To Gasket or Not To Gasket - That is the Question

[Panhead Jim]

I've just rebuilt my factory 4.88 third member and am reinstalling tomorrow. The VERY reputable off-road shop that set up my diff just laughed about the gasket. Said don't, no way, forget it, use silicone gasket maker, crank it down, and roll. I just can't do it, I'm gonna use a gasket, but I was certainly wondering about various experiences by forum members. Ya'll weigh in with your thoughts, please.

 

[ovrrdrive]

I'm also a die-hard gasket fan but after calling 2 dealers and 4 autoparts shops and being told they didn't have a gasket in stock I went with permatex and haven't leaked a single drop in over a year.

Just clean it all with carb cleaner, put on a good bead and just snug it down, wait for it to cure, and torque it down. It works fine...

 

[fourwd1]

Think I answered your Q in another BBS. In case it wasn't you here goes.

I've done it both ways, and now I do both. A very thin coat of RTV on both sides of the gasket, and as above, clean the metal surfaces very well, using carb or brake cleaner.