Diff Cover Measurements

[97XJSP]

I'm working on a project for school... I'm going to make some 3/8" plate diff covers. The plan is to cut out the ring and the plates on the CNC machine and then weld them all together. I found a template for the ring/ bolt pattern, but I'm having a hard time coming up with a measurement for the depth of the cover. My truck is at home and I haven't had good luck looking for a cover at the Junkyard. (they aren't very helpful, and said they could only match up something they have to an old one that I would have to bring in )
So... If anyone is going to be rolling under their truck anytime soon, a quick measurement from the mounting flange, to the furthest point out (perpendicular to the flange) would be very helpful. I just want to make sure I build them with enough clearance for the ring gear...
Thanks!

Here's a picture of what I'm going for:

[kwai]

Just ask for a Dana 60 or 70. The cover is the same.

[m715]

Just ask for a Dana 60 or 70. The cover is the same.

Yep, just what kwai said.
I'm running a Dana 60 cover on my 70.
The other thing to keep in mind on the front axle is clearance between the cover and tie rod.
3/8" covers will beefy

[97XJSP]

I knew the two covers were the same, and that'll make it easier since I only have to design it once. The problem is that the junkyard staff doesn't "know" what a dana 60/70 cover is and they won't let me go find one. That's why they said I need to bring one in for them to match up... Pretty sad story. Anyway, I think I'll be headed home this weekend so I can take the measurements then... No big rush, plenty of other things to finish first!

[kwai]

Find a new junkyard.

[97XJSP]

Ha ha. It's not the one I typically go to, but it's really the only choice I have that's close to where I go to school... They are like the "VIP" of junkyards, always a last resort
Another funny story about them; A few years ago when I started looking for a truck, I stopped in there because he has a big sign that says jeep parts, some Willy's grills on his fence and a couple deuces and m1009's by the road. I asked him if he had any 715's or knew of any and he replied "Nope, those things are junk. Not sure why you'd even want one. You should be looking for an M37."

[brute4c]

I have one off in the shop, will get you a measure today.

One thing I will note here...many probably know this already but...

The D60 and D70 covers share the same bolt pattern and will bolt onto each others housing...true...but they are not the same.
The difference is that one, and for the life of me I cannot remember which, has the fill hole a bit higher than the other as that axle needs a bit more lube...my guess is the D70 would be higher due to the larger diameter ring gear but I am NOT positive on that.

Just dont want someone to use the wrong cover and underfill an axle thinking it is the same thing...

[97XJSP]

That would be great! I can add the fill plugs to the design at any time really, so I can just measure those when I get home. I was planning to move them both up a bit any way so I can get a little more oil in them. Aside from the fill plugs, are the covers actually identical, or does the D70 cover stick out a bit more?
Thanks!

[brute4c]

I laid a straightedge from flange to flange on the inside of the cover. I measured with a dial caliper down to the deepest point of the well...subtracted the thickness of the straightedge...measured 3.084 inches...3.1 would be a good depth for sure.

Remember that is inside...so the thickness of your cover will obviously influence your overall outside...figured this was the best measure for ya...if not, I can measure another way...let me know.

[brute4c]

The covers are identical except for the fill hole location.