When I reassemble my t-case, do I have to use a gasket, or can I use a permatex product?  The reason I ask is will and any difference in the gap between the two halves using the permatex have any negative consequencs as compared to a factory gasket? Thanks.

who makes the MY t-case? and what does it fit? what year?

Stock Samurai 1986

OK, Yes it makes a difference, put the case together dry so to speak and there should be a small gap like .011 or so, you will have to look it up but there is a pre-load on the bearings and there is diffrent color gaskets to end up with the proper thickness.

WTH are you talking about?  There are no different color or different thicknesses of gaskets.  Now, there are different thicknesses of shims that you can get to go under the bearings to adjust the play, but they are all the same color, AFAIK.

The gasket is supposed to be figured in when you check for play in the bearings.  I guess if you don't figure any gasket thickness in, when you are calculating the play, then you'd be ok.

Here is a link on how to check for proper shimming of the bearings.
http://www.geckocycles.com/images/Sammy/spidertrax%20RSG-001%20Instructions.pdf

I have gotten several different thickness' of gaskets and they were of different color, whether they were meant to be that way or not is another matter getting them from different source's, the shim is in there from the factory if it needs it, I have rebuilt some that did not have it, chances are if the case haves go all the way together the bearings are worn and probably need replacing, That is all I'm saying and Did I mention I hate typing and trying to keep my answers short until a long winded sucker comes along!  Lol.

I have gotten several different thickness' of gaskets and they were of different color, whether they were meant to be that way or not is another matter getting them from different source's, the shim is in there from the factory if it needs it, I have rebuilt some that did not have it, chances are if the case haves go all the way together the bearings are worn and probably need replacing, That is all I'm saying and Did I mention I hate typing and trying to keep my answers short until a long winded sucker comes along!  Lol.

Ok.  All the gaskets I have ever gotten have been OEM suzuki ones, so they are just the thin paper gasket.  Always kinda tan color.
Right, on the shims.  Some tcases have them, some don't.  Some need different shims (or shims added), when putting in different gears, some don't.

I ordered a cheap set once and it( x2) was white, and I will never do that again, you get what you pay for.

I'm thinking about calling hawk or petro to see if I can just get the gasket and not the oil seals as I am a starving student. Any opinions?

Hawk or trail tough will sell you just the gaskets, I have two sets on the shelf from T.T. now.