Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Installation Procedure
- Install the ring gear, if necessary. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement .
- Install the differential side bearings, if necessary. Refer to Differential Side Bearings Replacement .
- Lubricate the differential side bearings with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations in Maintenance and Lubrication.
- Install the J 45222 onto the axle housing as shown. See Special Tools .
- Install the J 8001-1 (2), the J 8001-2 (3), the J 34178 (4, 6), and the J 8001-3 (5) as shown. See Special Tools .
- Preload the J 8001-3 (5) approximately 3/4 of a turn clockwise.
- Rotate the indicator housing to align the indicator needle of the J 8001-3 (5) and the dial indicator face to ZERO.
- Spread the axle housing by turning the clevis screw of the J 34178
while observing the J 8001-3. See Special Tools .
Spread the housing just enough to install the differential assembly. Do not spread the housing more than 1.02 mm (0.040 in).
- Place the differential assembly, with the bearing cups installed, into the axle housing.
Support the differential assembly in order to keep the assembly from falling out of the axle housing.
- Install the bearing caps and the bolts.
Do not torque the bearing cap bolts at this time.
- Adjust the differential side bearing preload. Refer to Differential Side Bearing Preload Adjustment (9.5 Inch Axle) .
- Adjust the backlash. Refer to Backlash Adjustment .
- Perform a gear tooth contact pattern check. Refer to Gear Tooth Contact Pattern Inspection .
- Tighten the bearing cap bolts.
Tighten: Tighten the bearing cap bolts to 75 N.m (55 lb ft).
- Remove the thrust block lock bolt.
- Remove the thrust block.
- Install the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement .
- Install the rear axle tie rod. Refer to Rear Axle Tie Rod Replacement in Rear Suspension.
- Lower the vehicle.
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.