1997 Rear Diff.

[BradleyMustang3]

my rear differential leaks. i took the cover off and replaced the gasket. still leaks. what are the odds cover or the diff its self and if its the diff what all do i need to replace to take care of it?

 

[wmburns]

IMO the odds favor the problem is a bent cover from over torque. Take the cover off and use a straight edge to check. If you are careful it might be possible to restore to "true" status by using a hammer and dolly.

Reinstall using only silcone sealer (no gasket required). Torque to 28-38 foot pounds except the bolt holding the tag. Torque to 18-28 Foot pounds.

 

[Bob Hughes]

I accidentally tweaked mine jacking the car up.....leaked like crazy....those cheap tin covers are junk.

 

[2002BLGT]

replacement cover shouldnt cost much if it is bent , but as stated above you can check it with a straight edge to see if its bent , when you reseal it next time torque it down in criss cross pattern and use silicone with no gasket thats how Ford sealed them from the factory

 

[trombonedemon]

my rear differential leaks. i took the cover off and replaced the gasket. still leaks. what are the odds cover or the diff its self and if its the diff what all do i need to replace to take care of it?

To add to what Burns said, make sure that your pinion seal is not leaking and there should be a vent somewhere on the Diff-housing that sometimes gets clogged and helps in the Pinion-seal blowing and leaking fluid.

 

[BradleyMustang3]

How much rtv sealant should i use?

 

[trinity_gt]

I accidentally tweaked mine jacking the car up.....leaked like crazy....those cheap tin covers are junk.

I did the exact same thing in the fall. I replaced it with one of these from LRS:

http://www.latemodelrestoration.com...ng-Gt500-Style-Finned-Aluminum-Rear-End-Cover

along with one of their super-sano gaskets:

 

[Bob Hughes]

I picked up a tube of the instant gasket (hard in 15 cured in an hour). 1/2" bead all the way around.....let sit before I put the fluid in.