aFe 46-71280A Street Series Dana M250 Rear Diff Cover Raw RAM 1500 TRX/RHO 21-25

Vehicle Fitment

• 2021-2024 RAM 1500 TRX (V8-6.2L Supercharged HEMI, 4WD, Dana M250 Rear Axle)
• 2025 RAM 1500 RHO (V8-6.2L Supercharged HEMI, 4WD, Dana M250 Rear Axle)

Fitment Notes

• This cover fits vehicles equipped with the Dana M250 rear axle only - exclusive to the RAM 1500 TRX (2021-2024) and RAM 1500 RHO (2025). It does not fit any other RAM 1500 variant.
• This cover reuses the factory axle gasket. The factory gasket must be in serviceable condition, or a new OEM-spec replacement gasket must be sourced separately prior to installation.
• This is the Raw (natural aluminum) finish version. The black powder-coat Pro Series version with additional features (dual magnetic plugs, oil level sight glass) is aFe part number 46-71280B.
• Optional upgrade: aFe Pro Series deep-reach magnetic fill plug (part number 46-00003) is available separately and is recommended to enhance particle capture at the fill port.

Features

• Increased oil capacity over the factory cover provides a larger lubricant reservoir and improved thermal buffer during off-road use, drag launches, towing, and sustained high-load operation in a truck rated for extreme duty.
• Built-in internal and external machined fins transfer heat from the differential fluid to the ambient airstream, significantly improving thermal management over the factory cover under the demanding thermal cycles of the 702-hp supercharged HEMI platform.
• Neodymium magnetic drain plug continuously captures ferrous metallic wear particles suspended in the gear oil, protecting the ring and pinion gears and carrier bearings from abrasive contamination between service intervals.
• Calibration plug is pre-set to the factory fluid level height, preventing accidental overfilling and eliminating guesswork during gear oil service.
• Constructed from durable cast aluminum with reinforced machined fins - far superior in structural rigidity, thermal performance, and corrosion resistance compared to the factory stamped steel cover.
• Raw natural aluminum finish with machined fins provides a clean, purposeful appearance with excellent long-term durability under harsh underbody conditions, mud, and thermal cycling.
• All necessary mounting hardware is included for a bolt-on installation using factory mounting locations - no drilling, cutting, or modifications required.
• Reuses the factory Dana M250 gasket for a leak-free seal, keeping installation requirements simple and direct.

Specifications

• Part Number: 46-71280A
• Product Line: Street Series
• Position: Rear Differential Cover
• Axle Compatibility: Dana M250 Rear Axle
• Material: Cast Aluminum with Reinforced Machined Fins
• Finish: Raw (Natural Aluminum) with Machined Fins
• Oil Capacity: Increased over stock
• Drain Plug: Neodymium Magnetic Drain Plug (included)
• Calibration Plug: Included, pre-set to factory oil level
• Seal: Reuses factory gasket (not included)
• Hardware: All mounting hardware included
• Drivetrain: 4WD
• Optional Accessory: Deep-Reach Magnetic Fill Plug (aFe PN: 46-00003, sold separately)

Included Components

• 1x aFe Street Series Dana M250 Rear Differential Cover (Raw w/ Machined Fins)
• 1x Neodymium Magnetic Drain Plug
• 1x Calibration Plug (pre-set to factory fluid level)
• 1x Complete Mounting Hardware Kit

Product Description

The aFe POWER 46-71280A Street Series Rear Differential Cover is a precision-engineered drivetrain protection upgrade designed exclusively for the RAM 1500 TRX (2021-2024) and RAM 1500 RHO (2025) - the only RAM 1500 configurations equipped with the Dana M250 rear axle. These are among the most thermally and mechanically demanding light-duty truck platforms available, with 702 horsepower from a supercharged 6.2L HEMI and a purpose-built chassis capable of triple-digit off-road speeds. The factory stamped steel differential cover is entirely adequate for normal use but offers no active thermal management, no contamination protection, and no service-friendly features. Under the kind of repeated launch, high-speed berm hits, and sustained hard use these trucks are built for, the Dana M250 benefits significantly from a higher-capacity, thermally managed cover.

The aFe Street Series cover delivers on all three fronts. The increased oil capacity over stock provides more gear oil in contact with the ring and pinion assembly at all times, reducing the risk of fluid aeration and oil starvation under aggressive cornering and articulation. The integrated internal and external machined fins accelerate heat rejection by conducting thermal energy from the gear oil through the cast aluminum body and into the airstream passing beneath the truck, keeping differential temperatures in a more controlled range during sustained high-load operation. The neodymium magnetic drain plug pulls ferrous metallic wear particles out of the oil continuously between services, preventing the abrasive buildup that accelerates gear and bearing wear on hard-used differentials.

The included calibration plug is pre-set to the factory Dana M250 fluid level height, removing all guesswork from the refill process - fill until fluid reaches the plug and stop. The cover reuses the factory axle gasket, keeping installation requirements straightforward; all mounting hardware is included and the cover uses all factory bolt locations for a direct bolt-on fit. For TRX and RHO owners who want additional particle capture capability at the fill port, the aFe Pro Series deep-reach magnetic fill plug (part number 46-00003) is available separately and is a recommended companion upgrade. Owners preferring the wrinkle black powder-coat finish with the full Pro Series feature set - dual neodymium magnetic plugs and oil level sight glass - should order aFe part number 46-71280B instead.