I'm in the middle of my second rear axle lubricant change (36000 miles). The first time was at 18000 miles and I used RTV for the sealing of the cover. This time I want to use a gasket and was wondering if I should use permatex on it. I used to use permatex on everything in the old days but I'm thinking I don't need it. Need a quick answer from those of you who have used the gasket. I've got the cover off and am getting ready to put it back together.
Thanks

 

What kind of gasket? Because the answer is different depending on what you are using.

If it is a rubber/silicone reusable gasket then no.
If you are using a paper gasket then I usually use some hi-Tack on both sides of the
gasket but not RTV.
Or just use RTV alone like the factory setup

http://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/pro...aspx?sku=88227 this is what I use for the paper/cork type gaskets

 

It's the old Feelpro thick cardboard/paper gasket used on the 9.25 before the factory switched to RTV. I ended up using permatex. I hope it's not a bitch to clean up next time. I was trying to get away from the RTV and the hour wait for it to set before tightening not to mention how hard it is to get to cover off. I'll probably end up going back to the RTV next time.

Thanks oldjeep

 

Honestly for diff covers I don't wait an hour before tightening, just use a small bead and smooth it over the whole surface with my finger and then crank it down to the required torque. Never had any leaks doing it that way. I do wait a while before refilling the diff after putting the cover on.

For cleaning I just use a wide exacto to get most of it off and then a very fine wire wheel on my drill.

 

When I did mine not long ago I went to the stealership to grab oil and I told them to give me whatever they use to put it back together, they gave me some black rtv that was made for the transmission.