In researching this forum, and others, I am wondering, is the general opinion that the rear diff gasket needs to be the one with the 2 holes/slots? Some things Ive read says Gm claims not to put this gasket in, as the fluid escapes out and you have to fill it/check it more often, and that people dont and burn up their equipment. Is the general opinion of the experts here to replace it? If so, is it difficult? I just got a 1996 with 40K on the clock, and I want to make sure I take care of it.
All I can tell you is that 10+ years ago the prevailing wisdom was to use the one with the extra 2 holes. I changed mine to this design and put about 170K miles on my car with no bearing failure. FWIW.
The slotted gasket you describe is the FelPro version that has been around for "years". PN is RDS55028-1.
The current GM service part, 15807693, is the second revision since the cover gasket originally used in the late B-body became such a hot topic when these cars were newer. Both the current gasket and the previous part, 26066456, introduced in 1997 and now discontinued/replaced, leave the housing tube holes completely uncovered, unlike the original production gasket used on the B-body.
Here's the Scott Mueller "warning" from a long time ago that kicked off this concern--some had problems that may have correlated with Scott's observations, while many did not.
There are NO issues with using the FelPro or current GM gasket on the 8.5" 10-bolt differential cover. It isn't a difficult task--just messy. You do have to be sure to get all of the old gasket off of the flange and cover, or you WILL have a leak. Follow the Factory Service Manual procedure, best I can suggest.
I finally got around to pulling the read diff cover off my latest '94 Fleetwood, only to find that the original style gasket was used. :0 The car just turned 83k miles. What should I be looking for in terms of wear and tear, or should I just keep my fingers crossed?
Original gasket and 16+ years of service--as long as I was that far into it, I would definitely pull the axle shafts and check the condition of everything.
Fawwwk...My garage is so narrow I can barely squeeze around the car, let alone pull axle shafts! Looks like I'll need to button it up and get into it another day. Damn, and my buddy was saying to do it up by him where there's more room.
You need about 3' of space on the side of the car to pull the axle shaft out without stressing the bearings or seals.
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