Use Gasket or Silicone on 3rd Member?

wickedmach1 · Feb 5, 2004

Are you guys using a gasket for your 3rd member rebuilds. I have heard to just use silicone (gasket maker) instead of the paper gasket when you go back together after a rearend rebuild. I have heard that the gasket has a problem with leaking. Any comments?

SuperDave · Feb 5, 2004

'cone is great providing you don't apply it in great quantities that look like an amateur. Personally, I'd use a gasket because it is cleaner. Leakage ISN'T a problem if it is applied correctly.

clev357 · Feb 5, 2004

Most guys I know don't use the gasket. They say it's a waste of money. I still use one every time. I'm not really sure why. Just habit I guess. I've heard of no problems either way. I do put a thin, thin coat of rtv on my gaskets though. I've never done one dry. Good luck.

SuperDave · Feb 5, 2004

clev357 said:
Most guys I know don't use the gasket. They say it's a waste of money. I still use one every time. I'm not really sure why. Just habit I guess. I've heard of no problems either way. I do put a thin, thin coat of rtv on my gaskets though. I've never done one dry. Good luck.

Just a footnote: IMO, BLACK RTV looks much better than the other colors

Realmongo · Feb 5, 2004

I normally take the gasket, work the rear axle lube into both sides of it and assemble it like that. If you have to take it back apart again, it is a snap to disassemble it and you don't have the sealant to worry about cleaning up.

SuperDave · Feb 5, 2004

Realmongo said:
I normally take the gasket, work the rear axle lube into both sides of it and assemble it like that. If you have to take it back apart again, it is a snap to disassemble it and you don't have the sealant to worry about cleaning up.

"The Mongo Man" says it well!

Great68 · Feb 5, 2004

I used a gasket AND some RTV. Hasn't leaked a drop.

GaPonyFarm · Feb 6, 2004

Black RTV...after it sets up, just use a razor blade to trime off excess.

HistoricMustang · Feb 6, 2004

I also use both and no problems even under track conditions.

HistoricMustang
www.historicmustang.com

351pacecar · Feb 6, 2004

And here I thought it was my own personal madness to coat both sides of a gasket with gear lube and no rtv. Originally did it for quick lube changes for offroad vehicles without all the damn scraping. Doesn't seem to leak though, Iam actually really pleased.

bud4660 · Feb 6, 2004

I just put mine back together. I always use a gasket and the only sealer I ever use on anything on the car is Permatex aviation gasket sealer. It never dries and I have never had a leak with this stuff. I have been using it for over 30 years.

6Stang7 · Feb 7, 2004

I just put my 3rd member back in my axle housing, as bud4660 did, but I used black RTV instead becauses that's what the diff shop recommended. Although I wish I didn't use it, and instead used the gasket coated with oil as I have to pull my 3rd member out after 500 miles to cahnge the fuild and clean out all the metal build-up left over from the break in. I'm gonna have fun cleaning it all off.

-Shaun

Fostang · Feb 7, 2004

Shaun did you forget to drill and tap your housing before you put it back in.

That would have made it so much easier.

6Stang7 · Feb 7, 2004

Fostang said:
Shaun did you forget to drill and tap your housing before you put it back in.

That would have made it so much easier.

I did Sal!!!! I just though about that today at work while I was working on a yota's rear diff and I am concideing pulling the 3rd member out and doing that, even though I already have the diff painted. Now, would I be able to tap the bottom of the housing, or is it too thin?

Fostang · Feb 7, 2004

You need to weld on a nut making sure it get sealed correctly.

gingerbreadman · Feb 8, 2004

iv only worked on 1 rear end and that was my 8.8 in my 85 pickup, the 8.8 rear ends have a plate on the back of them.... I got all high centered and hung up in a bog 4x4ing one day and pulled the bottom of the plate out causeing all my oil to leak out.... I was able to the straighten the back cover pretty good and i choose to use rtv black silicon to seal it incase of any inperfections.... it hasnt leaked yet but when i went to remove it again for a seperate reason it was hard to get the silicon to release (just like a intake)

f.y.i: my rear end had been rebuilt by a reputable shop a while back and there was no sign of a gasket on there when i pulled it apart the first time just some clear silicon....

Im assuming were talking about a 8 or 9 inch here where the third member pulls out on the front of the rear end so it is different then my 8.8... Its been done both ways with success and failer i think P.P.P. goes a long way

-gbm-

Use Gasket or Silicone on 3rd Member?

wickedmach1

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SuperDave

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clev357

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Realmongo

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SuperDave

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351pacecar

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