Banjo Gasket Sealer Yes/No or?

[early46]

OK,

What if any sealer would you use on the axle housing to carrier gaskets for the banjo style rear end?
Given that the gaskets set the pre-load and back-lash using RTV or similar might not be a good idea?
What about a light coating of grease?

Thanks

[V8COOPMAN]

Not a good idea to use sealer as the different thickness gaskets are used to set pre-load as you say. A smidge of grease for holding is a maybe. FOR SURE, do NOT tap the side bolt threads on each side of the banjo. Those holes along with the SPECIALLY-sized bolts that secure the two axle bells are sized TIGHT to prevent leaks. Use the stock Ford bolts. Welcome to the 'Barn. DD

[redmodelt]

I use a very thin bead of Anaerobic Permatex sealer between all gaskets and parts when putting a rear end together. It is made for this type of work as it spreads out very thin.
http://www.all-spec.com/Catalog/Adhe...BoCCwcQAvD_BwE

[rotorwrench]

Anaerobics would likely work OK like Loctite 515 since it's so thin but care does have to be taken on the amount used. Ford never used any sealant per say. Grease maybe but the backlash will be greater than adjusted amount if the stack up of shim gaskets grows at all during the assembly process.

Most of these old banjos seep a bit but an old Ford just likes to mark its spot anyway.

[early46]

Thanks guys!

The warning to NOT CHASE threads in the banjo housing is right on!
A couple of other tips for those reading this thread -
Proto sells a dial inch-pound torque wrench with memory needle - great for pinion bearing preload. A couple of fine thread bolts made into studs can be loosely screwed into the housing to keep the gasket stack holes lined up - Do Not hang the axle housing from them, get a few of the bolts screwed in place first.
Make sure the mating surfaces are super clean and burr free.

I may look at the Anaerobic sealer and see how much the back lash changes. If more than a few thous I will post it.

[Talkwrench]

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light coat of non hardening permatex sealant is ok, seal around the bolts , bobs your auntie! Mines never leaked been going daily for a few years now..

[JM 35 Sedan]

Originally Posted by early46

OK,

What if any sealer would you use on the axle housing to carrier gaskets for the banjo style rear end?
Given that the gaskets set the pre-load and back-lash using RTV or similar might not be a good idea?
What about a light coating of grease?

Thanks

I rebuilt a '35 rear while installing 3.54 gears last year, and all I used was a very light coating of JD Corn Head Grease on the gaskets/shims because thats what I had handy. Also made sure the mating surfaces of the axle housings, banjo center section, and torque tube flange were smooth, debured and totally clean before final assembly. I used a coating of white lithium grease on pinion and ring gear teeth to check gear mesh prior to final assembly.
After 15 months and 3,000-4,000 miles, there has been no gear oil leaking anywhere on this rear.

[john in illinois]

When I rebuilt my AV8 rear end with Hot Rod Works parts they suggested a thin bead of RTV along the lip of the bells and blue locktite on bolt threads.

John

[Init1]

I always use Permatex aviation with the brush.
I never get leaks.

[JSeery]

The point to remember here is anything on the gaskets is going to change the setting. If your going to use it you are going to have to take it into consideration with the initial setting.

[early46]

JSeery,
That is the exact point of my starting the thread, just a couple of thou on the flanges will have a large impact on the back-lash! For me, two thou change in gasket thickness gave over three thou change in back-lash!
I am leaning towards dry.

[Chisel]

The ones I rebuild, I put together dry. If flanges are deburred, cleaned and threads on bolts and bolt holes are good they don't leak.