I am changing my rear diff fluid and if i take of the cover, do i need to buy a new seal?

 

RTV gasket maker! that is all you need.

 

and that is... what?

 

rtv gasket maker comes in a tube like super glue almost, its like $6-$11 deepening on the size you get and it is used for everything.

you need to scrap the old gasket off on both mounting surfaces, lay a nice 1/8"-1/4" bead around the diff cover then bolt on. follow the instructions on the tube. Btw it is waht the factory uses.

 

 

Go to an auto parts store and tell them what u are doing. They will fix u up with sealer, gear oil, etc. I always use and recommend a gasket (FWIW) (Advance Auto Parts Sells FelPro) along with a thin film of RTV. Don't over tighten the diff cover bolts....snug is plenty good.

 

x2
Let the thin film of RTV set a little bit before putting the gasket on and bolting it down. I'm not sure if this helps or not but I usually cross tighten the bolts.
( like the top bolt, the bottom bolt, one on the left, right one etc. )

 

It doesnt really make a diff...

 

Just changed my diff fluid in both this weekend. I just used the Fel-Pro gaskets. Didn't put any sealent. Hopefully it won't leak at all, so far so good.

 

My 97 had no gaskets on either the trans pan or the diffs from the factory. Any of the Ultra series silicones are adequate as long as you clean the surfaces VERY well.

 

I just changed mine, and I used both, a new gasket cost about $3.50 and the sealer to hold it in place. I used the sealer on the cover to stabilize the gasket. Did this on the fron Dana also. The gasket is worth the cost.