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.
Disassembly And Assembly: Axle: Disassembly
- 1.
Remove the axle assembly. Refer to Axle Assembly .
- 2.
Remove the 10 bolts and the differential housing cover.- Drain the fluid.
- Remove the bolts.
- Remove the differential housing cover.
- 3.NOTE: The fixture mounting bolts must have the minimum specified thread engagement in the carrier or damage to the component may occur.
Install the Transmission Holding Fixture.
- 6.NOTE: The housing spreader adapter bolts must have the minimum specified thread engagement in the carrier or damage to the component may occur.
Install the Differential Housing Spreader Plate and Adapter for Differential Housing Spreader.
- 8.
Install the Dial Indicator Gauge with Holding Fixture and Clutch Holding Gauge.- Position the adapter tip in the spreader adapter hole.
- 9.NOTE: Overspreading may damage the axle housing.
Spread the axle housing to the specification.
- 1.
Adjust the Dial Indicator Gauge to zero.
- 2.
Tighten the housing spreader screw to spread the axle housing to the specification.
- 3.
Remove the Dial Indicator Gauge with Holding Fixture.
- 1.
- 10.NOTE: Mark the differential bearing caps Top or Bottom and LH or RH appropriately before removing them. Always install the bearing caps in their original place and position.
Mark and remove the 2 differential bearing caps.
- 1.
Remove the bolts.
- 2.
Remove the differential bearing caps.
- 1.
- 11.NOTE: Use wood blocks to avoid axle housing damage.
Remove the differential assembly from the axle housing.
- 1.
Position the wood blocks.
- 2.
Position and push down on the 2 pry bars.
- 3.
Remove the differential assembly.
- 4.
Remove the Differential Carrier Spreader.
- 1.
- 14.
With the pinion nut still engaged by a few threads, use the 2 Jaw Puller to separate the axle U-joint flange from the pinion gear.
- 18.NOTE: Do not damage the carrier housing while removing the pinion seal.
Remove the pinion seal and slinger.
- Pry up on the seal flange. Install gripping pliers, and strike with a hammer to remove the seal.
- 21.NOTE: The pinion bearing oil baffle aids in bearing lubrication. Normally, it is not necessary to remove the baffle.
If necessary, remove the pinion bearing oil baffle.
- 22.
Remove the outer pinion bearing cup by tapping alternately on each side to prevent the cup from cocking.
- 24.NOTE: A drive pinion bearing adjustment shim sits under the pinion bearing. Use a micrometer to measure the shim thickness. Record the measurement for comparison to the shim gauge reading taken prior to installing the pinion bearing.
Remove and measure the drive pinion bearing adjustment shim.
- 25.NOTE: Use a drift punch to separate the ring gear from the differential case.
Remove and discard the 10 bolts and remove the ring gear.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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.