Simply remove the LubeLocker from it's package and install. What could be simpler?
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LubeLocker provides a perfect fit |
Filling the diff |
Simply lay the LubeLocker on your cover, lift the cover into place and install
the bolts by hand. Using the torque wrench, I made a quick pass
in the order shown in the instructions and tightened everything down
to 15 ft. lbs. Then I adjusted my wrench and made another pass at
35 ft lbs.
That's it. It's done. it was that simple. I then
filled the diff and drove my rig with peace of mind, knowing
that I had changed the fluids and everything was good to go down
below.
But wait - that's only half or maybe a third of the
solution offered by LubeLocker.
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Don't forget to torque everything down
properly! |
There are still other distinct advantages of LubeLocker that
we need to discuss, besides the simplicity of the tear-down.
After about two months of daily driving with a LubeLocker
already installed, I wanted to see how easy it would be to take
the diff apart again and service it.
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Quickly drain as soon as the bolts are removed
- no need to hammer or pry
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Notice the nice clean fluid. This is what
it should look like |
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The cover slides easily off - no force
required |
The gasket doesn't stick to either surface |
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See how clean the cover is? |
See how clean the diff mating surface is? |
I wanted to test the reusability of the LubeLocker. I had ordered
a 2nd LubeLocker gasket, but I opted to simply reinstall the gasket
I had (at least temporarily). I found no issues with reusing
the gasket but I will point out that LubeLocker does not recommend
it - "We will not endorse reuse. We will tell you that
people have done it and it has worked. We will not tell you how
many times. It depends greatly on the application, interval between
disassembly, and other "environmental factors";
however, for a trail repair or a quick fix or test run, it worked and I think
it's a viable solution.
When my new gasket did arrive from LubeLocker, I went ahead and
serviced my rear end one more time. This time, I took the
original LubeLocker gasket out and replaced it with the new one.
I made a few observations. (1) LubeLocker has changed their
packaging and I find it much more attractive and it shows me they
are not resting on their laurels and (2) there was some slight
distortion in the original gasket's bead which would lead me to
agree with LubeLocker on the issue of reusing the gasket.
In other words, it is obvious to me that a new gasket will provide
you with a better seal. However, I will stick to the thought that
for trail repairs this gasket will allow you to do what needs
to be done and can be reused to get you off the trail. As for reusing
it over time, I will leave that to your personal judgment.
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New LubeLocker packaging |
New LubeLocker instruction sheet |
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New LubeLocker on the left and original one
on the right |
Notice the deformation around the bolt
hole |
Conclusion:
Of course the question to ask now is how and
why the LubeLocker does what it does. For a quick answer I
simply went to the LubeLocker website and this is what I found.
- The Gasket installs dry, no paper, RTV or other sealant
needed
- Has full perimeter elastomer beading on both sides (the
cover side and the diff side)
- It's made out of steel for superior torque retention
- The elastomer beading will not stick to the cover or diff
housing
For a longer answer, simply review the article again and decide
for yourself. In my opinion I will probably never
do another diff without using a LubeLocker Differential Gasket.
The installation is clean, easy and quick and the subsequent service
is much easier without having to hammer the cover off and without
having to scrape and clean the mating surfaces of the diff and
the cover.
In my mind the LubeLocker has distinct advantages over the use
of RTV or paper gasket (which are generally even harder to cleanup
from than RTV); which include the clean up, ease of installation
and ease of disassembly - all of which means that maintenance
and trail repairs are done faster and easier. It's a simple
product that does what it claims to do - something that someone
should have thought of a long time ago.
We are so pleased with the LubeLocker that we ordered a Dana 30 model for up front.
Availability: Today
LubeLocker gaskets are available for Dana
30, Dana 35 and Dana 44 axles. In the near future they will
have them available for Dana 60, 70 and 80 axles and the very
popular Ford 8.8 and Ford 9" (other models may be available later on).
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Shawn
Pagan is a staff writer for ROCKCRAWLER.com as well as
Our Land Use Editor. Shawn resides north of Houston, TX.
Contact
Shawn at
thepagan@rockcrawler.com |
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