Got the 2nd new seal in.

I ended up being indecisive at the parts store on what to use. I filed down the gouges. The 2 on the right side were the worst. Those smoothed out real good and the one on the left also. I put a thin amount of Extreme pressure grease inside the shaft opening of the trans to help it slide in better.
I coated the back side of the outer base of the new seal with: The VersaChem Type 1 Gasket Maker (also known as Gasket Sealant Type 1) is a fast-drying, solvent-based viscous paste. It is a "hard-setting" or "semi-flexible" sealant, which is a different class of product than the flexible RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanizing) silicones.
* Oil Resistance: VersaChem Type 1 is specifically resistant to "gasoline, oil, kerosene, water, steam, fuel oil, alkalis, salt solutions, lubricants, grease, antifreeze mixtures, synthetic oil and mild acids." This means it's rated to stand up to the gear oil or other lubricants inside your axle housing.
* Pressure Resistance: The product is rated for pressure up to 5100 psi, which is far more than the pressure an axle seal housing will see. The VersaChem Type 1 is designed for this kind of application—sealing and repairing gaskets on assemblies that need to be leak-proof and withstand exposure to automotive fluids. Once I pressed in the seal the excess was wiped away the best I could as it did set fast.
Letting this cure 24 hours and it’s getting its first drain and fill with Driven AT6 Automatic Transmission fluid. Driven AT6 Synthetic Racing Automatic Transmission Fluid is a high-performance, full-synthetic ATF designed specifically for racing and demanding automotive applications. It's not a standard, API-type service fluid, so its specifications are geared toward performance rather than everyday use.
Here are the key specifications and characteristics of Driven AT6:
Formulation and Technology:
* Full Synthetic Base: It is formulated with mPAO (metallocene polyalphaolefin) synthetic base oil technology. This is a very advanced synthetic base oil designed for superior performance and stability under extreme conditions.
* Additive Package: It contains a proprietary blend of multifunctional additives, including corrosion inhibitors, foam suppressors, and a special anti-wear and friction-reducing package. This is intended to protect internal components like gears and bearings during high-stress situations.
Performance Characteristics:
* High-Temperature Protection: The primary selling point of AT6 is its ability to handle high temperatures and provide excellent thermal stability. This is crucial for racing applications where transmissions generate significant heat.
* Shear Stability: It is designed to maintain its viscosity and lubrication properties even under intense shear forces, which helps prevent fluid breakdown and loss of protection.
* Low-Temperature Flow: While optimized for high-temperature performance, it also offers improved low-temperature flow, which can help with cold starts and overall seal protection.
* Reduced Parasitic Drag: The formulation is intended to reduce friction, which can lead to lower operating temperatures and a small increase in power output.
Compatibility and Use Cases:
* Primary Applications: Driven AT6 is explicitly recommended for high-performance and racing applications, including road racing, oval track, and drag racing. It's also suitable for street-driven vehicles with high-stall torque converters, which generate more heat than stock units.
* Fluid Specifications: It is formulated for use in transmissions that specify Dexron VI and Mercon LV fluid. This makes it compatible with a wide range of modern GM and Ford automatic transmissions, including the GM 6L80E and 6L90E transmissions. Important Note: As a dedicated racing fluid, Driven AT6 is not an API-licensed service oil. This means it is a specialized product for a specific purpose and not a general-purpose, off-the-shelf ATF.
I contacted Driven directly and told them about my 6F55 transmission and my goals. I then asked about using their AT6 fluid. They responded by saying
Good Morning Andrew,
Thanks for reaching out. You are making the right choice with the AT6. It is formulated to handle exactly what you are doing. Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions or concerns. Thanks and have a great day!
I’ll need to do another drain and fill quickly after, but not immediately…to make sure most of it is the AT6 for now. I bought 12 quarts at $16 a quart.