TheProspector

Ok fellas, the old ram is giving me fits again.

I installed the KDP repair kit over the summer time and everything went well for the most part. When I put everything back together I used the Permatex sealant they supplied in the kit. Well, needless to say it hasnt held up and now I need to take it off and seal it up again.

For this go around I have both NAPA RightStuff Sealant (which from what I understand is much, much better than the standard permatex stuff) and I ordered a gear case cover gasket from Dodge as well. What would you guys suggest? Sealant or gasket this time around (I want this to be the last time I tear everything apart again!!!)?

If I go the gasket route would I need to lay down any sealant as well or would I simply put the gasket on, torque down the bolts, and call it a day?

Lastly, when I installed the KDP kit last month I obviously replaced the front crank seal at the same time since it was supplied with the kit. Now because I am taking everything back off again do I need to replace it again?

Thanks as always for the help, it is much appreciated.

--Garrett

MrKen

I used the gasket and no issues at all. I would also use a new crank seal.

infidel

I prefer sealant over gaskets but you have to have the surfaces very clean or you'll have leaks.
I use this stuff> http://www.permatex.com/products/Aut...ge_Sealant.htm

TheProspector

I prefer sealant as well but I have made the decision to go with a gasket. It's too many holes to get lined up at once in such a minimal space area for me to feel comfortable getting the sealant done right.

...anyhow I was supposed to fix everything today but on my way home last night the steering box ripped itself off of the frame!! AAA took it to the shop so it looks like I won't be tying it up for a few more days.

7707

I tore mine down Tuesday and finished it today...I'd have finished Tuesday except I had to wait for a harmonic balancer.

Anyway surprisingly the old gakset on mine came off in one (brittle) piece. The KDP kit I bought came with gray RTV rigid formula...I used it and so far so good. It seems as though my oil leak is gone but the crank seal was losing about a quart every 1500 miles so I couldn't tell if the gasket was leaking really or not.

infidel

I done so many of these that I finally found three of the correct thread/size bolts, cut the heads off, screw them in for line up studs.

gorms

I've never used a gasket on things like transfer case, diff. covers, timing covers etc. and have never had one leak using permatex ultra black, don't let it tack up just a nice even coating about 1/8" thick, smooth it over with a finger to get it even. That way it's good for the 2 pieces to move a bit as you line up all the bolts, my opinion.

MrKen

I followed this suggestion and it worked great.

DRam11

I did the KDP on my '97 earlier this summer and used Permatex Super Black. No leaks so far.

Edit to add: both gasket surfaces were scraped, wiped down with solvent, and then wiped with a cloth soaked with methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) to be sure there was absolutely nothing but bare metal.