Will rtv work on this rear diff housing ?

[4wd]

Gasket makers never recommend the use of RTV in addition to the gasket. If the gouges can be filed/sanded away smooth that would be ideal (covering up the sensitive areas of course). If there's a couple deep gouges I would fill it with JB weld and sand down smooth. The preference would be to get the surface smooth enough to a point where a simple gasket can be used because it makes it so much easier to service for next time. I'd only consider RTV (alone and with NO gasket) if the surface was in absolute terrible shape.

Not to mention it’s tube goo lovers that foul up a perfectly smooth flange scraping that crap

 

[ironman_gq]

Not to mention it’s tube goo lovers that foul up a perfectly smooth flange scraping that crap

Just replaced a front diff in a 2013 F150, pinion bearing failed. From the factory they don't use a gasket, they use the grey hardening motoseal type tube goo and yes it does take some work to scrape off. The new one went in with a thin bead of red RTV and I doubt it'll be removed in the lifetime of the truck considering the steering rack has to come out to get the cover off.

 

[atikovi]

the factory they don't use a gasket, they use the grey hardening motoseal type tube goo and yes it does take some work to scrape off. The new one went in with a thin bead of red RTV and I doubt it'll be removed in the lifetime of the truck considering the steering rack has to come out to get the cover off.

They use a specific grey RTV resistant to gear oil. Why did you use the ordinary red stuff if the cover is so hard to access? It might not leak for months or a year, but I suspect that eventually the bottom of the case will see some seepage.