Rear differential: Gasket or RTV?
 

Hi,

I'm replacing the third member in my 3rd gen runner and am wondering if it is best to install the 3rd member with:

a) a new gasket
b) RTV
c) Both

Thanks.

I always just use rtv myself. Just make sure to give it time to cure before filling up the diff with gear oil.

RTV and RTV only.
Grey stuff is what I've always used. I generally put a bead of RTV on, install the diff and tighten the nuts a bit more than hand tight. Let it sit for an hour or 2 and then properly torque the diff in.


:dj:

Thanks for the quick replies. I am curious as to why, though?

Either will work just fine, I wouldn't do both. If there are any nicks or scratches on the mating surfaces RTV will fill them in and seal a bit better. If the mating surfaces are flat and smooth, paper gaskets make it easier to pull off later as well as easier to clean the gasket surfaces.

I've always used black RTV just because I never seem to have a gasket handy when I need one

Well I got it all back together and WOW. I love the 5.29s. The truck just pulls and the highway RPM aren't bad at all. Holding power on the hills has been restored and then some. It stays in OD :D

But 3 days later, the front passenger CV axle/diff seal is now leaking. Should have replaced it at the time. The seal looked good when I inspected it, but alas. Out she comes again... :(

Does anyone know the diameter of a socket or whatever that I can use to knock in the seal?

Pulling front IFS diffs brings the suck.

I use Toyota RED or Toyota BLACK on everything.

:wabbit2:

X2. all i use is ultra gray. i hate leaking fluids that's why i use gray and clean the crap out of the surfaces.

I used ultra blue on front and rear diffs... holds up just as good, but looks a little cooler ;)

i used a fel-pro paper gasket with coppercoat, worked amazingly

I used ultra black on both third members on my 4Runner and ive never had a problem.

I used RTV Grey and a felpro gasket on my rear diff and it's been dry for years (check out my DIY in my sig :) ).

Attachment 189347
http://permatex.com/documents/PX-0378.GearOilRTV.SS.pdf
http://permatex.com/products/Automot...tv_sealant.htm

I haven't found it anywhere locally yet. Just online. Whatever color RTV works alright though. I've used many of them for it. I didn't end up being totally satisfied with how Ultra Black held up(~2 years before my rear axle devoloped a micro-leak). But if it was all I had, I'd use it again. I've been trying out the Ultra Copper to see if it's any better for that application. It's been workin' good for about a couple years so far. Who knows?