installing front pinion flange sealant or lubricant on spline?

[jrsavoie]

When installing front pinion flange do you use sealant or lubricant on spline?

There appeared to be a pipe dope like substance in the splines when I removed it.

Didn't say anything in the book.

Sealant - this is what I found searching:

http://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/247524/

 

[Acesneights1]

I've never used anything but I suppose a sealant couldn't hurt. Thing is you want to make sure that it does not make the flange seat differently and affect the pinion preload which is very important. You should check that. I have never done one on these series. Some are shimmed. In the old days the GM Corp Diffs used a crush collar which is supposed to be replaced everytime. I would consult the Factory GM Manual if available on pinion preload specs and torque procedures. Failure to properly preload the pinion will result in premature failre.

 

[bison]

The sealant is to prevent oil leaks trough the splines.
If you just replaced the seal,the old crush ring can be used as there was most likely some play on the pinion brgs.retorque the nut to specs and it should be fine

 

[jrsavoie]

Just found out that I can't get the front drive shaft back ibn the transfer case without taking the oil filter adapter off again.
This is on the 98 Burb with the splined transfer case. Suck - I just put it on last night.