{"product_id":"crane-13-bolt-chromoly-diff-cover","title":"Crane 13-Bolt Chromoly Diff Cover - GM 14-Bolt Shave","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eCrane Axle 13-Bolt Chromoly Differential Cover\u003c\/strong\u003e is a heavy-duty axle upgrade designed for custom GM 14-bolt shave conversions, providing approximately 1\" of additional ground clearance and a smooth bottom surface that slides over rocks and trail obstacles. Unlike a standard replacement differential cover, this DIY modification requires cutting and modifying the axle housing to remove the lower portion of the factory differential mounting flange. The result is a lower-profile axle that reduces hang-ups on rocks and ledges while maintaining heavy-duty differential protection for rock crawlers, rock bouncers, and custom off-road buggies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eManufactured from\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eheat-treated 8620 chromoly steel with a protective coating, the Crane Axle 13-bolt cover features one-piece cast construction without welded seams that can crack or leak. Precision CNC machining provides accurate mounting surfaces, while recessed bolt heads help protect the hardware from direct contact with rocks. The cover includes both metric and standard mounting bolts for compatible modified housings. Designed for serious off-road builders, this 13-bolt differential cover combines increased axle clearance, improved obstacle clearance, and durable chromoly construction in one purpose-built upgrade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIncludes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e(1) Crane Axle 13-Bolt Chromoly Differential Cover\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e(13) Standard Mounting Bolts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e(13) Metric Mounting Bolts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant:\u003c\/strong\u003e This is a DIY 13-bolt conversion cover that requires cutting and modifying a compatible GM 14-bolt axle housing. It is \u003cstrong\u003enot a direct bolt-on replacement\u003c\/strong\u003e for an unmodified factory 14-bolt housing. Proper housing modification and sealing are required before installation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"details\"\u003e\n\u003csummary class=\"details__header\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"svg-wrapper icon-plus\"\u003e\u003csvg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewbox=\"0 0 14 14\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cpath class=\"vertical\" d=\"M2.75 7H11.25\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"var(--icon-stroke-width)\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath class=\"horizontal\" d=\"M7 2.75L7 11.25\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"var(--icon-stroke-width)\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"details-content rte\"\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"custom-specs-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eManufacturer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCrane Axle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eProduct Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeavy-Duty Shave Differential Cover\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eAxle Platform\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGM 14-Bolt Conversion\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eDifferential Cover Bolt Count\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e13\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eGround Clearance Gain\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 1\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eBottom Profile\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSmooth, Low-Profile Design\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eMaterial\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8620 Chromoly Steel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eManufacturing Process\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOne-Piece Cast Construction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eHeat Treatment\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeat-Treated for Strength \u0026amp; Durability\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eSurface Finish\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProtective Coating\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eMachining\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrecision CNC-Machined\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eConstruction\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOne-Piece Design \/ No Welded Cover Seams\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eMounting Hardware\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMetric \u0026amp; Standard Bolts Included\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eBolt Head Protection\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecessed Mounting Bolt Design\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eInstallation Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDIY Housing Modification \/ 13-Bolt Shave Conversion\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eHousing Modification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCutting \u0026amp; Modification Required\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eAxle Position\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFront or Rear, Depending on Modified Housing Configuration\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003ePrimary Application\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGM 14-Bolt Shave Conversions for Rock Crawlers, Rock Bouncers \u0026amp; Custom Off-Road Axles\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eKnown Incompatibilities\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUnmodified Factory 14-Bolt Housings \/ Incompatible Differential Cover Patterns\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eQuantity\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e(1) Differential Cover with Mounting Hardware\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDesign Features:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvides approximately 1\" of additional ground clearance after the required axle housing modification.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmooth bottom profile helps the differential slide over rocks and ledges.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeat-treated 8620 chromoly steel for strength and impact resistance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne-piece cast cover eliminates welded seams and potential weld-related leak points.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCNC-machined mounting surfaces for precision fitment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecessed mounting bolt heads help protect hardware during off-road use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes metric and standard mounting hardware for compatible modified housings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesigned for custom axle fabrication and serious off-road applications.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"details\"\u003e\n\u003csummary class=\"details__header\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFitment\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"svg-wrapper icon-plus\"\u003e\u003csvg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewbox=\"0 0 14 14\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cpath class=\"vertical\" d=\"M2.75 7H11.25\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"var(--icon-stroke-width)\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath class=\"horizontal\" d=\"M7 2.75L7 11.25\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"var(--icon-stroke-width)\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"details-content rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned for compatible GM 14-bolt axle housings that have been modified for a 13-bolt shave differential cover. Installation requires cutting and modifying the factory housing to match the reduced-clearance cover profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Applications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGM 14-Bolt Axle Shave Conversions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCustom Rock Crawler Axles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRock Bouncers \u0026amp; Competition Buggies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTube-Chassis Off-Road Builds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeavy-Duty Trail Rigs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCustom Fabricated Axle Assemblies Using Compatible GM 14-Bolt Housings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFitment \u0026amp; Installation Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRequires a compatible GM 14-bolt axle housing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFactory housing must be cut and modified for the 13-bolt cover configuration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot a direct replacement for an unmodified factory 14-bolt differential cover.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesigned to provide approximately 1\" of additional ground clearance after modification.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeatures a smooth bottom profile to reduce hang-ups on rocks and obstacles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUses 13 recessed differential cover mounting bolts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMetric and standard mounting hardware included.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHousing modification must be completed accurately to maintain proper cover fitment and sealing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVerify the axle housing, cutting requirements, and differential clearance before beginning installation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExperienced fabrication and proper differential assembly procedures are recommended.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBuilder Note:\u003c\/strong\u003e A factory GM 14-bolt axle is known for its strength, but the large differential housing can become a limiting factor when clearing rocks and ledges. Shaving the bottom of the housing and installing the Crane Axle 13-bolt chromoly cover helps recover ground clearance while creating a smoother surface that slides over obstacles. Accurate cutting, fitment, and sealing are essential to a successful conversion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"details\"\u003e\n\u003csummary class=\"details__header\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFAQ\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"svg-wrapper icon-plus\"\u003e\u003csvg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewbox=\"0 0 14 14\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cpath class=\"vertical\" d=\"M2.75 7H11.25\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"var(--icon-stroke-width)\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath class=\"horizontal\" d=\"M7 2.75L7 11.25\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"var(--icon-stroke-width)\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"details-content rte\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is a 13-bolt differential cover for a GM 14-bolt axle?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 13-bolt differential cover is designed for a modified GM 14-bolt housing that has been shaved to increase ground clearance. The conversion removes part of the lower factory housing profile and uses a redesigned cover with 13 mounting bolts instead of the original 14-bolt cover arrangement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow much ground clearance does the Crane Axle 13-bolt cover provide?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Crane Axle 13-bolt chromoly differential cover is designed to provide approximately 1\" of additional ground clearance when installed as part of the required GM 14-bolt housing shave conversion. Actual clearance improvement depends on the completed housing modification.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes this differential cover bolt directly onto a factory GM 14-bolt axle?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. This is a DIY shave conversion cover and requires cutting and modifying the axle housing before installation. It is not a direct bolt-on replacement for an unmodified factory 14-bolt differential cover.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy shave a GM 14-bolt axle housing?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShaving a GM 14-bolt axle reduces the amount of differential housing hanging below the axle centerline. This improves ground clearance and helps prevent the differential from catching on rocks, ledges, and other obstacles during off-road driving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the Crane Axle 13-bolt differential cover made from?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cover is manufactured from heat-treated 8620 chromoly steel with a protective coating. Its one-piece cast construction eliminates welded cover seams, while CNC machining provides precise mounting surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy does this differential cover have recessed mounting bolts?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecessed bolt heads help protect mounting hardware from rocks and trail damage. By keeping the bolt heads protected within the cover profile, the design reduces exposed hardware that can be damaged during hard off-road use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the advantage of a one-piece cast differential cover?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne-piece cast construction eliminates welded seams that can become potential leak or failure points under repeated impact. This provides a durable cover design for demanding off-road applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes the Crane Axle 13-bolt cover include mounting hardware?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The cover includes metric and standard mounting bolts for compatible modified GM 14-bolt housings. Use the correct hardware for your axle application.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I install this cover myself?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a DIY modification intended for builders experienced with axle fabrication. Installation requires accurately cutting and modifying the differential housing, preparing the mounting surface, and properly sealing the cover. Professional fabrication is recommended if you are unfamiliar with axle housing modifications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs this differential cover suitable for rock crawling and rock bouncing?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The 13-bolt shave design is intended for aggressive off-road applications where ground clearance and differential protection are important. Its chromoly construction, recessed hardware, and smooth lower profile make it well suited for rock crawlers, rock bouncers, and custom competition buggies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWill this cover fit every GM 14-bolt axle?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. The cover is intended for compatible GM 14-bolt housings modified for the Crane Axle 13-bolt shave configuration. Verify the exact axle housing and required modification before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e","brand":"Crane Axle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67862233645421,"sku":"CA13BC","price":265.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0927\/1145\/3037\/files\/13-Bolt-Diff-Cover.webp?v=1793390148","url":"https:\/\/craneaxle.com\/products\/crane-13-bolt-chromoly-diff-cover","provider":"Crane Axle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}