3rd member rtv or gasket

[hward1]

getting ready to install the front 3rd member -- dont have a gasket because i thought i would be ok with a rtv - i have permatex for transfer cases / differentials -

1 - should i use this
2 - how would i apply it (i see where people rub it in and some leave the bead)
3 - has anyone had good luck with a 3rd member sealing with rtv and not a gasket

***Permatex Gear Oil RTV Sealant***
Permatex Gear Oil RTV Sealant was developed to withstand today's advanced synthetic and petroleum gear oils, which are known to destroy standard RTV silicones. It effectively resists the effects of friction modifiers found in newer gear oils and will prevent leaks and ensure proper performance in harsh drive train environments. Permatex Gear Oil RTV Sealant has been developed to OE manufacturers' specifications and is proven to meet demanding OEM sealing standards. It can be used as a differential case sealant or as a drain plug gasket. Permatex Gear Oil RTV Sealant can withstand age and weathering, and will not void manufacturers' warranty requirements.

link
http://www.permatex.com/about-us/ne...ses-differentials-and-automatic-transmissions

 

[1 Bad FN FJ]

The permatex GRay gear oil will do the job.

 

[brian]

The permatex GRay gear oil will do the job.

and do it just fine.

 

[inkpot]

That's what I use. I spread a thin coat across all contact surfaces and it has been 100% for me. John

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

I use only the grey permatex gear oil rtv on the third to axle housing surfaces on 3 diffs with excellent results. I just ran a bead on the axle housing and around the studs, with a smaller sized bead on the inboard side of the studs- most of the bead dead center of the mating surface. not too big so it doesn't fall into the diff as it gets squeezed. I use the cork diff cover gasket dry on the covers of the semi floaters.

 

[CruisinFJ60]

I used to use the orange on everything, now I kinda like the gray a little more for that stuff. I also keep a little black around for random things too.

 

[ntsqd]

I use the "Right Stuff" after two things, my local 4x4 shop recommending it to me (come-backs cost him money) and previous disappointments with other brand RTV's. Never had it leak. Only compliant that I've got is getting stuff back apart that was sealed with it. It really, really bonds to metal.

 

[SHERMAN FJ62]

I have never had issues using the factory Toyota cork type gaskets.

 

[KLF]

Only compliant that I've got is getting stuff back apart that was sealed with it. It really, really bonds to metal.

This is why I always use a paper gasket with a light schmear of RTV on both sides. The RTV fills in the imperfections on both the axle and the third, while the paper gasket tears away easily when you need to take it back apart. Then it's easy to scrape off the RTV with a razor, give it a quick buff with a 3M biscuit in a die grinder, ready to reassemble.

Cork gaskets are for the rear cover only, not the third member.

 

[cruiserfj45]

The "right stuff" works great but a pain to remove at a later date. I only use the factory gasket but any silicone rated for gear oil will work if both surfaces are properly cleaned.

 

[ntsqd]

If the pain of future removal means that it doesn't leak then I'll deal with it. Particularly on something like an NP2XX t/c where the case splits open like a Split-Case, but the fluid used is ATF. The only thing that I've found better than ATF at finding or making leaks is diesel fuel, and it's not by a lot.

 

[hward1]

thanks -- got it apart all cleaned up and ordered fipg and a oem gasket -- would hate to do this job again under the truck -- still dont know how im going to put it back up -- my thought is transmission jack tilted at the angle of the diff and try sliding it back over the studs - oh yeah by myself -

 

[hward1]

ok - so i changed my mind again - going with just fipg only - hope it doesnt leak - i didnt use the permatex because the cap broke at some point and hardened up -

 

[lehiguy]

I have a 4th gen 4Runner that was assembled at the factory from front to back with RTV. There are very few gaskets anywhere in the drivetrain.