bearing preload is checked before disassembly, as previous
pinion bearing preload will be used during reassembly.
Removal
1) Raise and support vehicle. Scribe reference mark on drive
shaft-to-pinion flange on differential for reassembly reference.
Remove bolts and "U" joint straps at pinion flange on differential.
Disconnect drive shaft from differential.
2) Remove rear wheels and brake drums to prevent any drag
that may affect pinion bearing preload reading. Using INCH-lb. torque
wrench, measure amount of force required to rotate pinion. This is
pinion bearing preload. Record pinion bearing preload for reassembly
reference.
3) Using Holder (6719), hold pinion flange. Remove pinion nu\
t
and washer. Scribe reference mark on pinion flange-to-pinion for
reassembly reference. Using appropriate puller, remove pinion flange
from pinion. Remove oil seal from axle housing.
Installation
1) Ensure oil seal surface in axle housing is clean. Coat lip
of oil seal with gear lube. Install oil seal using appropriate seal
installer. Drive oil seal into axle housing until oil seal installer
contacts axle housing.
2) Install pinion flange on pinion with reference mark
aligned. Using appropriate pinion flange installer, install pinion
flange on pinion.
CAUTION: Washer must be installed on pinion with convex side of washer
facing outward (away from pinion).
3) Install washer on pinion with convex side of washer facing
outward (away from pinion). Install NEW pinion nut. Tighten pinion nut\
to 210 ft. lbs. (285 N.m). Rotate pinion several times to seat pinion
bearings.
CAUTION: DO NOT overtighten or loosen then retighten pinion nut when
adjusting pinion bearing preload. If pinion nut is over
tightened, collapsible spacer on pinion must be replaced. See
OVERHAUL.
4) Using INCH-lb. torque wrench, measure pinion bearing
preload. Tighten pinion nut in small increments until original pinion
bearing preload is obtained.
5) To install remaining components, reverse removal procedure
using NEW "U" joint straps and bolts. Ensure all reference marks are
aligned. Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
Check lubricant level and add if necessary.
AXLE HOUSING ASSEMBLY
NOTE: It is not necessary to remove axle housing assembly, unless
axle housing is damaged. Differential carrier and components
can be serviced by removing differential assembly from axle
housing.
Removal
1) Raise and support vehicle. Block brake pedal in upward
position so brake pedal cannot be depressed, as brakelines must be
disconnected.
2) Remove rear wheels. DO NOT remove brake drums. Disconnect
brakelines at wheel cylinders. Cap brakelines to prevent fluid loss.
Disconnect axle housing vent hose.
3) Remove brake tee fitting bolt, and disengage brakelines