Removal Procedure
- Remove the drive pinion yoke/flange and the seal. Refer to Drive Pinion Yoke/Flange and Seal Replacement.
- Remove the differential. Refer to Differential Replacement.
- Remove the pinion from the axle housing by doing the following:
- Remove the collapsible spacer from the pinion. Discard the spacer.
- Remove the pinion bearings and the cups. Refer to Pinion Bearings Replacement.
- Remove the left handed threaded ring gear bolts. Discard the bolts.
- Remove the ring gear from the differential. Drive the gear off with a brass drift if necessary.
| • | Thread the pinion nut halfway onto the pinion. |
| • | Install the differential cover with two bolts in order to prevent the pinion from falling. |
| • | Drive the pinion out of the housing with a hammer and a drift. |
| • | Remove the pinion and the cover. |
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.
Installation Procedure
- Install the ring gear to the differential case.
- Install two threaded studs into the ring gear on opposite sides.
- Place the ring gear on the case. Align the studs with the holes in the case.
- Install the new ring gear bolts. Tighten the ring gear bolts alternately and in stages, gradually pulling the ring gear onto the differential case.
- Determine the selective shim thickness for the pinion. Refer to Pinion Depth Adjustment.
- Install the selective shim between the inner bearing and the shoulder on the gear.
- Install the inner pinion bearing. Refer to Pinion Bearings Replacement.
- Install a new collapsible spacer.
- Lubricate the pinion bearings with axle lubricant.
- Install the pinion to the axle housing.
- Install the outer pinion bearing. Refer to Pinion Bearings Replacement.
- Install the pinion oil seal and the pinion flange/yoke. Refer to Pinion Flange/Yoke and Seal Replacement.
- Install the differential case. Refer to Differential Replacement.
- Install the axle shafts. Refer to Axle Shaft Replacement.
- Perform a gear tooth contact pattern check on the pinion and the ring gear. Refer to Gear Tooth Contact Pattern Check.
- Install the rear axle housing cover. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement.
Important: The mating surface of the ring gear and the differential case must be clean and free of burrs before installing the ring gear.
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.
Tighten
Tighten the ring gear bolts in sequence to 120 N·m (90 lb ft).
