Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement 11 Inch Axle

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement .
3. Remove the differential case assembly. Refer to Differential Replacement .
4. Remove the drive pinion yoke and the oil seal. Refer to Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement .
5. Remove the thrust washer and the outer pinion bearing.
6. Remove the drive pinion from the axle using a soft-faced hammer.

Important: The location of the pinion preload shims may vary. The pinion preload shims may also be located on the backface of the outer pinion bearing or in the oil sump.

7. Remove the pinion preload shims from the drive pinion and set aside.
8. Remove the inner pinion bearing and the pinion position shim. Refer to Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement .
9. Remove the ring gear bolts.

Discard the ring gear bolts.

Notice: Do not pry the ring gear from the differential case. Prying the ring gear from the differential case may cause damage to the ring gear and/or the differential case.

10. Remove the ring gear from the differential case assembly. Drive the gear off with a brass drift if necessary.

1. Determine the pinion position shim thickness and the pinion preload shim thickness for the drive pinion gear. Refer to Pinion Depth Adjustment .
2. Install the differential case assembly. Refer to Differential Replacement .
3. Install the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement .
4. Fill the axle with lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Lubricant Change .
5. Lower the vehicle.