No way would the factory use silicone. I fixed a leak at that point on my '98 w/46RE and there was a rubber seal there, but it wasn't just a simple 'o'-ring, it was a purpose made part. Why they didn't just use an 'o'-ring I don't know, but this "seal" pressed into the trans housing and the tube pressed into it. I don't remember needing any special tools to install it. The tube on mine had one ridge or bump on it about an inch up from the end. Not sure if yours is similar or not, but give your dealer a call and I'm sure he can tell you what is suppost to be there.

Pete

 

Pete,
Thanks for the info. The rebuild kit came with a seal similar to what you described. I will try that tomorrow whe I finish the installation.
--B-300--

 

FYI-my factory parts books show the O-ring in 1990 and not until 1996 did the seal part# change. Let us know how you make out.

 

Chump,
You want to know "how I made out".
Well it turns out the dipstick tube was broken off. It's thin on the late vans, I guess to save weight and material.
I found one at a pick-n-pull off a 904 series tranny that has the correct mount strap. (727has a different length strap)
Transmission works excellent with a shift kit.
A note for those with leaks in this area, the tube is thin and may start leaking if it cracks at the O-ring groove.
--B-300--

 

I was gonna say, all the Mopar tranny dipsticks that I've dealt with had the dimple for an o-ring.

Glad you found it was broke...was it a pain to get the busted piece out?

 

There was no busted piece in the old case that had cracked due to lack of engine transmission braces...It had been silconed in. This is what thru a curve ball into the equation.
--B-300--

 

Thx...I was curious because I know the o-ring has been around for a thousand years!

 

Yep I was looking for an O-ring on the old tube which had broken off at the spot the ring should have been in, hence there was no other piece of the tube. This is the tube, without it's end had been silconed in. It has been replaced, using an O-ring.
If Ihad looked at my Transtar book in the parts listing I would of found the same thing about O-ring vs funny looking seal.
Enough of this already?
--B-300--