tests were performed on a stretch of California’s infamous Grapevine (Interstate 5) on the same truck, with the same driver and the same load, at the same time of day and same temperature

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, suffer from poor fluid dynamics, and they all make no use of airflow to cool actively.
Test chart showing Banks superior cool down ability vs AFE and Stock. Banks design cools 4X better.

Banks Recommends Amsoil Lubricant

We searched for information on every popular brand of gear oil. The only company with in-depth knowledge and the willingness to share it was AMSOIL.

They are every bit as thorough in their development as we are. The more info we discovered, the more we liked how AMSOIL designs and test their products. If you want to see for yourself, here is a link to their 75w90 test results.
Image of 4 Amsoil lubricant pouches

Maintains OE Fill Level

We decided to stick with the manufacturer's suggested viscosity and use AMSOIL Severe Gear Synthetic Extreme Pressure Gear Lube. Fill level remains at the recommended levels as factory.

Check owners manual for recommended fill level for your specific vehicle.
Chart showing differential fluid fill quantity. Banks Ram-Air uses OE fill level

Ground Clearance

Our patented Ram-Air scoops are designed to increase airflow over the rear differential without sacrificing ground clearance. In fact, our differential cover retains the same low point as factory and competitors.
Picture comparing diff covers. Banks Ram-Air maintains OE low point.

Fitment Check

Download this guide to verify fitment and bolt pattern.
Diagram comparing the size and cross section of the Banks Ram-Air cover vs stock
Gale's Pick
"The data doesnt lie, and nor do your eyes.
This thing kicks ass."

-Gale Banks

Rear View of Banks Sterling Ram-Air Differential Cover
Banks Ram-Air Differential cover
Banks Ram-Air Differential cover
Banks Ram-Air Differential cover
3 Image composite of the Black-Ops, Machined, and Natrual Aluminum Ram-Air Diff Covers For Sterling 12 Bolt
Banks Ram-Air Differential cover
Banks Ram-Air Differential cover
Banks Ram-Air Differential cover
Rear View of Banks Sterling Ram-Air Differential Cover
Rear View of Banks Sterling Ram-Air Differential Cover
Banks Ram-Air Differential cover
Banks Ram-Air Differential cover
Banks Ram-Air Differential cover
3 Image composite of the Black-Ops, Machined, and Natrual Aluminum Ram-Air Diff Covers For Sterling 12 Bolt
Banks Ram-Air Differential cover
Banks Ram-Air Differential cover
Banks Ram-Air Differential cover
Rear View of Banks Sterling Ram-Air Differential Cover
Ram-Air Differential Cover In Black Ops Finish for the 1985-2022 Sterling Axle 12-Bolt
Front 45 Degree view of the Ram-Air Differential Cover for the 1985-2022 Sterling Axle 12-Bolt
45 Degree view of the Ram-Air Differential Cover for the 1985-2022 Sterling Axle 12-Bolt
Hardware for Ram-Air Differential Cover for the 1985-2022 Sterling Axle 12-Bolt
Ram-Air Differential Cover In Black Ops Finish for the 1985-2022 Sterling Axle 12-Bolt
Front 45 Degree view of the Ram-Air Differential Cover for the 1985-2022 Sterling Axle 12-Bolt
45 Degree view of the Ram-Air Differential Cover for the 1985-2022 Sterling Axle 12-Bolt
Hardware for Ram-Air Differential Cover for the 1985-2022 Sterling Axle 12-Bolt
Ram-Air Differential Cover In Machined Finish for the 1985-2022 Sterling Axle 12-Bolt
Front 45 degree view of Ram-Air Differential Cover In Machined Finish for the 1985-2022 Sterling Axle 12-Bolt
Rear 45 degree view of Ram-Air Differential Cover In Machined Finish for the 1985-2022 Sterling Axle 12-Bolt
Hardware for Ram-Air Differential Cover for the 1985-2022 Sterling Axle 12-Bolt
Ram-Air Differential Cover In Machined Finish for the 1985-2022 Sterling Axle 12-Bolt
Front 45 degree view of Ram-Air Differential Cover In Machined Finish for the 1985-2022 Sterling Axle 12-Bolt
Rear 45 degree view of Ram-Air Differential Cover In Machined Finish for the 1985-2022 Sterling Axle 12-Bolt
Hardware for Ram-Air Differential Cover for the 1985-2022 Sterling Axle 12-Bolt
Front face of the Ram-Air Differential Cover In Natural Aluminum for the 1985-2022 Sterling Axle 12-Bolt
Front 45 degree view of Ram-Air Differential Cover In Natural Aluminum for the 1985-2022 Sterling Axle 12-Bolt
Rear 45 degree view of Ram-Air Differential Cover In Natural Aluminum for the 1985-2022 Sterling Axle 12-Bolt
Hardware Used for Ram-Air Differential Cover In Natural Aluminum for the 1985-2022 Sterling Axle 12-Bolt
Front face of the Ram-Air Differential Cover In Natural Aluminum for the 1985-2022 Sterling Axle 12-Bolt
Front 45 degree view of Ram-Air Differential Cover In Natural Aluminum for the 1985-2022 Sterling Axle 12-Bolt
Rear 45 degree view of Ram-Air Differential Cover In Natural Aluminum for the 1985-2022 Sterling Axle 12-Bolt
Hardware Used for Ram-Air Differential Cover In Natural Aluminum for the 1985-2022 Sterling Axle 12-Bolt

Ram-Air® Differential Cover Kit

Patented design cools 5X better than flat-backs
For 1985-2024 Ford Sterling Axle 12-bolt with 10.25/10.5 ring gear
In stock, ready to ship!
MSRP $438.89

$315.00

Choose Your Ram-Air® Differential Cover Kit

$395.00
Black Ops
$395.00
Satin Black/Machined
$375.00
Natural Aluminum
$315.00
Natural Aluminum (Open Box - Like New)

Add Ons

No add-ons selected
Image of 4 Amsoil lubricant pouches
AMSOIL 75w90 First Fill 4-Qt Easy Pack
+$88.88
Picture shwoing 4 pouches of Amsoil lubricant
AMSOIL 75w140 First Fill 4-Qt Easy Pack
+$88.88
Free Shipping on orders over $250 (48 Contiguous US)*

Fitment Alert:
Does Not Fit With Rear Sway Bar
Does Not Fit F350 DRW
Does Not Fit 2023-24 High-Output

Banks Ram-Air® differential cover extends lubrication life and retains fuel economy. Thanks to its superior fluid and aerodynamics, the Ram-Air® Cover out-performs stock and flat-back high-capacity covers and does so with less lubricant. Increased distance between service intervals and less lubricant means you'll save money while extending gear life.

US Patent # 10,443,705 B1

CARB E.O. Not Required

Fitment Note

Does Not Fit With Rear Sway Bar
Does Not Fit F-350 DRW
Does Not Fit 2023-24 High-Output

Click to confirm fitment with this guide

Key Features

Key Highlights

  • New patented design features Ram-Air scoops for fastest cooling
    • Provides cold high velocity air, overcoming “dead air zone” behind differential
    • Scoops force air up and into massive heat radiation fins
    • Engineered to break-away if snagged on an obstacle
  • Banks cools 5X better than flat-back covers in on-road towing tests over the same road, same weather, operator and vehicle
  • Cools 118% better than flat-backs in 200hp 60mph sustained tests
  • Dry-mount high-pressure silicone O-ring seal. No messy RTV clean!
  • Internal fins transfer heat through the cover into the external fins
  • Clears spare tire heat shield, Panhard bars and other components
  • Does not sacrifice any ground clearance
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty
Fluid Dynamics
  • Axle tube lubricant guides directs lube to bearings w/o overfilling
  • Cover mates flush with differential housing for smooth fluid flow
  • Ring gear raceway controls fluid flow to the pinion and bearings
  • Low fluid aeration means longer fluid life
Technical Specs
  • Weight: 11.7 lbs
  • External heat radiation fin count: 23
  • Internal heat absorption fin count: 22
  • Dimensions: 13.3 in X 12.8 in X 3.5 in
  • External heat radiation fin surface area: 694.2 in2
  • Internal heat absorption fin surface area: 103.1 in2
  • External heat radiation total surface area: 741.9 in2
  • Internal heat absorption total surface area: 222.2 in2
  • Fasteners: 12 x stainless steel 5/16 flange hex bolts
  • Material: A380 aluminum diecast with CNC machined surfaces
  • Internal Volume: About 3.3-3.6 Qts (Check OEM Owners Manual)
Oil service
  • Magnetic drain plug
  • Magnetic fill port plug
  • 20° angled fill port for easy access
  • No need to remove cover to change fluid
  • 1/2 in sight glass with contrast screen (visual aid) and Viton seal
  • Banks recommends Amsoil 75W-90 Severe Gear Synthetic Gear Lube
  • Fill level depends on model year: (About 4.0Qts Fill To OEM Level)

Specifications

When it comes to product development, we only make products that increase performance and beat the competition. So when we tested the popular Diff Covers on the market, we were shocked to find out that they actually hurt performance. This lead to the development of something so New and Incredible that our performance design has a United States Patent.

Look, when we set out to build a product for your vehicle, we only engineer the best. What else would you expect from a company with a winning legacy that spans decades. We are here to win, and we just did (AGAIN) in a huge way

Manuals

Ram-Air Differential Cover Install Guide - Sterling 12-Bolt

Questions? Contact Support
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