Dana 60 rear diff cover gasket/seal question

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Oct 31, 2018 | 05:57 PM

SwampDodge

Thread Starter

Registered User

Joined: Jun 2015

Posts: 1

Likes: 0

From: East Texas

Dana 60 rear diff cover gasket/seal question

I bought an after market Mahle brand rear diff cover gasket that appears to be metal sandwiched between two layers of cork.
Do I need any sealant on the surfaces when placing this or do I put it on dry?
Ive seen folks sat put on dry, some say light vaseline to cork, some say thin RTV, what right?
also what is spec torque for rear diff when using such a gasket?
any help appreciated...

Oct 31, 2018 | 06:03 PM

edwinsmith

Registered User

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 4,312

Likes: 1,063

From: Commerce, OK

You really don't need a gasket. Just go get a tube of RTV gasket sealer, I think I used the black last time, and clean off the surface with Brake Cleaner. The apply a bead of sealer to the inside of the bolt lines on the cover. Wait 15 minutes then apply the cover and finger tight the bolts. Wait 1 hour then torque down the bolts to the required setting. About 15 ft#.

Edwin

Oct 31, 2018 | 09:27 PM

death row dave

Registered User

Joined: Mar 2016

Posts: 124

Likes: 48

From: NKy

I worked as line mechanic in a Dodge dealer years ago , never used any gasket . Always RTV applied as directed above . It works great , no pressure to seal , just fluid . Where most people screw up with RTV , is not allowing it to skin over before tightening . Use as directed and it best for pans and covers . My go to RTV is now “ The Right Stuff “ best I have ever used to date . Cleanliness is your friend . I always drill and tap the cast boss on lower part of Dana 60 housing while it is apart also . Makes next oil change a breeze .

Nov 2, 2018 | 04:35 PM

thrashingcows

Registered User

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 7,265

Likes: 1,346

From: Prince George, BC

I rarely ever let the RTV skin over....just tighten down and then let sit for a couple hours, then re-fill. But guess I could since I am waiting a couple hours and do have to crawl back under to put fluid in.....

But to the original posters question....I would put a very light coat of RTV on the diff and cover, let it set up for 10-15 min to get nice and tacky, then put gasket on either cover or diff and install.

Nov 18, 2018 | 10:59 AM

Boatnik

Registered User

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 2,309

Likes: 26

From: Smithfield, VA

my experience

I quit using gaskets in a lot of places on my Dodge. Timing cover, axle covers, inspection covers on the NP205 etc. Just make sure the gasket surfaces are clean and dry before applying and allow time for it to skim over. If I get in too big of a hurry they sometimes leak. If I follow the directions on the tube I have no problem. Oh, I found from experience more isn't necessarily better. In most cases a thin even coat is all that is needed.

Nov 20, 2018 | 07:16 AM

Angry Johnny

Registered User

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 939

Likes: 264

From: Looneyville, West Virginia

I would never put RTV on a gasket, it tends to squish it out. I also never allow the RTV to skin over. Our service manuals say to assemble within 10 minutes of applying the RTV. You can wait about 30 minutes before adding fluid and if it is an area under pressure then you should wait. Clean and dry is the real secret to making RTV work. No oil runs or film at all. I use brake cleaner and a clean rag then dry it and assemble. In all the years I've been using the stuff every day I've never had a leak.