Rear Diff Seal

[Jason_25]

Here's a noive question to you guys. How do I make the rear axle cover and the flange perfectly clean so I can install sealant on it? Can I use a wire brush?

 

[Gary Steeber]

A wire brush is excellent then clean the area off with any type of solvent before you apply the RTV sealant,
this will allow good adherence to the metal.

 

[Jason_25]

Sweet thanks Gary for the quick response.

 

[Texan01]

I got a gasket for mine, when I had to replace the pinon seal and the fluid (100,000 Posi)

I ran a wire brush on the cover and scraped the housing clean with a putty knife.

Word to the wise, if you got a Traction-Lock (LS, Posi, etc) use the Ford friction modifier, I used the generic stuff in my dad's '87 Dakota and it chatters all the time.

 

[Jason_25]

How much did the gasket cost, and what is the pinion seal?

 

[Speedfreak]

The pinion seal is something left to a mechanic if you have limited mechanical experience, but it is the seal behind the yoke on the front of the diff.

I wouldn't bother with a gasket, go with silicon, Ford used it from the factory so there cann't be anything wrong with it.

 

[Texan01]

unless you got a leak coming from where the driveshaft meets the rear-end, don't mess with it. Mine was leaking, and I've done a few of them to know what to do.

I used a gasket because I'm not all that thrilled with RTV as a primary sealant.

A word to the wise, Ford puts threadlock on everything back there, so it may be tough to wrench out.

 

[SteveVB]

Jason,

The RTV works great as long as the surfaces are clean, and you can let the rtv sit for a bit before it is reinstalled. then let it cure for a while if you can before refilling the diff. I let mine sit over night- I do have a few other vehiocles avail so that may not be an answer for everyone.

I use lacquer thinner to clean the surfaces of the cover and the axle. Brake cleaner , mineral spirits, or some other low residue solvents work well also.

Have fun, oh yea I wear disposable rubber gloves when working with diff fluid- the smell is hard to get off your hands (or clothes,tools, garage floor etc) , something to think about. You can get a hundred pairs or so for about $7 I think.