Diff Covers - gasket or no gasket?

[PunksJL]

Debating on whether to install my new Dana Spicer AdvanTEK diff covers with the factory diff gaskets or use the Dana provided gasket making material. The Dana Spicer Video says not to use the gasket as the provided bolts are not long enough. Is there any type of strength advantage gasket vs. no gasket? Those who have bought these covers or similar aftermarket covers what have you used?

Sponsored

 

[azwjowner]

Why on earth would you want to mess with RTV instead of using gaskets? Just buy like bolts that are 1/8" longer.

 

[JLJeepGuy513]

after regearing mine, i replaced mine with the Yukon diff covers and just reused the gasket. the supplied screws were plenty l long though.

 

[PunksJL]

Why on earth would you want to mess with RTV instead of using gaskets? Just buy like bolts that are 1/8" longer.

I'm just asking since Spicer makes this recommendation and I'm curious if there is any strength/rigidity advantages in not using the gasket. I agree though that the gasket is much easier.

 

[gato]

Gasket for sure. I have G2 on the front and MC on the back (pandemic woes could not get matching). Installed both with OEM gasket. I even bought extra gaskets because I thought they'd rip while removing, but the OEM gaskets are extremely high quality.

RTV is a disgrace.

 

[jadmt]

I have been using RVT since the 70's on diff covers and never had a leak. I would have no issue using either the gasket or RVT

 

[MarkM]

My covers came with longer bolts to accommodate the extra depth. I just ordered some that are 5mm longer and the stock gasket fits just fine. The bolts are flush with the ends of the holes.

I did not see any reason to mess with RTV as I would likely be back in there again for some thing else.

 

[Kracka]

Reused the OEM gaskets on my aFe covers; no leaks.

 

[Terrymo]

OEM gaskets with Motobilt covers still perfectly good after 4 diff oil changes. I’d prefer not to use RTV or aftermarket paper gaskets.

 

[PunksJL]

Well, I ended up using the provided bolts that came with my new Spicer AdvanTEK covers and the factory gasket. Interestingly, the provided bolts were the exact same length as the factory bolts: 20mm. I had purchased 25mm grade 10.9 bolts but even with the added thickness of the diff cover flange and the gasket the 25mm bolts were a tad too long and bottomed out in the four bolt holes nearest the axle tubes. The 25mm bolts would be OK at the other locations since the holes are drilled and tapped through the axle housing. Hopefully I won't have any issues with the 20mm bolts and the factory gasket.

 

[jadmt]

OEM gaskets with Motobilt covers still perfectly good after 4 diff oil changes. I’d prefer not to use RTV or aftermarket paper gaskets.

just confirming you have re-used the same stock gaskets 4X's with no leaks? was getting ready to order some new oem gaskets as I had leaks or seeps...thanks

 

[CarbonSteel]

just confirming you have re-used the same stock gaskets 4X's with no leaks? was getting ready to order some new oem gaskets as I had leaks or seeps...thanks

I reused mine 10x with no leaks.

 

[Terrymo]

just confirming you have re-used the same stock gaskets 4X's with no leaks? was getting ready to order some new oem gaskets as I had leaks or seeps...thanks

Yes with no sign of wear or seeping. I should probably have some on hand just in case though. I only torque the diff cover bolts in the low 20s though based on a recommendation by @roaniecowpony. Not the specific number just that the factory torque spec is unnecessary and wears and over compresses the gasket faster.

 

[CarbonSteel]

Yes with no sign of wear or seeping. I should probably have some on hand just in case though. I only torque the diff cover bolts in the low 20s though based on a recommendation by @roaniecowpony. Not the specific number just that the factory torque spec is unnecessary and wears and over compresses the gasket faster.

The gasket cannot be over compressed as it has steel inserts at the bolt holes---with that said, torquing them to the amount stated by FCA will typically result in a broken bolt so your point is 100% valid, just for a different reason.

 

[Terrymo]

The gasket cannot be over compressed as it has steel inserts at the bolt holes---with that said, torquing them to the amount stated by FCA will typically result in a broken bolt so your point is 100% valid, just for a different reason.

Ok good to know

Sponsored