Differental Gasket

[enaudc]

Got a 06 2500 that I want to change the differental fluids. Priced the cover gaskets and found they are kinda pricey. I read a couple things on the internet about the cover gaskets being reusable. Anyone ever reuse the differental cover gaskets.

 

[dodge dude94]

Didn't know they had reusable gaskets. Most folks use RTV to seal the pan.

 

[enaudc]

Looked at a pic of the gasket on Rockauto and I will say the picture kinda looks like a solid rubber type gasket that could be reused.

 

[dodge dude94]

Gaskets in general should not be reused unless you're going to be pulling a pan/cover off frequently (ie, 1-5000mi) as that stuff get's half melted to the flanges eventually.

 

[NYCruiser]

I used LubeLockers on my Jeep Rubicon.

LubeLocker - The Ultimate Drivetrain Gaskets

I used to wheel that truck and had to change the diff fluid a lot.
A little pricey, but really lasted.
I pulled the covers 4-5 times and didn't get any leaks.
A lot easier and cleaner than messing with RTV.
Unless you're wheeling or going thru deep water you shouldn't need to be in the diff so often on these trucks. Personal preference though.

 

[dodge dude94]

Why not use a pump to get most of it out? I mean, unless you're going through water and your seals suck, leaving a little bit of old oil in there shouldn't be an issue unless you know you've got metallic matter in there.

 

[NYCruiser]

Or change the diff cover to one with a drain plug.

 

[dodge dude94]

That's even better. Plus you get better cooling and protection in most cases.


But those are expensive.....

 

[enaudc]

Thanks for the link to Lubelocker. That looks like the gasket I was shown at the parts store, but 30 bucks cheaper. I would definitely spent $20 for a gasket not $51. This is going on the Dodge 2500, not much wheeling, actually none, but I do pull a big trailer. Thanks for the info.

 

[JPT]

Another trick (from my jeep wheeling days) you can use a paper gasket, coat both sides with grease. You will be able to reuse it. Gaskets really do make it easier to change. When I wheeled, I used RTV, because hot diffs tend to suck in water when they are hot and the water is cold.