I recently purchased a rebuilt third member for the 67. The guy (very experienced and trustworthy) said to use the paper gasket ONLY, and do not use any RTV.

I followed his instructions when I installed the unit. Bolts are properly torqued, etc. Since then, it has been sitting on the lift, and no gear added.

What I have noticed is that the bottom portion (about 6 inches long, around the bottom of the gasket) appears to be "wet". As if the gasket soaked up some of the risidual gear oil that may be left in the bottom of the case. (I've had the rear end jacked up quite high while working on some other things)

Questions:
1. Do I continue using the paper gasket ONLY as instructed, and ignore what I see?
2. Do I pop it back off, remove the paper gasket, and use RTV (carefully) ONLY?
3. Do I need to use another gasket material WITH a thin coating of RTV on both sides?

I'd rather address it now, rather than after I fill it up, start driving it, only to find the darn thing leaking. (I just finished cleaning the entire under body around the axel due to a previous leaking diff)

Your thoughts?

I would use the gasket with a thin coating of rtv on both sides. Unfortunately I haven't found one that doesn't leak without it. The slightest warp between bolts will cause a slow weeping of oil. Rtv it and forget it imo.

I use the gasket with sealer as well..I would not pull yours though until you are sure it is going to actually leak..

I always use both... Just make sure it is a THIN bead of RTV.

Add me to the list of guys who use both. The key is to use only a little RTV. Don't blob it on there and let it squish all out. Thin bead on the housing, then the gasket, then thin bead on the pumpkin. Torque it all up, let it dry and fill with your favorite lube.

I usually use just the paper gasket and coat it with oil using my fingers. If you do use rtv, then put it on with your fingers PAPER THIN. You get tiny bits of rtv squeezing into the case and it gets up in the bearings....bad news.

I tend to shy away from RTV in anything with an engine or oil, or even a lite-brite kit if at all possible.

I like hylomar and other non-RTV options like a type 2 etc...

I agree! Gear lube, hot engine oil and ATF turn RTV into jelly. I use a gasket with a thin (.010") film of loc-tite #518 flange sealer.

Just did it 2 weeks ago. Only used 1 Fel-pro gasket, no rtv or sealant. Have had no leaks. I asked a few guys about this too and seamed like everyone I spoke to said use the gasket only.

I will tell you it's easy if you can tack the gasket on the housing in a couple areas because when you install your third member the gasket can get loose, possibly get kinked even though it's on the bolts. If you have to pull that third member off a time or two, well you'll have to redo your seal to be 100% sure you have a good seal. If you have a gasket though, it's no second guessing.

I say gasket only from my experience.