aFe Pro Series Rear Differential Cover Black w/ Machined Fins Jeep Wrangler JL Gladiator JT Dana M220 | 46-71000B

Overview

The aFe Power Pro Series Rear Differential Cover (P/N 46-71000B) is a premium cast aluminum upgrade engineered specifically for the 2018–2025 Jeep Wrangler JL and 2020–2024 Gladiator JT equipped with the Dana M220 (Dana 44) 12-bolt rear axle. Replacing the factory stamped-steel cover, this Pro Series unit brings performance-grade thermal management, superior gear protection, and a distinctive blacked-out aesthetic to Wrangler owners who demand more from their drivetrain — whether on the trail or on the street. If you're searching for the best differential cover for a Jeep Wrangler JL Dana M220, aFe's Pro Series is a top-tier solution backed by a 2-year limited warranty.

Key Features & Benefits

• Durable Cast Aluminum Construction with Reinforced Ribs — Significantly stronger than the OEM stamped steel cover, providing enhanced impact resistance and structural rigidity under off-road stress.
• Wrinkle-Black Powder Coat Finish with Machined Fins — A striking two-tone appearance that complements the JL's aggressive styling while resisting corrosion from mud, water, and trail debris.
• Built-In Internal & External Cooling Fins — Strategically placed fins transfer heat from the gear oil to the outside air, keeping differential fluid temperatures in check during extended wheeling sessions or towing.
• Dual Neodymium Magnetic Plugs (Drain & Deep-Reach Fill) — The magnetic drain plug and 6-inch deep-reach magnetic fill plug continuously capture metallic particles circulating in the gear oil, protecting ring and pinion gears from accelerated wear.
• Large Oil Level Sight Glass — A pre-installed porthole view gauge lets you quickly inspect fluid level at a glance — no plug removal required during routine checks.
• 1/8" NPT Calibration Plug Set to Factory Fill Level — Eliminates the guesswork of overfilling; simply fill until fluid reaches the calibration port and you're precisely at the factory spec level.
• Increased ~2-Quart Oil Capacity — Holds approximately 2 quarts of gear lube at the factory fill line, providing a larger fluid reservoir for better long-duration performance versus the stock cover.
• CARB Compliant — This differential cover meets California Air Resources Board (CARB) compliance requirements and is street-legal in all 50 U.S. states.
• 2-Year Limited Warranty — aFe Power warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship; warranty is valid for the original purchaser and is non-transferable.

What's Included

• 1x aFe Pro Series Cast Aluminum Rear Differential Cover — Black w/ Machined Fins
• Pre-installed oil level sight glass (porthole view gauge)
• Dual neodymium magnetic plugs (drain plug + 6" deep-reach magnetic fill plug)
• 1/8" NPT calibration plug
• 12x M8x1.25x25 socket head cap screws with flat washers
• Crush washer for drain plug
• aFe instruction sheet

Specifications

Manufacturer Part #	46-71000B
UPC	802959465752
Brand	aFe Power (Advanced FLOW Engineering)
Product Line	Pro Series
Axle Application	Dana M220 (Dana 44) — 12-Bolt Rear
Cover Material	Durable Cast Aluminum
Finish	Wrinkle-Black Powder Coat with Machined Fins
Oil Capacity (at factory fill line)	~2 Quarts
Drain Plug Type	Neodymium Magnetic, M12x1.25
Fill Plug Type	Neodymium Magnetic, 6" Deep-Reach, 3/4" NPT
Calibration Plug	1/8" NPT (set to factory fill level)
Mounting Bolts	12x M8x1.25x25 Socket Head Cap Screws
Cover Bolt Torque	12–16 ft-lbs (crisscross pattern)
Weight	~10 lbs
Dimensions (L x W x H)	15" x 15" x 5"
CARB Compliant	Yes — Street Legal in All 50 States
Warranty	2-Year Limited (Original Purchaser, Non-Transferable)
Country of Origin	China
OEM Gasket	Factory gasket reused (included in kit)

Fitment & Compatibility

This cover is a direct-fit replacement for the following vehicles equipped with the Dana M220 (Dana 44) 12-bolt rear axle:

• 2018–2025 Jeep Wrangler JL — All Trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, Rubicon | Engines: 2.0L I4 Turbocharged, 3.6L V6
• 2020–2024 Jeep Gladiator JT — Rubicon trim with M220 Dana axle | Engines: 2.0L I4 Turbocharged, 3.6L V6

Compatible with Rubicon models and factory-optional, limited slip differential (LSD)-equipped Sport and Sahara vehicles. Not compatible with front Dana M186 axles (see aFe P/N 46-71010B for the front cover). Verify your rear axle is the Dana M220 before ordering.

Is this the same as the Dana 44? Yes — the Dana M220 is commonly referred to as the Dana 44 rear axle found on the Jeep Wrangler JL platform.

Installation

This is a medium-difficulty installation suitable for experienced DIYers with basic hand tools. The OEM factory gasket is reused. Key steps include draining the existing gear oil, removing the 12 OEM cover bolts, cleaning the axle housing sealing surface, installing the aFe cover with the supplied M8 hardware (torqued to 12–16 ft-lbs in a crisscross pattern), installing the magnetic drain and deep-reach fill plugs, and refilling with the appropriate SAE 75W-90 or 75W-140 gear lubricant. All necessary hardware is included. A torque wrench, drain pan, gasket scraper, and gear oil (aFe P/N 90-20001 or equivalent 75W-90) are required but not included. If your axle contains a limited-slip differential, add the appropriate friction modifier. Professional installation is recommended if unfamiliar with drivetrain service.