sealant for pinion seal and solid rubber axle boot

[merrill]

hello
i have been reading many of the posts and the rear axle bearing tour document in preparation of pulling the rear axle on my 66 230 to replace all of the bushings and seals.

What i have not clearly found is

1. should a sealant be used on the pinion seal when mounting it to the support arm?     if so is gasket shellac recommended?
2. should a sealant be used when installing the solid rubber axle boot?
                                            i have seen a post where pr 200 metal primer was used  (https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=27131.msg194644#msg194644)
                                            and read posts where the BBB does not recommend a sealer
                                            but most of the posts seem to recommend a sealant. 
                                            If a sealer is recommended would Permatex grey gasket maker be suitable?

thanks in advance
matt

[ja17]

I use a bit of gasket shellac when the outside ring of the pinion seal is bare metal. If the outside of the seal has a soft material covering, I would not. With the soft outside covering a light oil might help for a smooth installation. With all double lip seals (front crankshaft seal), pack between the two lips with grease. In any case lube the inside of any seal or its rubbing surface with some grease or oil so you do not have a "dry" break-in upon first use. The solid axle boot is a soft rubber and seals fine as long as the correct size clamps are used. Some like to use a sealer on the seam of the split boot, although not recommended by BBB.

[merrill]

Thank you again Joe