New to Forum, Diff Question

[Dieselhed]

What's up guys, new to the TDR here. Tommorrow I will be changing oil in my front and rear diff. I'm adding the Mag-Hytec diff cover in the rear. Anyone know how much oil I should put in the rear. I have read that there may possibly be a defect in the location of the eye on my year truck. Just want to be sure I don't over fill. Keeping stock diff cover in front for now, how much fluid there? 11. 25 rear axle, 9. 25 front I believe. Do I just reuse the stock gasket? How about using silicone? Probably use Amsoil Severe Gear 75w/90. Torque specs on tightening back up? Thanks.

 

[BHanna]

The gasket is reusable. I've read on here that the torque spec in the manual is wrong. I think that was 30 ft/lb. Read on here that it should be 18. Mine is a little damp (not dripping) after I tightened to 30.

 

[VTomasso]

Welcome to the TDR!



The Mag-Hytec cover has its own o-ring seal. Once the mating surface on the meatball is clean, you shouldn't need any sealant at all. I think the OEM covers are RTV'd from the factory, so you won't have a gasket to reuse.



Be careful of which sealant you use on any diff cover, some RTV's are not resistant to gear lube, and annoying weepage will result. (don't ask how I know this)



As for the fastener torque, if the instructions for your new cover don't tell you, call Mag-Hytec and ask them. Their covers are cast aluminum and can be damaged from overtorquing.



I'm not sure if the M-H covers add capacity or not, but if you have at least enough to cover the capacity listed in the owner's manual you should be OK. Besides, the M-H covers come with a dipstick.



You may want to consider using a suction gun to empty your front diff and leave the cover alone, because M-H has a front cover in prototype right now and should be released soon.



Hope this helps and once again, Welcome



Diesel On,

-Vic

 

[Dieselhed]

Thanks guys..... very helpful.

 

[klenger]

I think the OEM covers are RTV'd from the factory, so you won't have a gasket to reuse.

Incorrect. The factory covers have reusable seals. They work very well.

 

[Bob4x4]

The rear cover will take about 8 qts,the front will take about 3+ a little. You will have better luck using a small bead of silicone when installing the rear Mag cover. Look closely at both covers and you will see why



Bob

 

[Dieselhed]

After going through tons of back pages here I have found conflicting info about the quantity of oil to use since the Mag-Hytec cover adds a little more lube than stock. Seems like just above the lower line on the M-H stick is about where the stock level is. I'll probably keep it there. (About 6 qts. ) Now if I can just find some Amsoil Severe Gear. I'm having a $%&@# of a time trying to find it here in Kansas City. But seems like that is the brand of choice.



Should I use the RTV on both sides of the stock gasket?

 

[Buffalo]

Hi,



If you are using the MH-AA14-11. 5a rearend cover, which, can be used on both GM and Dodge's, you will have to fill the bottom bolt hole on the diff. with silicone to plug it. The o-ring is very close to that hole and can possibly leak. The bottom diff. bolt is not replaced with a MH bolt.



You DO NOT need the reusable gasket if you are going with the MH cover because of the included o-ring



Regarding the different gearoil levels, MH told me that the small, plugged hole in the middle of the cover (identification plate) is the "stock" level. The lower level on the dipstick indicates an oil level just inside the axle tubes. The higher level on the dipstick indicates an oil level touching the bottom of the axle, itself.



Hope this helps.



Joe F. (Buffalo)