RTV or a gasket?

[bruker]

Getting ready to tackle my axle seals and brake hardware replacement. What's the better way to seal the cover to the differential? A gasket or some RTV? Or both?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Black or gray oil rated RTV

 

[Shran]

Lube Locker gaskets are pretty nice... if you have an 8.8, throw a Solid (brand) diff cover on there too. I haven't used a Lube Locker with the factory diff cover, I think the bolts might flex the metal too much to make it seal.

If I'm feeling cheap & don't care, black or gray RTV is where it's at. Make sure the diff cover and sealing surface is CLEAN and dry, no oil dripping on the bottom or it'll never seal. Paper gaskets suck, paper gasket and RTV is worse.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I’ve always used black or grey oil-resistant RTV. Thought about buying the LubeLocker gasket a few times but every time it has to be apart I’m usually short on time, money or both, so it’s RTV. Usually plenty of that on hand.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I had bought a lube locker gasket on Amazon... it arrived and was used and looked damaged. So they refunded my money and I just never bought another.

My diff cover went back on with a Fel Pro gasket... no RTV. No leaks... been doing it that way for years. I'm not opposed to RTV... just a huge pain to clean it up next time you have to go in.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

My diff cover went back on with a Fel Pro gasket... no RTV. No leaks... been doing it that way for years. I'm not opposed to RTV... just a huge pain to clean it up next time you have to go in.

I stuff a rag or two around the carrier and use a wire wheel on a drill. Little messy but quick and easy

 

[Uncle Gump]

I stuff a rag or two around the carrier and use a wire wheel on a drill. Little messy but quick and easy

I mean... there are a few ways to skin this cat.

To me... my way has worked best for me. Your way would be a pain directly in my backside... and... messy.

Perhaps I have a lower threshold for pain.

I do like the thought of the reusable lube locker gasket. Total easy button... buy once and cry a bit. But if you could reliably service the cover a couple three times with that expensive gasket... I'd be all in with it. Clean up would be a couple shots of brakekleen.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Your way would be a pain directly in my backside...

Sounds like a win to me!

 

[Uncle Gump]

Sounds like a win to me!

You've pretty much perfected being a pain in my backside.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I mean... there are a few ways to skin this cat.

To me... my way has worked best for me. Your way would be a pain directly in my backside... and... messy.

Perhaps I have a lower threshold for pain.

I do like the thought of the reusable lube locker gasket. Total easy button... buy once and cry a bit. But if you could reliably service the cover a couple three times with that expensive gasket... I'd be all in with it. Clean up would be a couple shots of brakekleen.

Messy… but it takes about 30 seconds to clean the RTV off and fling it around. I prefer a cup brush so I don’t have to worry about it shedding bristles on me while I’m under the truck so much. Pull my rags out and wipe the surface down and good to go.

 

[sgtsandman]

I've done both and both work well. The advantages of a gasket is they are less of a mess and you don't have to worry about cure time. And they are usually reusable.

RTV is cheap and perfectly fine. The reusability is less of an issue if you get a differential cover with a drain plug.

 

[Curious Hound]

I like Permatex Ultra Black or Ultra Gray.

That reminds me. I need to replace the tube I keep in the truck. Some fool used it up out in Colorado a few weeks ago.

 

[bruker]

I went with the Permatex Ultra Black. Thanks for the suggestions!