Note: Group and mark the shims together as originally removed. If you remove or replace the ring and pinion gearset, perform the bearing preload, backlash, and gear tooth contact pattern check in order to ensure proper contact of the gears. If you reinstall or replace the differential carrier without replacing any other component (i.e. pinion and ring gear set, bearings. etc.) then you may reinstall the carrier with the original shims in their original locations. Always perform a gear tooth contact pattern check, even when you remove only the carrier.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
2. Remove the spare tire. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
3. Remove the rear axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement.

Note: The following steps only apply to the 8.0 inch axle. For the 8.6 inch axle, go to step 10.

Note: Do not remove the bearing cap bolts at this time.

4. Loosen the bearing cap bolts.



5. Install the J 45222 spreader on the axle housing.



6. Install the J 8001-1 (2), the J 8001-2 (3), the  (4, 6), and the J 8001-3 (5).
7. Preload the J 8001-3 (5) approximately 3/4 of a turn clockwise.
8. Set the dial indicator J 8001-3 (5)  to ZERO.

Note: Spread the housing just enough to remove the differential assembly. Do not spread the housing more than 1.02 mm (0.040 in).

9. Using the J 34178 adapter , spread the axle housing by turning the clevis screw and observing the J 8001-3.




Note: Mark the bearing caps left and right.

10. Remove the bearing caps bolts and the caps.




Warning: To prevent personal injury and/or component damage, support the differential case when removing the case from the axle housing. If the case is not supported, the differential case could fall and cause personal injury or damage to the differential case.

Caution: When removing the differential case from the axle housing, do not damage the cover gasket surface. If the cover gasket surface is damaged, lubricant may leak from the axle and cause premature failure of the axle assembly.

11. Using a pry bar and a block of wood, remove the differential from the axle housing.

Note: Steps 13 and 14 apply only to the 8.0 inch axle. For the  8.6 inch axle, proceed to step 15.

Note: Mark the cups and shims left and right and in the proper order as necessary. Place the cups and the shims with the bearing caps.

12. Remove the bearing cups, the shims, and the spacers as necessary.
13. Remove the J 8001-1, the J 8001-2, the J 34178 adapter , and the J 8001-3.
14. Remove the J 45222 spreader .
15. If servicing the differential side bearings, refer to Differential Side Bearings Replacement.
16. If servicing the differential ring drive pinion and gear , refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement.

1. Install the differential ring drive pinion and gear, if serviced. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement.
2. Install the differential side bearings, if serviced. Refer to Differential Side Bearings Replacement.
3. Lubricate the differential side bearings with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations.



4. Install the J 45222 spreader on the axle housing.



5. Install the J 8001-1 (2), the J 8001-2 (3), the J 34178 adapter  (4, 6), and the J 8001-3 (5) as shown.
6. Preload the J 8001-3 (5) approximately 3/4 of a turn clockwise.
7. Set the dial indicator J 8001-3 (5) to ZERO.

Note: DO NOT exceed the specified reading J 8001-3 (5) dial indicator.

8. Using the J 34178 adapter , spread the axle housing until a reading of 1.02 mm (0.040 in). is shown on the J 8001-3 dial indicator.




Note: Support the case in order to keep the case from falling out of the axle housing.

9. Place the case, with the bearing cups installed, into the axle housing.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

10. Tighten the bearing cap bolts to 75 N·m (55 lb ft).
11. Install the rear axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement.
12. Install the spare tire. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
13. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.