I still like to use gaskets for most stuff, usually with Permatex #2 on both sides.
However, crenwelge is right, differentials for years now have been assembled at the factory with silicone. I took a Tour of the Dana axle assembly plant near me a few years ago, they used a black silicone on the covers.
The new Rockwell/Meritor axle I put in a truck last year said in the service manual to use silicone to seal the third member to the housing. I did and it worked just fine.
I Don't care for how silicone looks when it oozes out, so I wipe the extra off with lacquer thinner, or let it set and hit it with the wire brush later.
There is still a chance you will find gaskets, and if not you could always cut some out.
Have you tried
http://www.olsonsgaskets.com/ ??
Grigg