When changing the fluid, is there supposed to be a gasket for the rear cover, rtv sealant, or both? Thanks

 

Only RTV as far as I know.

 

No gasket...just bead of RTV. Tighten cover bolts in cris-cross pattern to 35 ft-lbs.

RJ

 

RTV, but if you get unlucky like I did you will also have to put new clutches and spider gears in the Power-Lok and replace the carrier bearings.

Better found out during a fluid change that on the road I guess.

 

SOME HAVE GASKETS SOME DONT MINE DOES GIVE THE DEALER YOUR VIN AND HE WILL TELL YOU THE COST IS $33

 

It only needs whatever will hold the fluid in - RTV. I've used orange, black and blue colors and they all work. Justs make sure to get them bolts tightened. Too tight and you snap a head...

 

No gasket needed...

I've got down to using plain ol' clear silcone and it works just fine and never leaks.

Make sure you take the truck for a ride about 5 - 10 miles to warm up the fluid. Then change it out. Then once it's filled again... Take it down to a big lot and do some figure eight's in the lot to move the new fluid out to the wheel bearings. Then recheck the level of the fluid to make sure it's still full...

Just my nickel worth of knownledge...

 

Make sure to read your owner's manual.
Full is 1/2" below the bottom of the fill plug.
I've seen quite a few rigs that start leaking out the axle ends when filled to the bottom of the hole. Not only that but an overfilled differential runs hotter.

 

Bill
02 service manual says "fill to bottom of hole". Are you still recommending 1/2" below for cooler operation or is this a change??

RJ

 

Both of my owner's manuals state 3/4" below fill hole + -1/4".

1/4" below the fill hole + - 1/4" on the fronts.

Also both of mine were sealed from the factory with grey RTV. I used Ultra Grey when I put them back together.

 

Factory doesn't like using gaskets in non-critical componets like axles if they don't have to, less $$$ for them to make the truck. However aftermarket gasket maker do make gaskets for lots of axles that did not come with them OEM. My old truck (1990 Ford F150) did not come factory with gaskets. Bought one at the local Kragens for the rear for 8 bucks. Used the gasket and Hi-temp (blue) RTV on it. Never leaked a drop the rest of the time I had it.

 

RJ no, that's why I said to read the manual, somewhere along the line a change was made in the height of the fill hole.

fschiola, I think you better look at the manual again.
I work on '97s all the time, the manual says 1/2" below the hole in the rear and 3/4" below in the front. In the front the difference between the bottom of the hole and 3/4" below is a quart and a half. Almost 100% of the axle seal leaks I've dealt with stop when the fluid is at the correct level.

 

I just went out and checked the manual's in both trucks. The 2000 state's what I posted earlier. The 1997 state's 3/4" below the fill hole in the rear's and 1/2" below the fill hole in the front.

 

Good Point.....mine may have been overfilled (Im not exactly sure)...but i had to do an outer seal at around 60k and the truck is used VERY lightly

 

When I got mine it was full to hole from the dealer... The dealer change it at 30K and it was full to the hole again.. I'm coming due for a change again...

I've had no problems or leaks yet.

I've done Mom's truck and my old 51 ****** Jeep the same way... Full to the hole... at 129K on the clock (Mom's truck) and no leaks, seal problems, or anything...