when putting the rear end back together? What type should I use?

Thanks

James.

If you are talking about the cover gasket and/or axle gaskets, I typically don't use any sealer. Occasionally, and especially when I reuse a housing gasket, I run a little bit of Ultra Blue Permatex in there, but regular permatex is fine too. If your surfaces are clean and straight, you won't need it, but a little Blue doesn't hurt for insurance.

Lou

_________________
Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

Thanks, I am talking about the cover gasket. I have taken it apart, cleaned the cover, and have scraped all old material away. I have set the cover on a flat surface and it appears to be straight. Will be putting new gasket on after changing pinion gasket this weekend, I beleive that the pinion seal was actually the culprit. Will probably use just a little permatex blue.

Thanks again.

James.

When I had my center piece rebuilt at a shop for an 8 3/4, the guy told me you don't even need a gasket just using rtv is good enough. I think this sounds a little suspect but I figure the guy might know what hes doing....

I tend to use a little sealer on the housing side of the gasket and leave the cover (or carrier) side clean, with a light film of oil.

This allow me to remove the cover / carrier later and the gasket stays in one piece, stuck to the axle housing surface.
I can then reuse the gasket a number of times. I think the gasket on my racecar's 8 3/4 has been on there for at least 10 gear swaps and it does not leak a drop.
DD

And here I thought I was cool to reuse gaskets 3 or 4 times...

Lou

_________________
Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

RTV only can be used for simple gaskets like fuel pump, rear end gasket, etc. Put sealer on both sides, let it "skin" up for a little bit, then put pieces together. I'd say use a gasket if you have one, but you don't absolutely have to... right Cecil???

I like using the gasket on my 8 3/4 only because one is called for. I do smear some (blue) on the gasket to hold it up while I bench press the pumpken. I have seen people use RTV only though with no problems. Its the preference of the end user.

I haven't used a gasket on an 8-3/4" ever. I just use some RTV. I prefer Permatex Black or my new favorite, Mopar gray. The gray is specifically for transmissions and rear ends.

_________________
Official Cookie and Mater Tormentor.

Hey "big D",... how hard is the RTV to clean-up when you do a geat swap?
Do you scrap-off all the old RTV and apply a new film or just wipe things down and put on another coat?
DD

I always just run a gasket scraper or razor blade around the housing face. If I wasn't so cheap I'd probably get some of the super-double throw-down gaskets from the Cox boys.

_________________
Official Cookie and Mater Tormentor.