I can get the gasket for 11 bucks or I can buy RTV. What do you guys do? How much fluid goes back in the diff and what fluid do most of you use? Any advice on doing the change? Ive never done one

 

I just did mine I always use RTV but the gasket works fine. I used Royal Purple Synthetic 75w90. Some people add the limited slip additive some don't with synthetic fluid. If you use regular gear oil you have to add it. My rearend held 2 qts of oil.

While you have the cover off I like to visually check my gears to ensure there are no problems. As for tips getting the oil back in the diff is the hardest part I use a piece of fuel line to allow me to hold the bottle above the axle so I can fill the diff. Just fill it up until it is level with the fill plug on the side of the housing.

 

I used to think that people who didn't use the gasket were cheap or poor mechanics, but one of my mechanic friend has convinced me now that RTV is the way to go. Have used it several times with good results, no leaks, so that is what I now recommend.

 

I use both... Gasket with a THIN layer of RTV.

 

That is what I am going to do.

What kind of fluid do other people use?


Should I use regular or synthetic fluid?

 

I just did mine a couple weeks ago using this method. I put in dino Delco 80w90 with the additive.

 

Please post on the correct forum. Diff questions don't belong on "engine" tech.

Moving.

 

Injuneer. Should I use synthetic or standard? What fluid do you use?

 

Just use standard 80w90. That's what GM calls for. If you have a after market posi or a GU5 axle code (see sticker in glove box) you will need 4 oz of GM or Ford friction modifier also.

I use a Felpro gasket on mine. It's not messy when you remove the cover like RTV and is reusable. I have never had a leak with a gasket and see no need for RTV.

 

Me too. And I never have to replace the gasket as the RTV lets it come off time after time without tearing with almost no cleanup.

 

ya changing the rear diff fluid was not hard. I feel confident in the rtv plus gasket combo