Front differential service opinions and tips
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Joined: Nov 2018
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From: Emerald isle NC
Front differential service opinions and tips
Hey guys i have. 1999 ram 1500 4x4 with the 5.9 360cid, dana 44 front axle. I am just doing some prev maint, have the dif cover off, all looks good in there. I am going to use some brake cleaner in there and wipe out with lint free. Anything i should really try to get cleaned up? Most importantly, should i use just a gasket, or some rtv? I hardly EVER use rtv, mainly because it usually doesnt come on the part from the factory. The previous owner of my truck had rtv on the front cover. Opinions? Successes? Failures? Thanks dudes
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Joined: Sep 2007
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From: PA
Hey guys i have. 1999 ram 1500 4x4 with the 5.9 360cid, dana 44 front axle. I am just doing some prev maint, have the dif cover off, all looks good in there. I am going to use some brake cleaner in there and wipe out with lint free. Anything i should really try to get cleaned up? Most importantly, should i use just a gasket, or some rtv? I hardly EVER use rtv, mainly because it usually doesnt come on the part from the factory. The previous owner of my truck had rtv on the front cover. Opinions? Successes? Failures? Thanks dudes
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Registered User
Joined: Nov 2018
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From: Emerald isle NC
thanks! I have synthetic 80-90 now, do you think that is thick enough? I live in coastal Carolina, so our winters are very mild.... sometimes. no road salt, so thats a plus when I am doing repairs!
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Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Central VA
Using some brake cleaner to clean up the back of the cover that comes in contact with the gear oil isn't a bad idea. I scrape off all of the old RTV/gasket off the cover and housing. Once done, I install a gasket and the cover, then refill with the appropriate type and amount of gear oil.
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Registered User
Joined: Nov 2018
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From: Emerald isle NC
Using some brake cleaner to clean up the back of the cover that comes in contact with the gear oil isn't a bad idea. I scrape off all of the old RTV/gasket off the cover and housing. Once done, I install a gasket and the cover, then refill with the appropriate type and amount of gear oil.
Champion
Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Central VA
I tend to use standard non-synthetic gear oils. The key to allowing the differential to live a long life is to ensure it keeps the appropriate amount of oil in it. Periodically check for leaky wheel/pinion seals or cover gaskets and fix them as soon as possible.
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Clayton MI
This. Really doesn't matter if you use synthetic, or standard dino lube. So long as the right weight, and right amount, is in there, it'll last pretty much forever.