Rear differential do you have to use the gasket?

Unless there's something unusual, it is common to use just silicone gasket sealer. Many vehicles come from the factory that way. You can also use a light coat of silicone on both sides of gaskets too.

Now I have to defer to my experience when working at a very nice family-owned Chrysler dealership. Chrysler had two silicone gasket sealers. Other dealers had similar products. Chrysler's black sealer remained rather rubbery when it cured, but it absolutely would not bond and seal through a film of oil. That means the surfaces must be clean and dry. Their gray sealer set up fairly hard and was more difficult to clean off next time, but it would tolerate a light oil film. With both of them, you don't have to wait for it to cure. You can add the oil, gear lube, or transmission fluid as soon as the parts are assembled.

You can find all kinds of silicone gasket sealers at auto parts stores and hardware stores too, but you'll have to ask if one is better at sealing through oil than another one.

Hi,

As far as using a gasket maker product is concerned, it will work if done correctly. Make sure you purchase a product that is high heat and can resist oil. Make sure both surfaces are clean and dry. When you do this, the directions will likely tell you to finger tighten the part, allow a specific amount of time for it to set, and then tighten it.

On the other hand, the gasket would likely cost around the same price as a gasket maker product. I was always taught to use a gasket, but that doesn't mean it won't work. It will. I've seen a lot of covers done that way.

Let me know if I can help in any way.

Take care,

Joe