I'm thinking of getting a new rear differential cover for my 99 Rodeo V6 4wd. Two questions though:

1) Any tips for making sure I put the right amount of gear lube in if the new cover changes the volume of fluid needed?

2) I found a chrome plated steel cover at jcwhitney for $15.99. Should I be wary of this since most other covers I've found go for upwards of $150? They seem to be mostly the same except for color.

Thanks,

Justin

The chrome one would be ok, its at least stronger then the stock aluminum one. I have a chrome one on mine and havent hurt it yet. It leaks a little bit but usually chrome = leak so I was ready for that.

The expensive ones are thicker steel so they hold up better when you bash it on a rock. I've managed not to hit mine yet.

Any Dana 44 cover will fit it. I think I paid $25 for mine off of ebay, it is a little thicker then most of the chrome ones (look at what guage steel its made out of if its listed, smaller # is thicker). Mine has the fill hole in the stock location so I just filled it the way you normally would, till it starts comming out the hole.