Does anyone have a part number for a gasket that can be used for the front differential cover on a '98 Dakota 4x4? The cover part number 04882707. It has 10 bolts, but a different pattern than the rear. I've searched for a while now but can't seem to find one. It may be because that cover was only used from '97 - '99.

I've found a gasket that looks like it will work for the rear 10 bolt cover, the Fel-Pro RDS 55047

That's the one part I've always hated with changing the differential fluid is trying to get the RTV just right, especially on the front since it's a tight space. Would rather use a gasket.

Thanks.


Front differential cover

Rear differential cover

 

87-96 is a Chrysler 7.25

97-99 is an AMC 35

00+ is Chrysler 8.0"

 

Thanks! I looked at a picture of the Dana 35 gasket, looks a little different than the diagram in the service manual (truck isn't here right now, had some work done will be picking it up soon). The service manual says it's a 194 FIA. I found the below in the Spicer XGI document and it confirms what you said, it's a Dana 35/194.

Axle,Model,Make,Application,Year,Ring Gear Diameter,Description
35/194 Dodge Dakota 1997-1999 194mm Front
35/194 Dodge Durango 1998-1999 194mm Front

I'll compare it when I get the truck back to be sure and give an update.

 

Follow-up question, the service manual lists SAE 80W-90 GL-5 for both the front and rear and that's what I've been using and it seems to be fine. Out of curiosity searched and found this document that says otherwise for the rear.
https://www.nagca.com/grandtech/Jeep...fer%20Case.pdf

normal: SAE 75W-90 GL-5
towing/HD: Synthetic SAE 75W-140 GL-5

I'm OK with switching to the synthetic if it would help, eyeing the Lucas 75W-140. Has anyone used it? I have the limited-slip differential, they claim they have an additive already for it in there but I'd be wary of trusting it. I've already bought the 04318060AD additive so have no problems using it.

The service manual also says to fill to bottom of fill plug hole for both the front and rear. Yet I've seen others saying you need to stop before you reach the fill plug hole, 1/2" for the front and 1/4" for the rear. So who is right? Have the recommendations changed since the service manual came out?

 

I got the truck back yesterday and looked at the front differential cover. It doesn't look like a typical Dana-35 cover, looks more like a Dana-30 front axle cover.

Felpro has a part number RDS55019 that looks like it. I'm going to pick one up today and do some measurements to verify.

 

Well I cleaned all the crud off and found some numbers. Dana 47073 / 228-97 / Rev -B / 2-21-95. As magnethead stated it's a Dana 35 IFS, also used on Ford vehicles. Looks just like the Dana 30 front axle but larger, so the Felpro RDS55019 won't fit it. Doesn't appear to be any gaskets out there for the D35 IFS. I really hate doing the RTV on the front so think I'm just going to pump the old oil out and put in new.

At least the rear will be easier since the Felpro RDS55047 is a perfect match.

 

They used gaskets from the factory but I usually just use gasket maker when I pull a cover. Just make sure it's good for oil. I'll spread it heavier towards the outside edge so any that skooshes out (<----fancy technical term) will squeeze outside rather than get in the oil and spread around the gear.

 

Get a lube locker gasket, they are reusable. Your front axle is a Dana 35.

 

They have it for the Dana 35 rear, not the Dana 35 front. The size and bolt pattern between the two is completely different, the Dana 35 front looks just like the Dana 30 front but larger. Compare the LLR-D035 gasket to the LLR-D030. Nobody appears to have the gasket for the Dana 35 front, they have them for the Dana 30 front however. I contacted lube locker and fel-pro and asked them about it, haven't heard anything back yet. In the meantime I'll just pump out the old oil and add in new, less hassle.