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.
Differential Housing Cover: Installation
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NOTE: Remove all of the silicone gasket and make sure the surfaces are free of oil before applying the new silicone gasket.
Clean the gasket mating surface of the axle and the differential housing cover.
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NOTE: The differential housing cover must be installed within 15 minutes of application of the silicone, or new sealant must be applied. If possible, allow one hour before filling with lubricant to make sure the silicone sealant has correctly cured.
Apply a new continuous bead of sealant to the differential housing cover as shown in illustration.
Material: Silicone Sealant (WSS-M4G323-A8)
- Install the differential housing cover and the bolts.
Torque: 24 lb.ft (32 Nm)
- If equipped. Connect the EOP sensor electrical connector.
- If equipped.
- Install the steering gear shield to the frame rail.
- Install the new push pins.
- If equipped. Install the oil drip tray to the cross member and the bolts.
Torque: 62 lb.in (7 Nm)
- Connect the front differential breather hose.
- Install the engine oil pan skid plate and the bolts.
Torque: 30 lb.ft (40 Nm)
- If equipped. Install the skid plate and the bolts.
Torque: 30 lb.ft (40 Nm)
- If removed. Install the engine skid plate and the bolts.
Torque: 30 lb.ft (40 Nm)
- If equipped. Install the front underbody skid plate and the bolts.
Torque: 35 lb.ft (48 Nm)
- If equipped. Install the spacer to the front underbody skid plate and the bolts.
Torque: 41 lb.ft (55 Nm)
- Fill the front differential assembly with clean fluid. Differential Fluid Level Check .
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.