I purchased a new Blue Torch Fabworks via the Group Buy from TheNewXorg. I received it earlier this week and installed it today. This is the cover for the M226 rear axle with the high fill option.


Here it is out of the box.






What You'll Need:

New Diff Cover
New Bolts and lock washers (12 for the M226)
New Fluid (3 Quarts of 75W-140 synthetic gear oil)
Oil Pump (to re-fill diff)
RTV Sealant
Oil Catch Can
14mm Socket and Wrench
9/16" Hex Key

1: Prep and Paint your cover:

Use a light grit sand paper (180) to scuff up the cover and knock off and pitting or surface rust. Then use an acetone to clean the cover so it is ready for painting.

I applied 1 coat of metal primer and 4 coats of Krylon Gloss Spray Paint. Multiple coats assures



2. Remove Old Cover(s) and Drain:

Before you start remover your old cover(s) make sure you have a catch can or oil basin below the rear diff to catch the used fluid that WILL pour out as soon as you loosen the last bolt and break the seal.

The OEM bolts require a 14mm socket head.

All but one bolt removed.


My old OEM cover and Shrockworks cover were pretty beat up.


Once the cover is off, allow the fluid to drain for at least 15 minutes.

I think my gears look great for having 84,000 miles on them!





3. Apply Sealant and Install New Cover:

I used RTV sealant for Gear Oil, which is available at any auto parts store.


Make sure you wipe the the lip of the diff clean of any oil or debris before applying the sealant.

Apply the RTV generously all along the diffs flat lip in a looping zig-zag pattern.

Now, install the new cover and new bolts. I only received 10 out of 12 hex bolts from Blue Torch, so I had to reuse to old ones for now. Blue Torch was easily reached by phone and shipped out some new bolts free of charge that very same day!


Nissan recommends a torque of 42 ft lbs for the diff cover bolts.


4. Fill the Rear Diff with New Fluid:

I used and recommend Amsoil Sever Gear 75W-140.



Nissan Recommends:

Type: API GL-5 Synthetic 75W-90 Gear Oil or Equivalent
Capacity: 3 3/8 pt or 1.6L
M226
Type: API GL-5 Synthetic 75W-140 Gear Oil or Equivalent
Capacity: 4 1/4 pt or 2.01L

Use a oil pump to transfer the oil from the bottle to the high fill on your diff.


The diff will now hold more fluid as the new capacity increases with the larger cover. So, the diff will probably hold 2.5 quarts or more.

One the diff is full of clean fluid, use a 9/16" Hex Key to screw in the fill hole cap.

5. Enjoy your new diff cover:

Rest assured you rear diff is now protected from rocks and obstacles on the trails and should run a little cooler with the extra oil capacity!

Final product!


I added a little Pennsylvania flare!

very very nice.
Now that should give you some protection

Very nice...

... except the color and keystone.

Thanks you cynical, old bastard!

Looking good Steve.

Now I just need to trim mine so it will fit.