regarding diff installation...how critical is re-using original seal?
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regarding diff installation...how critical is re-using original seal?
I read in Mike Mercury's detailed write up on installing a 3.42 diff that it is important to re-use your car's original seal, or you will have a terrible fluid leak. The write up is several years old, so I was wondering if things are improved now, or is it still the case? I sure as hell would not want to have a leak after the huge amount of labor putting all that hardware back in...
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From: Dyer, IN
I read in Mike Mercury's detailed write up on installing a 3.42 diff that it is important to re-use your car's original seal, or you will have a terrible fluid leak. The write up is several years old, so I was wondering if things are improved now, or is it still the case? I sure as hell would not want to have a leak after the huge amount of labor putting all that hardware back in...
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
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From: Should this thoughtful, valuable contribution meet with no acknowledgement or 'thanks' this post----
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Stark County Ohio
It’s been awhile since I read that excellent write-up, but I seem to have the impression he was speaking of not forgetting to reinstall the original (old) seal PLATE with its rubber o-ring seal.
I don’t remember getting the impression that a new rubber seal shouldn’t be installed in the “old” “original” seal plate.
Do you have a link to the article?
I don’t remember getting the impression that a new rubber seal shouldn’t be installed in the “old” “original” seal plate.
Do you have a link to the article?
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Absolutely! 
But, I got the impression the old seal was critical, he didn't say why, but anything else would lead to a horrible leak...maybe it has something to do with taking a 'set' as most rubber parts do over time...is the a way to check for a leak condition b4 complete re-assembly?
But, I got the impression the old seal was critical, he didn't say why, but anything else would lead to a horrible leak...maybe it has something to do with taking a 'set' as most rubber parts do over time...is the a way to check for a leak condition b4 complete re-assembly?
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