Should I use gasket or just sealer for my differantial?

[tb3]

I'm going to change my rear diff. fluid and install magnetic drain plug. I will pull off my rear cover because I'm going to powder coat it. I was told at the auto parts store that nobody even uses gaskets for that anymore. Just clean the mating surfaces real good and use silicone sealer. Is this true?

 

[TURBOELKY]

diff

well, I would put a gasket, I dont think then run under much pressure, but if you can get a gasket, put one on for a peice of mind.

 

[83hurstguy]

I've always just used black silicone on mine...

 

[1975ssnova]

I always use a gasket and sealer.just a thin coat of sealer on the rear and the cover and never have any leaks.

 

[chris718]

clean both surfaces thoroughly,us a wetstone on the diff housing and cover to make sure they are both flat.then use a gasket with no sealer and torque the bolts to 195 to 200 inch pounds.sealer is only necessary imo if there are surface irregularities that prevent flat mating surfaces from being obtained.

 

[tb3]

hmm... I've actually already done the job. I cleaned the mating surfaces with a light scotch bright pad, then cleaned with alcohol, then put a light bead of silicone all the way around. It turned out looking really nice and there have been no leaks yet. I will invest in a gasket the next time around. I noticed I had a round magnet that was held in position around a dimple on the cover with silicone. So I removed and cleaned it and reinstalled. I wonder if that was from the factory that way?

 

[ronbuick]

Gasket

Ron