Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement 8.6 Inch axle

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
2. Drain the rear axle. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection.
3. Rear the rear axle housing cover bolts (1).

Important: DO NOT nick or cut the rear axle housing cover gasket.

4. Remove the rear axle housing cover and the gasket (2) from the axle housing.
5. If the rear axle housing cover gasket is found to be damaged, DO NOT re-use. Replace with NEW.
6. Drain the remaining axle lubricant into a suitable container.

1. If the gasket is to be re-used, clean the sealing surfaces of the rear axle housing and the rear axle cover with a suitable cleaner.
2. Install the rear axle housing cover gasket and the cover  (2) to the rear axle housing.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

3. Install the rear axle housing cover bolts (1).

Tighten
Tighten the rear axle housing cover bolts in a crosswise pattern to 30 N·m (20 lb ft).

4. Fill the rear axle with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection.
5. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.

Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement 10.5 Inch Axle

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
2. Drain the rear axle. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement.

Important: Discard the axle housing cover bolts. Use NEW only.

3. Remove the rear axle cover bolts (1), cover (2), and the gasket (3).
4. Remove any gasket material from the rear axle housing and/or axle housing cover.

1. Position the axle housing cover (2) and the gasket (3) on the rear axle.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

2. Install the NEW axle housing cover bolts (1).

Tighten
Tighten the axle housing cover bolts (1) to 39 N·m (29 lb ft).

3. Fill the rear drive axle with fluid. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement.
4. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.