What do I need to know before fixing a differential gasket?

[SpookyDad]

I have a leaking differential and it appears to be the gasket. I have a NOS gasket set. (Well I have 3, because I figured I might as well do all of them.) What do I need to know BEFORE I pull off the cover? Should I be planning to fix or replace anything else while I have it apart?

Neil

[Thundercat97]

When I decided to do mine, I ended up replacing the seals, gaskets, bearings, races and such. I figured if I was going to open it up, best to give it the once over. I ended up finding some surprises so it paid off.

[SpookyDad]

Are the extra items commonly available at NAPA or am I going to have to order them from a CCKW "dealer"

Neil

[Thundercat97]

I got some of my parts from a mix of places - the seals & gaskets from the 'dealers' - you can get the seals from the autopart stores but they charge a fortune and the quality stinks compared to what the guys will sell you - the NOS older ones are worth it. I got one of the modern ones to see the difference and then returned it. The bearings and such came from a wholesale place my buddy uses.

[Colorado Deuce]

When I decided to do mine, I ended up replacing the seals, gaskets, bearings, races and such. I figured if I was going to open it up, best to give it the once over. I ended up finding some surprises so it paid off.

Yeah I pulled the covers after the brake job to flush all of the gear oil out. Found some metallic goo inside. I used a magnet to thoroughly clean the inside of the diff covers and differential. I blasted the entire gear set down with parts cleaner and then re lubed it with gear oil.

I used new gaskets (from VOV) and a little high tack prep on the axle side. The truck rolls smoother now definitely.