Gasket for Rear Axle Housing

[67TXStang]

I'm going to reassemble my rear axle after my gear change in the next few days. The Richmond bearing kit I ordered came with a paper gasket for the pumpkin. Should I install the paper gasket dry, with RTV, with gasket sealer, or something else? Just want to make sure I don't go through all this trouble and have it leak.

 

[pprince]

I always smear a very thin amount around the flat area.

Make sure, in particular, you smear around each bolt.

 

[Tony R]

I apply black RTV to both mating surfaces. I hate leaks too.

 

[cmayna]

For paper gaskets I normally use Permatex's blue Hylomar on both sides.

 

[crustycurmudgeon]

And now for something completely different: I don't use any sealant on the paper gasket. I believe that's how it was done at the factory as well.

Frank

 

[67TXStang]

With the irregular surface of the pumpkin, I really want to use something to ensure it seals well. I'll smear a small amount of RTV along both sides of the gasket.

 

[Starfury]

I use a thin smear of The Right Stuff on both sides of the gasket, making sure to go around each stud hole. Hylomar is another good option on machined surfaces, although you don't necessarily need a gasket when you use hylomar.

 

[1497]

Old timer preference: #2 Permatex on paper gaskets.

 

[66gt350]

I guess I'm the odd man out on this one. I just recently swapped pumpkins on my 9", going from 4:11 gears to 3:50's. The gear shop that I bought the pumpkin from said don't use the paper gasket. So, I didn't use any paper gasket on the install. I just used a small bead of silicon sealant, and let the surface dry a little before sliding in the pumpkin. It's been about 1000 miles and no leaks.

-rob

 

[whisperer]

On Eights and Nines I use the paper gasket and black RTV thinly wiped over the gasket on both sides. I don't want to pull the damn chunk back out because of some weepy leak down the road. The gasket thickness spaces the chunk out, even if ever so slightly, and is a factor in the rear bearing alignment. I just think that's the right way to set it up. If you are doing a repair out on the road then RTV will get the job done without a gasket, but if you are in your shop then use the gasket.
On 8.8's and other removable rear covers I just use black RTV. The trick there is to give it a full 24 hours before you fill it. If it's something you have to run immediately then use a gasket with RTV. Gaskets are common for these but the factory doesn't use one, just RTV because the axle is assembled days, weeks or months before it ever sees the car it's going into.