Rear Differential Cover Gasket

[shorthorn]

Does anyone know if the Rear Diff Cover gasket on the 4th Gen trucks is reusable like the one on the 3rd Gen trucks?

I am getting ready to change the fluid in my rear diff, but want to be sure I have all the parts on hand...

 

[zetatre]

Yes, so long as it's not cracked it can be reused.

I would suggest lubricating it with some rubber lubricant such as Sil Glyde you find at Napa -> https://www.napaonline.com/napa/en/p/BK_7651351/.
Keeps the rubber playable and avoid it sticking to the surface (which could result in damages next time it comes of)

 

[dougsram]

The gasket on my 2011 was in perfect shape the second time I drained and filled the diff. a few months ago. Required 3 quarts and 2 oz to bring it up to 3/4" +-1/4" of the fill hole. The 13 13mm bolts call for torquing to 30ft-lbs, but only tightened mine to 20. Didn't want to snap a bolt. Zero leaks both times. Plan on suctioning out the fluid every other time now that the housing is very clean and producing little to no wear particles.

 

[Dieselnerd]

Reused mine with no problems. It seems to be a pretty sturdy gasket. I did tighten mine to the torque in the manual, around 30# as I recall. No broken bolts...

 

[TDickerson]

Plan on suctioning out the fluid every other time now that the housing is very clean and producing little to no wear particles.

My dealership doesn't remove the covers. I seem to remember that back a few years ago my dealership in TX quit taking off the covers as well when I had my 97. I started doing my own by just using a big boy to suck the oil out. Was pretty easy. I was thinking about doing it myself again, but getting old and lazy. If the dealerships aren't removing the covers then RAM must not require it, I don't know. I know that my Toyotas don't even have covers to take off. Just suck it out and put new in.

 

[jhenderson]

I think I'll still pull the cover and have a look inside when I change fluid.