American Axle differential cover gasket question...

[KOwens]

I'm due for axle oil changes...both front and rear...on my 2010 4X4, and I've ordered a Mag Hytec rear cover (which doubles the oil capacity and has the built-in O-ring seal) from Geno's Garage, but plan to continue using the stock front American Axle differential cover that does use a gasket. So I've ordered that differential cover gasket as well.

Anyway, on my '95 CTD the covers were essentially glued in place with gray-colored RTV silicone sealant...and there was no gasket to speak of. So my question to all of you is...should the new American Axle front differential cover gasket be installed dry and simply torqued in place...or is some kind of sealant required on the gasket itself or on the metal mating surfaces to assure a "leak free" seal on this cover?

Also, the Mag Hytec rear cover indicates the new capacity will be 8 quarts...but can any of you tell me the fill capacity of the stock AA 9.25" front axle during service? I can't seem to find this in my CD-based manuals...only the "fill within 1/4" of the bottom of the fill opening plus-or-minus 1/4." Just trying to figure out how much oil to buy to service both the front and rear axles.

Any help you could provide before I take on these tasks would be appreciated.

Thank you, Kevin

 

[jhenderson]

Your AAM has a reusable gasket.

 

[Larry Willard]

I reused the front one last year when I changed mine and installed the Mag Hytec on the rear.

 

[mfurrh55]

4.6 pints for your front diff., Monte

 

[KOwens]

Thanks for the info guys,

Sounds like I will have an extra front gasket laying around...since I ordered one already and it's been shipped...but no worries.

And thanks Monte for the front axle fill capacity. That will help determine how much I buy for both the front and rear.

Appreciate the help.

Kevin

 

[Kirwin]

Front fill level is 1/4" below the fill hole (+/- 1/4"). I filled mine till it came back out. About 2.5 quarts for me.

 

[KOwens]

Thanks Kirwin,

That's what I figured...fill it until it weeps out...then install the fill plug.

Appreciate the info on the fill level and capacity.

Kevin

 

[Kirwin]

I also installed the Mag-Hytec rear cover. 7.5 quarts put it about 1/4 inch above the max fill line. I left it that way. I'll keep an eye one it for a while.

 

[KOwens]

Hey Kirwin,

Yeah...bought the "Non sight glass" model of the 8 quart Mag Hytec rear cover for my 11.5" AA. I was going to look carefully at the new fill plug height to be sure it is not higher than the factory cover...and fill the same way as above it is the same height.

Is your the "sight glass model" of the Mag Hytec...and thus the fill line you are describing?

Just wondering.

Kevin

 

[mfurrh55]

I have the same mag hytec cover as you and i filled to 1/4" below full mark

 

[KOwens]

Thanks Monte

 

[Kirwin]

I have the non-sightglass version, it has a magnetic dipstick for level. There are two lines on the dipstick, one is minimum fill and one is max fill. At 7.5 quarts I'm about 1/4" above max fill.

 

[KOwens]

Thanks Kirwin,

That's nice to know...didn't realize it had a dipstick with lines you could read. Mine should be here on Thursday afternoon from Geno's...so I'll see it for the first time then.

Thanks again.

 

[Kirwin]

This is my second one. I had one on the 2003 also. They make a very nice product. I replaced my front differential cover bolts with SS Allen head hardware just like the Mag-Hytec uses. Looks great I think.

 

[Newsa]

Anyone know what the recommended torque on these bolts should be?

 

[Kirwin]

From the Mag-Hytec installation instructions 12-16 ft-lbs. Not much! Don't get carried away!

 

[Newsa]

I remember it being small. That's why I asked. Thanks!

 

[Cummins12V98]

I tighten mine with one hand and a 3/8" ratchet, torque who knows!!!

 

[Newsa]

Anyone bother with a mag hytec cover for the front? Almost seems like there might not be room for it???????

 

[seafish]

Anyone bother with a mag hytec cover for the front? Almost seems like there might not be room for it???????

MagHytech had to redesign their front cover for the AAM 9.25 axle SEVERAL times as Dodge kept updating and changing the steering linkage on their various 3rd and 4th gen trucks. The newest one has JUST enough clearance to not hit, as we'll as substantially extra material where it might hit. I know because I have had both the original and the updated design on my 2005 truck with updated factory linkage.