@fordoford You can just use FIPG on the diff by itself. It will work fine. If you want to use the paper gasket, just order one from the stealership. Either way is acceptable and, as Jon said, using the paper with a light smear of FIPG is the bees knees. There are also a couple of paper gaskets at each end of the axle. Most of the time they remain intact when removed. If you happen to tear one, scrape off the remaining gasket and use a light coat of FIPG in its place. Unlike the diff, these "end" gaskets only hold in grease, not gear oil, so they are not as critical to get absolutely perfect.
Removing the axle shafts is easier with a couple of tools that aren't in the average tool kit. Snap ring pliers are nice, but you can do the same job with needle nose pliers and a screwdriver. It just kicks the frustration level up a bit. The same can be said for the 54mm socket that is used to tighten the axle lock nuts. It's nice to have, but I have done them with channel lock pliers. Again, time and frustration leads to ultimate success. I like to use a couple of small vice grip pliers to mash the rubber brake lines closed to stop the master cylinder from draining while the calipers are off during the operation. Aside from those "special" tools, the rest is just socket and ratchet work.
As Jason said, the diff is heavy, awkward, and a definite finger smasher. Be prepared for that, but you are a healthy young buck. If I can do it, you can do it. No problem. I did the front diff in my 60 last week by myself and it is bigger and heavier than the one in the front of your 80. I have a small hernia now, but I did it.
Removing the axle shafts is easier with a couple of tools that aren't in the average tool kit. Snap ring pliers are nice, but you can do the same job with needle nose pliers and a screwdriver. It just kicks the frustration level up a bit. The same can be said for the 54mm socket that is used to tighten the axle lock nuts. It's nice to have, but I have done them with channel lock pliers. Again, time and frustration leads to ultimate success. I like to use a couple of small vice grip pliers to mash the rubber brake lines closed to stop the master cylinder from draining while the calipers are off during the operation. Aside from those "special" tools, the rest is just socket and ratchet work.
As Jason said, the diff is heavy, awkward, and a definite finger smasher. Be prepared for that, but you are a healthy young buck. If I can do it, you can do it. No problem. I did the front diff in my 60 last week by myself and it is bigger and heavier than the one in the front of your 80. I have a small hernia now, but I did it.
Last edited:
