Changing rear diferntial fluid question

[snorander]

Getting ready to change the rear differential fluid on my 2001 GMC Jimmy. I was wondering if I need a gasket or not. I have read in many places that people a. use the gasket, b. use the gasket with silicone, c. only use silicone & no gasket. I would love to know what works the best. I have also read not to use silicone & the gasket together, just use the gasket alone or just use silicone alone.

Thanks,

Steve

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by snorander

Getting ready to change the rear differential fluid on my 2001 GMC Jimmy. I was wondering if I need a gasket or not. I have read in many places that people a. use the gasket, b. use the gasket with silicone, c. only use silicone & no gasket. I would love to know what works the best. I have also read not to use silicone & the gasket together, just use the gasket alone or just use silicone alone.

Thanks,

Steve

Use either on but not together.
If using silicone clean real good and keep oil off silicone when putting together.
Use good quality silicone and give time to cure up.

And be sure to use right oil in it.

[snorander]

Hey MT-2500,

Thank you for you help, you certainly seem to know your stuff! What is your method of choice: Gasket or silcone? What oil would you recomend? I was think of using Mobil 1 Synthetic Gear Lubricant LS 75W-90

Thanks,

Steve

Originally Posted by MT-2500

Use either on but not together.
If using silicone clean real good and keep oil off silicone when putting together.
Use good quality silicone and give time to cure up.

And be sure to use right oil in it.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by snorander

Hey MT-2500,

Thank you for you help, you certainly seem to know your stuff! What is your method of choice: Gasket or silcone? What oil would you recomend? I was think of using Mobil 1 Synthetic Gear Lubricant LS 75W-90

Thanks,

Steve

You are welcome.
I always go with OEM specs on oil.
If I am in a hurry I use a gasket and 3m super weatherstrip and gasket yellow adhesive.
If I can let it sit a while or over night I use permtex Ultra Gray Impot silicone gasket maker.

Also GM makes a black silicone gasket sealer for rear ends.