What did the '97 era trucks have from the factory for cover gaskets? Trying to determine if the rear diff had been changed or not.

Not that it matters at this point, but I like to know as much as I can about service/use.

For example, I know the front had been done, probably when they did some other work. You could see the scratches from a gasket tool (scraper) and it was re-sealed with grey RTV.

I have noticed a lot more lube suspended metal coming out of the fronts on the trucks I've done. My PSD was really bad since that axle has no way to drain it until I tapped a bung in its bottom.

On my CTD the front fluid still had what I would say was a moderate amount of powder suspended, and it had been drained at some point already.

The rears were largely absent of suspended metals- perhaps the magnets held most of it?




Thanks

Big Jimmy

 

As far as I know none of the 12 valve differentials came with gaskets, all were gooped on.
The factory goop was grey.
On my 4wd the front stays real clean and the rear changes.

 

I am a guy that seen the light and came to the dodge side ... I have had many different brands of trucks ... most of my axles were Dana ... There a very strong axle and lot's of aftermarket replacement parts out there .
It's weard ... I had went from GM to Ford and now I found Dodge ... I could have saved a lot of money if I knew then what I know now ...LOL
I bought a used 96 with a dana 60 ... my local parts supplyer had a gasket for my 60 ...someone took care of this truck , the gear oil was like new .
But most of my dana's never had a problem , it's only when I had ford ... I am Mr. preventive maintance ...I use amsoil in that rear ... never towed a day in its life and it managed to have the rear rebuilt 3 times before 75,000.
I just picked a few dodge trucks to part out ...one of the 4x4's has a dana 70 , I have yet to pop the cover ... if it's clean I will save it for my truck .
Hope some of this helps .

Greg