Differential Gasket

[bjde0b]

When I pulled my differential out of the axle housing there were brass washers on all of the studs as well as caked on silicone. Are these supposed to be used? They look like I can pick them up at Lowes.

[fordman]

yes they had lock washers onthe studs with the nuts. i don't think they were brass though. orginally they were steel lock washers.

[bjde0b]

These washers are meant for sealing. The nuts are lock nuts.

[fordman]

where are the washers located at. on the outside of the pumpkin or betweenthe pumpkin and the axle housing? if they are between the housing and pumpkin they arent suppose to be there. i think its suppose to just be a gasket.

[Hawkrod]

They are special soft copper washers and they are on the outside. You can still buy the washers at Ford or from any shop that sells Mustang parts or rear end parts. Ford did not use lock washers on the rear end.Silicone is not a good sealant for a rear end and it will eventually leak. Use Indian Head gasket shellac from Permatex and a gasket and it will stay clean and dry. Hawkrod