differential question?
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41
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From: Napoleon Ohio
differential question?
My differential on my 2001 ford f-150 4x4 is leaking on the bottom corner. The problem is my Ford dealer said there is no gasket and to just use silicone, and my haynes manual said a gasket and RTV sealant. I dont want to tear into this without the proper info. Anyone know if my haynes manual is right or my Ford dealer???
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 11
From: Minnesota
Do you guys let the RTV set up so it's like a gasket, or do you put the diff back on with it sticky and torque it down? Go to the outside or inside of the holes? I have seen guys say both ways on both questions, just looking for input. Black vs. Blue vs. Orange....?
Spotty
Spotty
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,713
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From: In my House
Just my opinion and what worked for me is, rtv black and I let it skin up about 5 min utes then put it back on torqued it down and refilled it about an hour later. Did that with all my trucks so far and no problems.
Rich
Rich
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Texas
well when i changed out mine i did my research too & i found exactly what works great NO MESSY JOB a fine well manufacturered gasket checkout the web page "LUBE LOCKER" you'll find exactly what you're looking for there, I bought mine of EBAY about $20 w/shippin... GOOD LUCK! gasket comes with all installation info its great just need to TORQUE DOWN BOLTS! Have a TORQUE WRENCH ready if you decide to go with this setup. 6 month ago & still goin no leaks + no need for any RTV use at all.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,932
Likes: 181
i put a bead of RTV on the inside of the bolt pattern. you want it to squeezed down so you just see it touch the outside edge and assume same on inside. not globs of it. you can put the lube in as soon as you tighten the bolts. i never used a toque wrench on an axle in 35 years.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 642
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From: Olathe, KS
Have a flat file handy to check the surfaces. It is possible a nick could hold the cover off at that spot. Just a light rub with the file to show high spots is all it takes. Wipe it down well before re-assembly. Gear kits come with Black RTV. Letting it skin over is best. I let mine firm up but still has a bit of flex so it will mate the surfaces. I am not an RTV fan myself... but this is one where I use it.
Couple points to make it easier. Remove the spare. It will give much more room to work with the diff. Also you can fill from the speed sensor hole that is at the top of the diff. Makes life much easier and with the spare out it is very easy to reach. One bolt and it is o-ringed. Twist a little and it should pull out for you. Clean and lube to re-install.
Couple points to make it easier. Remove the spare. It will give much more room to work with the diff. Also you can fill from the speed sensor hole that is at the top of the diff. Makes life much easier and with the spare out it is very easy to reach. One bolt and it is o-ringed. Twist a little and it should pull out for you. Clean and lube to re-install.