Tar like "gasket" around the trans tunnel?

[troutski]

HI there hive mind,
Finally have fabbed up a new trans tunnel cover after the addition of a Ranger Torque splitter. The donor tunnel has some kind of asphalt soft schmoo around the perimeter., What is the go to substitute? I assume the original stuff causes cancer in baby seals.
This is the interface between the trans tunnel and the cab floor.

I assume it was for noise/vibration.

Silly, since an NA 6.9 T19 4x4 is not OSHA approved without hearing protection,

Thanks,

Mark

 

[Greenie]

If you never think you'll have to remove it again urethane would work well - probably wouldn't need to use any other attaching method either. https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b40066982/

 

[troutski]

Thanks!,

I hope not, new clutch, resurfaced FW, new splitter, all new DS bearings, Yeah, I'll be back in there in no time

 

[IDIBRONCO]

I used windshield sealant for this on my Bronco conversion. I'm going to try RTV next time. It will be far easier to remove if I ever have to take the cover off.

 

[TNBrett]

It looks like butyl duct seal. Like what HVAC guys use between sections of sheet metal ductwork. It never sets or gets hard. I would probably avoid silicone or urethane caulk, because you would probably mangle the tunnel if you ever had to take it back off. A soft foam weather strip would work, the only downside being that it might hold some moisture.

 

[Big Bart]

I believe this is the stuff I used for sealing heater boxes and things going up against and through the firewall. You seen it used in cars but probably never bought it.

It comes out the color black and is slightly runny. Can seal well up to about 1/4 of an inch. Dries to a soft rubber feel. If you have bigger gaps it does not want to build up, rather wants to lay down more flat. Easy to pull apart in the future too.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/permatex/permatex-1-5-ounce-black-rubber-sealant/per0/80338/v/a/5328/automotive-truck-1988-ford-f-250?q=Permatex+sealant&pos=2

 

[jrollf]

This is the stuff (or very close to it) that the manufacturer uses on parts like this, you'll also find it sometimes around firewall penetrations.

https://www.amazon.com/3M-08578-Black-Strip-Calk/dp/B000PEZ1L4

 

[IDIBRONCO]

Thanks. I'll give it a try. I have some on order now. I just didn't know what to use before. I'll bet that it is what was used to seal a HVAC box to the firewall.

 

[dancrowley]

Hi All, I plan on getting some RV window sealer to seal my trans tunnel, it's about 3/4" wide and seals good. I used it when I restored my pick up camper windows and it worked great. You should be able to get it at any RV repair shop.