The cover on the 10.5 axle under my '97 K2500 was so rusted that it had actual holes in it.
I bought a new cover.
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M38FI9A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Two of the bolt holes in the cover were undersized, had to be opened-up with a die grinder and rotary file before the bolt would go through. I don't remember which two holes they were.
GM has a bulletin on synthetic gear lube vs. RTV Silicone; supposedly the synthetic gear lube used by the axle manufacturer interacts with the RTV Silicone used by the axle manufacturer, the Silicone is degraded by the synthetic lube. I don't think this can be generalized to ALL synthetic gear lubes, and ALL RTV Silicone sealers, though.
I would, in general, prefer a paper gasket to RTV Silicone, but I've used both with success.
For the record, Permatex makes a "special" RTV Silicone specifically intended for use with gear lube.
www.amazon.com/Permatex-81182-Gear-Gasket-Maker/dp/B0023GM2KK
IF (big IF) the bolt hole really-is screwed-up, I'd cram a Heli-Coil (or equivalent) in there without hesitation.
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I bought a new cover.
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M38FI9A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Two of the bolt holes in the cover were undersized, had to be opened-up with a die grinder and rotary file before the bolt would go through. I don't remember which two holes they were.
You must be registered for see images attach
GM has a bulletin on synthetic gear lube vs. RTV Silicone; supposedly the synthetic gear lube used by the axle manufacturer interacts with the RTV Silicone used by the axle manufacturer, the Silicone is degraded by the synthetic lube. I don't think this can be generalized to ALL synthetic gear lubes, and ALL RTV Silicone sealers, though.
I would, in general, prefer a paper gasket to RTV Silicone, but I've used both with success.
For the record, Permatex makes a "special" RTV Silicone specifically intended for use with gear lube.
www.amazon.com/Permatex-81182-Gear-Gasket-Maker/dp/B0023GM2KK
IF (big IF) the bolt hole really-is screwed-up, I'd cram a Heli-Coil (or equivalent) in there without hesitation.
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