• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Guys that have put on more than one differential gasket

pearljam724

Well-Known Member
Local time
10:16 AM
Joined
Oct 14, 2018
Messages
1,260
Reaction score
555
Location
U.S.
Replacing 8-3/4 third member gasket. This isn’t my first time installing a gasket. Prefer to use silicone only, but there isn’t much mating surface around the holes. Therefore, I don’t know if I trust silicone alone here.

I also was considering just using a FelPro gasket that I bought. But, it is paper thin. I don’t know if I trust the gasket on it’s own or to smear a very thin coat of silicone onto the gasket.
I’ve had a lot of success with black silicone sealing on its own in similar situations. Ive applied a 1/8 bead, left to dry before mating surfaces and it never dripped a drop on motorcycle clutch covers, etc. I’m asking for good advice as I don’t want to do this more than once. I have no lift. Get the drift ? Lol !
 
Last edited:
Your plan sounds good. One thing I would add is to check the nuts after a hundred miles or so.
 
I've used just the gasket with Indian head gasket tack to hold it in place with no leaks. Do all my paper gaskets that way and never a leak.
 
Also make sure there is sealant around each stud before install, they will weep oil under the perimeter nuts.
 
I used a thin gasket last time with just a little of that green permatex on both sides, no issues.
 
Ok, maybe I ll try just the gasket. Let it sit for a few days before I put the drive shaft back on. If I do it this way, there’s nothing to clean off the surfaces if it does leak. I ll use silicone as a last resort. You shouldn’t have to use anything to hold it into place. Put it on axle, the 10 bolts will hold it there as you slip differential onto bolts. . I ll put black silicone around threads.
 
Drdiff sells a nice reusable gasket. Bought it with other parts, its thick but compresses. Put third member in then had problem getting axle into SG unit and pulled third member to find out why. Came apart and reused gasket no problem. Recommend it highly.
 
Last edited:
Drdiff sells a nice reusable gasket. Bought it with other parts, its thick but compresses. Them had problem getting axle into SG unit and pulled third to find out why. Came apart and reused gasket no problem. Recommend it highly.
Yeah, I like reusable gaskets too. Problem is, they are usually far too expensive or I can’t find them for certain applications. For example, I’m going to replace oil pan gasket soon. I can’t find a one piece rubber gasket. They’re made for Chevy small blocks. But, never found them for Chrysler small blocks.
 
Old school, paper gasket and Aviation gasket sealer and never worry about it again.
beerestoration2017 523.JPG
beerestoration2017 524.JPG
 
I use a version of this glue - impervious to fuels and oils....and seals up nicely.

PERM3D16OZ_Permatex_3D_Aviation_Form_A_Gasket-No3_16oz_Bottle.png


Cleans up easily after use.
 
Cass (AKA Dr Diff) suggested I use Permatex Ultra Grey. I tried paper, expensive rubber re-usable gaskets, and Permatex Ultra Black without any luck. The Ultra Grey did the trick.

Make sure both surfaces are bone dry whichever way you go.
 
Now you guys got me 2nd guessing just using a dry paper gasket, damn.
 
Cass (AKA Dr Diff) suggested I use Permatex Ultra Grey. I tried paper, expensive rubber re-usable gaskets, and Permatex Ultra Black without any luck. The Ultra Grey did the trick.

Make sure both surfaces are bone dry whichever way you go.
Yeah, I’m using brake cleaner, etc. If it takes me a week to clean everything. So, be it. I’d rather take a week to clean, than do it twice.
 
Scrap as much stuck on gasket material as you can. Then use paint stripper on it. let sit an hour before scrapping that. Wire wheel wouldn't remove 50 year old gasket but paint stripper did.
 
Scrap as much stuck on gasket material as you can. Then use paint stripper on it. let sit an hour before scrapping that. Wire wheel wouldn't remove 50 year old gasket but paint stripper did.
I’m about done cleaning, Fran. Old gasket scraped off yesterday. I’ve been using 1 inch nylon pads on a drill to take off all the fine gasket pieces. Following that up with lots of brake cleaner and rags. It should be ready to go in a couple days.
I hear ya, I think this is the first time mine has ever been opened. Gasket is like granite and welded on there.
 
Last edited:
I’m just tickled pink, to come to find out I have SureGrip. Lol ! That makes the 2.94 worth holding on to. It’s not a bad rear end at all, gear wise. I just prefer a 2.76
 
Auto Transport Service
Back
Top