Differential Leakage

[R.E. Miller]

Hey guys, on my 1-ton 4X4's the rears like to leak. I know everyone has at some point encountered this problem, but I want to know if I should use a gasket or just use RTV and goob it up? The last person who was in there definately goobed it all up, but it is still leaking



Thanks for your help,

Russell

 

[ETOBICOKE]

Check Cover

I take it that the cover is leaking? When you take it off check if it is flat, many times stamped covers and pans get dimpled out around the bolt holes and will not seat properly. This is usually caused by over torqueing the bolts and a thick gasket. Put the cover on a flat surface gasket side down and have a look at it. I use a hardwood dowel and a hammer from the bolt side and gently flatten them back out, try to avoid hammering directly, it can strech the metal. I generaly will use RTV, but very sparingly, more to hold the gasket in place than anything, and usualy just a nut driver or extra stubby ratchet to tighten the bolts.



Neil

 

[scott4glamis]

Russell i use black high temp silicone after i have straightened up the gasket surface. then wait til the next day to fill it up(@12 hours). while i was in there the first time i put in a drain (oil drian from a suzuki samurai) NAPA makes a drain to put in a transmission but it would work in your differential. it makes it real easy to drain and maintain, next time i just drain and fill!

 

[R.E. Miller]

Thanks for the help guys Now it's time to operate I am going to rip into this thing and see what's causing the leak.

Thanks,

Russell

 

[KEENO]

Gear Backlash...

Hey Russell!



The Diff is also part number punched on the sealing surface of the cover by Dana. Don't ask why??? This can also cause a leak path... Some silicone usually fixes this also!



If you have the cover off... You might want to check the R&P for backlash, if curious. It can give you a quick indication if a axle rebuild is in your future.



Just a thought... .



KEENO

 

[CRWilliams]

I used one of Summits aluminum covers with the bolts that put preload on the bearing caps. I thought this would also help the 70 hold together with lots of power. It also has a drain plug in it, not to mention how COOL it looks