Lubelocker and FelPro (versus RTV) for differential covers?

[ds53652]

Planning to change the fluid on both diffs (2002 TJ) soon and wanted to get everyone's thoughts on the 3 main options for differential cover seals.

I know RTV is tried and true and works pretty much 100% of the time, but it's pain in the ass to clean every time you do the service. Would love to hear firsthand experience with either of the alternatives, Lubelocker and Felpro gaskets.

Thanks in advance!

 

[andy29847]

Lubelocker for me. I had some dirty differential fluid in my front a couple of years ago. I pulled the cover to clean out the housing and visually inspect the differential. I used a Lubelocker gasket when I puth the lid back on. I like it.

 

[LakeBeard]

Lubelocker

 

[eastbloc]

Happy Lubelocker user here, had diff covers on and off about a dozen times with same gasket. Nothing to scrape or clean, no leaks to report. At this point i care less who, what, where or why, i have found my peace and happiness with this gasket.

As far as RTV, i have found this dremel brushes to do wonders at removing it.

 

[Grant Lasson]

Same Lubelockers since 2009. No leaks.

 

[pc1p]

I've used everything, but prefer the LL gaskets. Makes maintenance easy, as well as on-trail repairs easy(ier).

 

[Irun]

I've used LLs on automatic transmissions and numerous differential covers. Out of probably 20 applications, I've only ever had one leak. That was on a Dana 44 that had an uneven mating surface. RTV was the only thing that worked there.

That said, the LL is my preference for two reasons. First, I don't have to scrape anything and they routinely save 20 - 30 minutes. Second, they make field servicing much easier and faster. This is a big deal, especially when you're laying in dirt/mud!

 

[97' 4 Popper]

I would use lubelocker if wheeling and going through the extreme service interval. Just makes maintenance easier as you can reuse the gasket and not have to scrape the old rtv. Jerry Bransford and others will mention that they couldn't get a lubelocker to seal on their front Dana 44 other than that they are highly recommended.

If you don't plan on going back there again for a long while I personally would use a fel pro paper style gasket with rtv on both sides set it and forget it it will never leak and if for some reason you have to open the cover again anytime soon it will be a pain in the ass. I wait 24 hrs before filling up. Out of the 6 diffs I did the only time I had a leak is the one time I tried to get away with only using rtv no gasket it held for 8 months until a slow leak started. You have to be pretty good about it if only using rtv.

 

[Kid Mechanic]

Straight-up Permatex. Single side blade removes it quick. Inexpensive and it works every time. I’m not scared.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

I have one Dana 44 where a Lubelocker works fine and another Dana 44 where it leaks with a Lubelocker despite much (!) effort to get it to seal. If the seating surfaces are both perfect a Lubelocker will work but not with a minor seating surface imperfection as my front Dana 44 must have. And that's with two different covers, factory and an aftermarket. I ended up using RTV on it.

 

[NOLAJeep]

Lubelocker has my vote

 

[Fulton_Hogan]

I'd never drained/filled differentials solo before so I tried the LubeLockers since they looked like less mess/hassle.

I cleaned the covers and housings as normal and put the LubeLockers in place. Torqued everything up to specs and filled them.

This coming November will mark one year since I did them and I've had zero leaks.

I'm a fan.

 

[Zorba]

LubeLocker. I'd never even heard of them before I bought my Jeep. I bought an old (!!) ARB diff cover on eBay for my Dana 35 - I think it had been on a YJ before. Anywho - when it arrived, it arrived with the apparent LubeLocker that it had been used with on the previous Jeep. On it went, zero leaks. Sold me right there. I had to buy a new diff cover for the front Dana 30, so I had to buy a new LubLocker for it - works fine too as I'd expect!

RTV is necessary sometimes - see @Jerry Bransford - but I otherwise avoid it as much as I can. I'd probably use Felpro and/or Permatex before I'd use RTV, but that's me.

 

[Andy-WhiteTJ]

LubeLocker on both my son's and mine. I even have the LL on his 42RLE pan. No issues.

 

[Apparition]

I'm a fan of lubelockers

I'm also a fan of diff housings oriented like this

 

[bobthetj03]

Ultra grey for me the past 15 years. Had a leak failure once, as I was anxious, but recently tried a LL on my rear Dana 44 when I had to replace the outer pinion bearing. So far, no leaks. Jury is out as to it's leak free performance when I have to open it back up.

 

[hear]

One more vote for lubelockers-- diffs & transmission pan. If LubeLocker makes it, I'll use it. If they made a rubber, I wouldn't have 5 kids right now. Highly recommend, and I'm here to tell you my mating surfaces are not anywhere near perfect.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

I'd probably use Felpro and/or Permatex before I'd use RTV, but that's me.

Permatex is RTV, I think you meant to say Lubelocker.

 

[LONGJP2]

Off topic.
I recently had my WJ trans pan off. It was sealed with RTV only.
Filter kit came with a rubber gasket.
I used the gasket, but I put RTV on the pan, and nothing on the trans (it was smooth and clean).
No leaks, but was curious what others do with rubber gaskets?

 

[SvtLdr]

I use LL gaskets wherever I can. I've had the same gaskets on my diffs for 4 years now. I typically remove the covers once or twice a year for maintenance. The gaskets keep doing their job.