!4 Bolt ff question.

[redflaresidez71]

I have done a lot to my truck in the past few years with knowledge I have gained from this website, and one thing I have learned is not to post simple, possibly even dumb questions on the hardcore chevy page. So with that in mind here is my question: I have the 14 bolt FF in my truck. Had it re-geared by a buddy and have been driving around with one hell of a diff fluid leak ever since. Literally since day one fluid has leaked out of where the pinion housing bolts up to the main housing. Is it possible to unbolt the pinion housing and use some sealant to seal it up, then bolt it back up using the correct torque specs without changing the gear setup and thus not having to reset it up? Or will this require resetting the entire gear set?

I apologize in advance if this was covered recently or is easily found with a search, I don't have many opportunities to use the internet and do not have much time when I do get to use it.

Thanks!

[Mh4Runner]

Yes, you should have no issue doing that. BTW, is there a shim in there?

[jeepnitreal5]

luckally you have a really trough rear end. its coming from pinion? or diff cover? if its the dif cover just pull cover clean well black RTV (brand name the right stuff if you can) let sit for a while to cure and then fill her up. If its a pinion seal there not bad to just replace the seal. Sounds like i wouldnt be having him set my gears again. Good luck

[jeepnitreal5]

Like runner said there should be a crush sleeve in there.

[Mh4Runner]

Originally Posted by jeepnitreal5

Like runner said there should be a crush sleeve in there.

I was referring to the pinion shim that has the 6 bolt pattern. That usually acts like a gasket.

[R290]

The only BITCH with a pinon seal is getting the yoke off.

Start with cleaning it real good with rag and solvent and then make 100% sure you know where the leak is or you feel dumb for fixing the wrong thing.

Double check the vent too.

[Valley Rock]

Originally Posted by R290

The only BITCH with a pinon seal is getting the yoke off.

Start with cleaning it real good with rag and solvent and then make 100% sure you know where the leak is or you feel dumb for fixing the wrong thing.

Double check the vent too.

What he said ^ . Then take it back to your buddy and say, WTF ?!?

[redflaresidez71]

The pinion seal is fine, no leaking from it or the cover. It is only leaking from where the pinion housing bolts up with the 6 bolt pattern to the axle housing. there is a shim in there and it is clearly not acting as a gasket, at least not good enough!

My concerns were if i could remove that housing and put it back without compromising something such as the crush sleeve or the correct bearing preload. And also if the thickness of the rtv sealant in between there would move the pinion enough to cause a problem, even though it would be a very small amount of movement.

Thanks for the help guys!

[Mh4Runner]

You will be fine if you take it off to reseal with a little RTV. While it is out, spin the pinion to check for proper preload and bearing condition.

[R290]

Originally Posted by Mh4Runner

You will be fine if you take it off to reseal with a little RTV. While it is out, spin the pinion to check for proper preload and bearing condition.

Correct the whole assy comes out and there is nothing you need to do, other then clean the surfaces and put a dab of sillycone on it. When you tight it down all the sillycone will come out except where you have an issue. Do go overboard, just put a small amount on each surface.

Everything you ever what to know about a 14 bolt
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...ble/index.html

and here
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...4b_Gear_Setup/

the whole thing looks like this.

[jeepnitreal5]

Originally Posted by Mh4Runner

I was referring to the pinion shim that has the 6 bolt pattern. That usually acts like a gasket.

Gotcha....long day!