Differential

REMOVAL

(1) Raise and support vehicle.

(2) Remove the differential housing cover and allow fluid to drain.

(3) Remove the axle shafts.

(4) Note the installation reference numbers stamped on one of the bearing caps and a machined flat on the housing next to the sealing surface. If the reference numbers cannot be found or seen easily, make new marks for later reference (Fig. 11).

Fig. 11 Bearing Cap Identification

1 - REFERENCE NUMBERS

(5) Loosen the differential bearing cap bolts.

(6) Install Adapter Plates 8142-A onto the axle housing.

(7) Position Spreader W-129-B onto the adapter plates and install the safety holddown clamps.

Tighten the tool turnbuckle finger-tight.

(8) Install a Pilot Stud L-4438 at the left side of the differential housing. Attach Dial Indicator C-3339 to pilot stud. Load the indicator plunger against the opposite side of the housing and zero the indicator.

CAUTION: Do not spread over 0.34 mm (0.013 in). If the housing is over-spread, it could be distorted or damaged.

(9) Spread the housing enough to remove the differential case from the housing. Measure the distance with the dial indicator (Fig. 12).

Fig. 12 Spread Axle Housing-Typical

1 - SPECIAL TOOL C-3339

2 - SPECIAL TOOL W-129-B

(10) Remove the dial indicator.

(11) While holding the differential case in position, remove the differential bearing cap bolts and caps.

(12) Remove the differential from the housing.

Ensure that the differential bearing cups and shims remain in position on the differential bearings.

(13) Mark or tag the differential bearing cups and shims to indicate which side of the differential they were removed from.

(14) Remove spreader from housing.

INSTALLATION

If replacement differential bearings or differential case are being installed, differential side bearing shim requirements may change. Refer to the Differential Bearing Preload and Gear Backlash procedures in this section to determine the proper shim selection.

(1) Position Spreader W-129-B, with the Adapter Plates 8142-A seated in the locating holes, on the axle and install the safety holddown clamps. Tighten the tool turnbuckle finger-tight.

(2) Install a Pilot Stud L-4438 at the left side of the differential housing. Attach Dial Indicator C-3339 to pilot stud. Load the indicator plunger against the opposite side of the housing and zero the indicator.

CAUTION: Do not spread over 0.34 mm (0.013 in). If the housing is over-spread, it could be distorted or damaged.

(3) Spread the housing enough to install the differential case and preload shims in the housing. Measure the distance with the dial indicator.

(4) Remove the dial indicator.

(5) Install differential case in the housing. Ensure that the differential bearing cups remain in position on the differential bearings and the differential preload shims are seated in the housing. Tap the differential case to ensure the bearings cups are fully seated in the housing.

(6) Install the bearing caps at their original locations (Fig. 13).

Fig. 13 Bearing Cap Identification

1 - REFERENCE NUMBERS

(7) Loosely install differential bearing cap bolts.

(8) Remove axle housing spreader.

(9) Tighten the bearing cap bolts to 61 N*m (45 ft.

lbs.) torque.

(10) Install the axle shafts.

(11) Install the differential housing cover and fill with the correct lubricant.