PPE Sterling 11.6 Differential Cover

[usafakid09]

why would banks bother with the 11.6 at this stage. is this its first or second year in production ? who knows how long it will even be around. and its only used in some ford trucks.
if you look at other covers banks offers. aa11.5 has been around 20yr in ram and gm. the newer 11.5/12.0 aam is now on its 6th year in ram and gm

Their loss. There is obviously a demand for them or PPE wouldn't have developed a cover. Heavy's post above I think accurately gets at the Bank's attitude/mindset as of late.

 

[mikeylikesit]

banks is in business to make money just as every other company. we have to assume if there was much money to be made they would already have 11.6 covers churning out of the cnc machine.
ppe may be in a better position to make new model diff covers at the drop of a hat. who knows. but who wants a flat back cover anyways.

 

[mikeylikesit]

it takes time and man power to 3d scan a cover. program the machines. find a source for hardware ( oring ,gasket, bolts etc.). x amount of covers have to be made and sold just to break even. x amount more have to be made and sold to even make it worth your time. and gamble the 11.6 doesnt fade away in 5yr like the 17-21 dana ,leaving a pile of covers they cant get rid of.
a handful of guys on a forum wanting diff covers isnt exactly "in demand". plus it was already mention the 11.6 is only put in a limited number of trucks. and on just its second year of production.
banks will make covers soon as they see money to be had. im not a business major but from a practical common sense angle thats how i see it.

 

[HeavyAssault]

Banks is in the business of trying to remain relevant to the automotive community.

 

[Whaler27]

I see Bank's as a High School cheerleader captain in her late 50's talking as if they are still the best on the field.

Perfect!

Is there a chance Ford finally got it right after years of criticism, so the newer Ford/Sterling diff covers function as well as the prior Banks solutions?

 

[Whaler27]

@trmrzla : I gave this another thought so I'll add it here. Do business with whatever company answers the phone, talks to you like a human, answers your questions, and gives you the option to spend your money the way you want.

I for one have gotten to the point where there's LOTS of companies making quality parts/products. Want my money?? Listen to me, answer my questions, correct any misconceptions I have, and leave it up to me.
I can tell you I send an email to one rifle company that I like, THEY CALL ME directly to answer the question. Another truck product company answers my call, takes the time to understand my questions, and gives me their answers.

Guess where I spend my money...I'll give you the first two guesses for free.

Amen.

 

[Abuck99]

Nope-it’s still a stamped metal cover. The finned cast aluminum will dissipate heat better. Not sure how much that impacts synthetic fluid life over 25-50,000 miles ? For me the benefit of the aftermarket option is the ability to drain the diff with out removing the cover-and it has mag drain and fill plugs.

FYI PPE has a BF 10% off going on- and there was in stock when I ordered yesterday. Now if Lubelocker would make an 11.6 gasket that would be great.

 

[Dented]

For me the benefit of the aftermarket option is the ability to drain the diff with out removing the cover-and it has mag drain and fill plugs.

This....

And maybe something just a little beefier than the stock unit when I'm off road.

 

[usafakid09]

Nope-it’s still a stamped metal cover. The finned cast aluminum will dissipate heat better. Not sure how much that impacts synthetic fluid life over 25-50,000 miles ? For me the benefit of the aftermarket option is the ability to drain the diff with out removing the cover-and it has mag drain and fill plugs.

FYI PPE has a BF 10% off going on- and there was in stock when I ordered yesterday. Now if Lubelocker would make an 11.6 gasket that would be great.

BLACKFRIDAY15

I had that code in my inbox if anyone wants to use it. Also, I think the OEM gaskets are similar to the lubelocker if I recall correctly when I ordered a replacement to install with the PPE cover. Gasket was $46 when I got it a few months back.

 

[Billet]

Banks is in the business of trying to remain relevant to the automotive community.

I couldn't disagree more. Banks puts out some nice quality products. They might not be the company you wish they were but most of their items are either 50 state legal or out class the competition. I can honestly say I've never purchased a subpar item with the Banks name on it either.

The iDash, Pedal Monster, Diff Covers, and Intake Horns pretty much dominate the market. They lack on Ford focused items which is more than likely why some Ford owners feel they way they do about them. Banks is also heavily into government contracts being the exclusive engine supplier to Oshkosh Truck, the builder of the winning JLTV design military vehicle.

 

[Fozzy]

People arguing about diff covers is hilarious. No doubt Gale made something different and probably better. But we have around 300 light duty and medium duty trucks in our fleet. Ram, Ford, GM. Most are maxed out on payload or pulling small equipment everyday. We run them to around 250+k miles before sending them to auction. Change the diff fluids at 100k or if they have a seal leak that gets replaced. We never loose rear ends or burn the oil. It’s just not a thing that happens. Not even in our semi trucks. It’s always abuse. Most of our rear diff problems come from the factory with something wrong and usually show themselves early on. Buying a diff cover because it’s looks cool, adds a drain or fill level indicator is justifiable. But buying one that holds more oil or runs cooler? You need to upgrade to a bigger truck if that’s your concern. Gale even says the stock cover is the best and was engineered for the application. He just wanted to see if he could improve on it.

 

[HeavyAssault]

We never loose rear ends or burn the oil. It’s just not a thing that happens. Not even in our semi trucks.

Let that sink in for a minute.

but most of their items are either 50 state legal or out class the competition.

Outclass.....not really in my mind. That's their biggest "sales pitch".....We are Banks!

They lack on Ford focused items

At least you agree with me in this idea. Seems as either it's too hard to figure out, or they just don't care to build stuff for Fords.

Banks is also heavily into government contracts

So they are the lowest bidder?? Guess that proves one thing. They really need the money.
BTW there's a cool thing in contracts called being a sub-contractor. So I can bid on a GOV contract, win, then sub out the work to another business. So I'd NEVER lay a hand on the product, or do any work towards the manufacturing process. Given the scope of the work I doubt Gale is letting a bunch of GOV inspectors enter into his facilities. And before you think his name alone is going to allow him a pass, that's a far stretch to achieve.

I didn't mention it but I was a GOV QA inspector that was responsible for making sure everything was good go per the QA provisions in the GOV contracts. Beside having the technical background, I had to be proficient in understanding GOV contracts in general. Loved the job, hated some of the cheaters scamming the GOV.

 

[Billet]

Outclass.....not really in my mind. That's their biggest "sales pitch".....We are Banks!

Im not aware of another standard 52mm size device that competes with the iDash. Small, compact, up to 8 data points that can be piggy backed and logged.

Having owned Rams until recently, Banks is the go to for their intake elbow. While others remove the 6th bolt, Banks created a port to keep it. Others also indent the horn to work around the stock fuel line while Banks retains full flow by including a new updated fuel line that routes around the elbow. It's also 50 state legal which some disregard believing that's not important due to the location they may live in. Here's a sticker under the hood of my 24 Ford. Not being compliant is all the reason Ford needs to make your life hell. Regardless if they end up covering the issue or not, having a compliant part shuts down any pushback.

Banks single handedly took on aftermarket flat back diff covers. There's not a conversation surrounding diff covers on the web today that Banks isn't discussed since he not only marketed the detriment of a flat back, he proved/demonstrated why they're a bad idea in a video series. While stock is fine many upgrade for cosmetic purposes or to help simplify maintenance. If you're going aftermarket you'd be selling yourself short not to consider his cover.

I could go on, but the point is he's not just making another option to say they have one. They do a damn good job both in quality and making whatever the item is stand out in its category.

 

[xrocket21]

Ordered the PPE cover

This site says 4.12 quarts of 75W-140 Synthetic.

Another Sterling 11.6 - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

2023+ Super Duty - Another Sterling 11.6 - Purchased the truck last year. I heard what I perceived a noise coming from the rear end so I brought it back to the dealership to have them check it out at 1500 miles. I was then assured by the dealership that it was normal, nothing to worry about. I...

www.ford-trucks.com

Ordered 5 quarts of this

https://www.amsoil.com/p/amsoil-severe-gear-75w-140-100-synthetic-gear-lube-svo/?code=SVOPK-EA

Not sure if the PPE comes with a gasket or I need one.

 

[Lunch Box]

Ordered the PPE cover

This site says 4.12 quarts of 75W-140 Synthetic.

Another Sterling 11.6 - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

2023+ Super Duty - Another Sterling 11.6 - Purchased the truck last year. I heard what I perceived a noise coming from the rear end so I brought it back to the dealership to have them check it out at 1500 miles. I was then assured by the dealership that it was normal, nothing to worry about. I...

www.ford-trucks.com

Ordered 5 quarts of this

https://www.amsoil.com/p/amsoil-severe-gear-75w-140-100-synthetic-gear-lube-svo/?code=SVOPK-EA

Not sure if the PPE comes with a gasket or I need one.

 

[Lunch Box]

View attachment 181706View attachment 181707View attachment 181708

No gaskets came with any of my PPE pans or covers.

 

[usafakid09]

The tremor has the m/75e axle in it

My Tremor has the 11.6 Sterling. I counted the 16 bolts at least 16 times as I impatiently waited for PPE to release this cover.

 

[xrocket21]

No gaskets came with any of my PPE pans or covers.

You use OEM?

 

[HeavyAssault]

m not aware of another standard 52mm size device that competes with the iDash. Small, compact, up to 8 data points that can be piggy backed and logged.

Cause most other people dipped out of round gauges to LCD/LED display screens that show the same info. Banks does have a great gauge device for those who like the older style smaller round gauges.

Screen below shows active regen in progress with small green LED indicator.

I have the option to use the screen below on 3 pages. So that would be 16 PIDs per page, like 48 PIDs total. To include I can add several optional sensors to the system if needed/desired to configure them to my liking. As well as an option to use a power relay accessory that controls switching to a relay. I have used the Edge pressure and temperature add-on sensors in the past with no issues. I have not used the power relay feature add-on.
I'm not saying it's 1000% better than Banks, but I have my options.

 

[Lunch Box]

You use OEM?

LubeLocker on front diff, and oil pan. Trans pan used existing gasket, but I decieded to use a brand new Ford oem.