Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
3. Remove the vehicle speed sensor. Refer to Vehicle Speed Sensor Replacement .
4. Remove the right front tire and the wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

Important: Carefully guide the right drive axle output shaft past the lip seal. Do not allow the shaft splines to contact any portion of the lip seal surface; otherwise, damage to the seal will occur.

5. Remove the right drive axle from the vehicle. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Driveline/Axle.
6. Remove the torque strut bracket from the transmission.
7. Loosen the torque strut to bracket bolt as needed.
8. Swing the bracket out of the way.
9. Remove the transmission brace from the engine bracket.



10. Remove the case extension bolts.
11. Remove the case extension assembly and the seal.



12. Remove the thrust bearing and the thrust bearing washer.

Tools Required

J 36850 Transjel

1. Install the washer and the thrust bearing onto the final drive assembly. Use the J 36850 or the equivalent (petroleum jelly), in order to retain the washer and the bearing.



2. Install the seal and the case extension.




Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

3. Install the case extension bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 36 N·m (26 lb ft).

4. Install the transmission brace to the engine bracket.
5. Install the torque strut bracket to the transmission.
6. Install the right drive axle to the transmission. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Driveline/Axle.
7. Install the right front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
8. Install the vehicle speed sensor. Refer to Vehicle Speed Sensor Replacement .
9. Lower the vehicle.
10. Connect the negative battery cable.