I'm changing the fluid in my 8.25 tomorrow and I picked up a gasket and sealant from the the parts store. All the write ups I have seen don't show anyone using a gasket, just the sealant. So I thought I'd ask you guys since I know you guys have done this routine maintenance several times.

So what's your opinion? Gasket? Sealant? Both? why?...
Thanks

Lubelocker
If you go with RTV, then you don't need a gasket. Lubelocker is hands down the best choice.

i use ultra black RTV. no gasket. it's just easy and i don't need to keep/buy gaskets.

I think I use Red RTV. It just started leaking this month, it has been a year. But it is only a drop a day and I always use my pumpkin to lift with a floor jack so...

rtv only

Lubelocker: Won't leak, reusable, easy to install, no mess, no RTV will enter the cavity, A++, well worth the extra bucks. I think mine was 17 bucks

i use rtv only. I would use a lubelocker, but i havent found them local and never plan ahead, so if I want to go wheelin, and don't feel like waiting for a lubelocker to ship, I use the rtv.

lubelocker is a great product though, have one on the front (thought ahead on that one when I bought the locker)

never actually used a regular ole gasket though...

You are correct, I had to order mine online ahead of time. I know RTV works, but I hate the mess and I've never been a good cake decorator. I also bought one for the front but haven't serviced it yet. Now that I think about it, I think I paid 35 bones for both front and back.

Ya' know, I changed mine recently before a long cross country tow and I was kinda' sorry in a way. Lube looked perfect inside ... lots of money for the synthetic lube and posi chemical and thick black RTV ... what a mess!! Doesn't leak though. I probably would let it be, knowing what I know now

I'm a believer that if it came with a gasket then use a gasket and not cheap out. If not then use "RightStuff" gasket maker. Its a bit more money but well worth it. That stuff has never leaked on me one time. Get the stuff in the caulking tube and not the aerosol can. The cans leak the aerosol and then are no good after you crack the seal.

Aerosol definately wouldn't be the thing .. ya' need a big ol fat bead of that goop ... and a very clean surface to boot. The factory stuff is RTV, not a gasket .. thick and sticky and dries pretty hard. Works fine if done right.

When I worked in Transmission shop and I did the diff rebuilding and service we would use black atv, cheapest and you are pretty much geranteed of no leaks, that is if done right. Gaskets will sometime leak, even if used with gasket cement. Just make sure the matting surface is clean of any oil, use brake clean to clean surface and make one nice bead of atv around the cover before you put it on. Hope this helps.
Steve J wi

+1

thanks guys, wish I had known about lubelocker a week ago, coulda had one here by now. Just gonna use the red high temp rtv that I bought, anyone want a felpro 8.25 gasket? cost me like $2 and I'm not gonna use it.