You can usually hear it if there is damage to the gears unless you have boggers or something.

 

no I haven't seen the book yet, but keep your eyes peeled it may be getting proof-read as we speak...

so in other words, it should be out in a year or so

 

Thanks. I would never recommend anyone follow any of his write up, but they are guaranteed to still be a good read.

 

If I remember correctly, he went to do it and gave up because he couldn't figure out how to get the cover off. Didn't want to break a nail, IIRC....

 

well his mechanic will be happy to see him then, and he'll ramble about how it took a professional to do it... $300 later.....

 

You can use RTV, high tack, Indian Head, Gasgcinch, dried goat's blood, or whatever you like on a paper gasket.

A lot of manufacturers have switched to RTV for a number of reasons. Paper gaskets have a higher TCO and aren't as versatile. For a DIYer that will probably score the sealing surface, have a deformed diff cover (stamped steel bends easily), or possibly need to do more than one gasket, RTV is cheap and easy for a DIYer.

This thread is to give a guy a hand on servicing his diff for the first time (who, by the way, doesn't know how to properly prep and install a paper gasket), not a pissing contest.

 

No pissing match here . I just don't condone the spread of automotive mythes.

 

and you know this how, are you an auto-manufacturer's purchasing manager/officer?? you have no idea what they drum a particular items price down to, besides rtv is way more universal then tack...
this is the interlubes so its expected for people to talk out the side of their neck, but ounce to ounce rtv and high tack are about the same and in some cases to the general public rtv is more...

rtv is more universal and there's no problem whatsoever spreading a small film on one side of the gasket to hold it in place, makes no sense to have 15 different kinds of gasket treatments laying around when you can have one that can be used for practically anything...

 

but you will condone your fact why auto-manufacturers use rtv instead of tack..


now for myths, east bay cali is sucka free?? I know this is not a fact, but yet another myth spread on the interlubes

 

So when I got my Jeep at 277,xxx at one point the front had been changed with a paper gasket but the rear still had the original orange RTV. The paper gasket had actually let the diff fluid seep out of a minor imperfection on the paper, whereas the 23 year old RTV hadn't leaked a bit. Yeah you can use a paper gasket, but the preparation really has to be there and you've gotta make sure that the surfaces are perfect. It's normally quicker and a lot simpler to use RTV. If you're willing to spend the money, the reusable gaskets are great and will pay for themselves if you ever change your diff fluid again.

 

Aw snap...

I have proof it IS sucka free...they posted a sign

There's at least a 49 mile stretch of sucka free zone right there...

 

Well, back to helping the OP (if anyone is still interested)....

That video is good, but do the gasket cleanup BEFORE you spray things out with brake cleaner. That way the old grease catches any dust you make, and it gets cleaned out one time with the brake cleaner.


And, yes, RTV will work just fine. It's easy to use. 'Nuff said.

 

Just dive in there. It really is no more complicated than changing your engine oil. Just watched the video and it is not too bad. Just follow that guy.

 

Changing differential fluid is just about as easy as changing your oil. It typically smells like crap, but that's normal. I've changed the fluid on many differentials over the years and have never had one leak. Put the RTV on, smear it around, let is set up for a little bit then carefully torque the bolts. After you drive it for a day or two just take a peek and make sure you don't have any leaks.


On a side note, like someone else said differentials are often over looked for maintenance. Several years ago I bought a Ford Ranger from an old guy; it had 220,000 miles on it when I bought it and still had the original fluid in the diff. I drained it right away. Other than smelling horrible, and being on the thin side from all the years of use I didn't have any metal or signs of wear when I drained it. I would be willing to bet your differential gears are fine and once done you'll be glad you did the job yourself.

 

Sorry for your misunderstanding. Auto makers use rtv only instead of gaskets because it is cheaper. Paper gaskets don't suck, they are only as good as the person who installs them. It's much easier to remove high tack with solvent than scrape rtv. Their are satisfactory ways of doing things, and there's the way craftsmen do things.