Differential - RTV vs Gasket

I would like to hear some recommendations and experience of using RTV vs a OEM-type gasket to seal the front and rear differential covers on my 1982 CJ-5. There is a slight leak on both and will be fixing them soon. Thanks.

Ethan
Denver, CO

1982 CJ-5 258 I-6, 4-sp manual, 133K miles
essentially stock and in great shape

 

I had an OX put in mine about a year ago, the pro I took it too, used RTV and it has not leaked a drop since.

 

A company named Lube Locker makes a nice re-usable gasket that I would recommend. I change my diff oil every year because of the occasional water crossing on the trail. With the Lube Locker gasket there is no scraping or cleaning the mating surface, just remove and replace the diff cover. I believe they cost about 18 or 20 bucks.

 

I went with RTV, let it get a tack before installing cover.

 

RTV is great but both mating surfaces absolutely must be free of any oil/grease/whatever residue. Of all the boards I've been on all across the web and even before there was a web, when people had problems with RTV not sealing, probably 95% were due to not removing oil/grease/whatever residue. 18 or 20 years ago I did the aluminum valve covers on my 304, just now starting to leak.

 

Why make this complicated?

A conventional fiber gasket plus a little silicone works fine. And can be reused in the field should the need arise.

 

I did mine in rtv simply because I had rtv and did not want to buy gaskets. It hasn't leaked a drop.

 

It's mostly a personal preference. Either works fine on a Dana 44 or 30, etc.
If you still have the AMC 20 in the rear I'd suggest you get a gasket for that. The gasket fits in a groove in the gasket surface of the housing and you'd have to fill that up with sealer. I'd still use sealer on the gasket in that application...

 

Lots of good input. Thanks all.
Additional commentary is still welcome.

Ethan
1982 CJ-5, 258 I-6, 4 sp manual, 133K miles

 

i use THE RIGHT STUFF on everything.
my t-case pan was giving me fits.
i trued the edge .
cleaned it thouroughly
and put that stuff on.
not one drop.
nothing i have used it on leaks.

 

HA! That explains alot. I attempted RTV on my diffs at home, the D30 had no issues but the AMC 20 kept leaking a little bit...eventually had to go get a cork gasket and sealed up fine.

 

i used RTV. both of my Solid diff covers said to use it and included a big tube for each cover
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I agree with all the above. I've used RTV with great success and great failure, I think the key is as stated above. made sure your mating surfaces are clean of all grease and oil. Did my diffs this winter and the front is fine, the back has a drip.. simply didnt feel like going to the store to get a gasket and had RTV in the drawer.