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1997 Rear Diff.

  • Thread starter Thread starter BradleyMustang3
  • Start date Start date Jan 31, 2012

BradleyMustang3

Member
Jun 4, 2011
148
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New York
Jan 31, 2012
#1
  • Jan 31, 2012
  • #1
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

SN Certified Technician
Aug 14, 2009
5,892
514
204
Houston Texas
Jan 31, 2012
#2
  • Jan 31, 2012
  • #2
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

Member
Dec 26, 2011
349
17
19
Southamptonl, NJ
Feb 1, 2012
#3
  • Feb 1, 2012
  • #3
I accidentally tweaked mine jacking the car up.....leaked like crazy....those cheap tin covers are junk.
 
2

2002BLGT

Well-Known Member
Dec 18, 2003
2,945
4
59
Bedford VA
Feb 1, 2012
#4
  • Feb 1, 2012
  • #4
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

Well-Known Member
Jun 25, 2009
1,962
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59
U.S.A, U.S.A., U.S.A.!
Feb 1, 2012
#5
  • Feb 1, 2012
  • #5
BradleyMustang3 said:
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?
Click to expand...
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

Member
Jun 4, 2011
148
0
17
New York
Feb 7, 2012
#6
  • Feb 7, 2012
  • #6
How much rtv sealant should i use?
 

trinity_gt

10 Year Member
Jan 31, 2003
3,125
81
99
Canada
Feb 7, 2012
#7
  • Feb 7, 2012
  • #7
Bob Hughes said:
I accidentally tweaked mine jacking the car up.....leaked like crazy....those cheap tin covers are junk.
Click to expand...

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

Member
Dec 26, 2011
349
17
19
Southamptonl, NJ
Feb 7, 2012
#8
  • Feb 7, 2012
  • #8
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.
 
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