Quote:
Originally Posted by rexs73gto
The factory has always used a gasket on the rear diff. The first year GM started to usedGMS only for the rear diff was the 96 impala ss, they used the GMS on the rear diff as it was done now by the automated system on the line. But All Pontiacs had a gasket intalled on all rear diffs. up to & included the 81 F-bodies.
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I like rex's reply. Many folks use silicone to seal rear diffs and don't use a gasket, and it mostly produces a successful seal. I just don't like the "oozing" that goes on, whether it be outside the differential or within, which you can't see. That's why I don't like silicone.
I know some guys try to go lighter on the silicone, but I just find the stuff makes a damn mess. For me, at least, it is not "controllable" enough, although I realize I am not great at applying silicone. After many years, I finally got pretty good at doing countertops and shower surrounds and can make a pretty nice looking bead, but the "stress of the mess" drives me nuts. It's a personal thing.
If you want to keep it clean, find yourself some nice Permatex Aviation Sealer. It is available (in Canada at least) at places like Canadian Tire and NAPA. It comes with a nice little applicator brush, and is super easy to work with.
On a nice clean rear differential cover, I brush a decent, but not excessive amount of Aviation Sealer around the entire circumference and the bolt holes. I let it "flash-off" for about 10 minutes, then stick the gasket down on the Aviation Sealer. I then brush the Aviation Sealer on the side of the gasket that will contact the rear end housing, and repeat the "flash-off" process before bolting it up.
Never a leak in 28 years, and wonderful to take apart when you need to change you differential fluid. You won't need a jackhammer to get it clean the next time around.
Just one guy's opinion...