Differential Replacement

Differential Replacement

Removal Procedure

Important: Group and mark the shims together as originally removed. If you remove or replace the ring and pinion gear-set, perform the bearing preload, backlash, and gear tooth contact pattern check in order to ensure proper contact of the gears. It you reinstall or replace the differential carrier without replacing any other component (i.e. pinion and ring gear set, bearings. etc.) then you may reinstall the carrier with the original shims in their original locations. Always perform a gear tooth contact pattern check, even when you remove only the carrier.





1. Raise the vehicle.
2. Remove the axle shafts.
3. Remove the bearing caps and bolts. Mark the bearing caps left and right.





Caution: To prevent personal injury and/or component damage, support the differential case when removing the case from the axle housing. If the case is not supported, the differential case could fall and cause personal injury or damage to the differential case.

Notice: When removing the differential case from the axle housing, do not damage the cover gasket surface. If the cover gasket surface is damaged, lubricant may leak from the axle and cause premature failure of the axle assembly.

4. Remove the differential by prying the differential from the axle housing at the differential window.
5. Remove the bearing cups, the shims, and the spacers as necessary. Mark the cups and shims left and right and in the proper order as necessary. Place the cups and the shims with the bearing caps.
6. Remove the differential side bearings, if necessary.
7. Remove the ring gear, if necessary.

Installation Procedure





1. Install the ring gear, if necessary.
2. Install the differential side bearings, if necessary.
3. Lubricate the differential side bearings with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid.
4. Place the case, with the bearing cups installed, into the axle housing. Support the case in order to keep the case from falling out of the axle housing.





5. Install the bearing caps and the bolts. Do not torque the bearing cap bolts at this time.
6. Adjust the differential side bearing preload.
7. Adjust the backlash.
8. Perform a gear tooth contact pattern check.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

9. Tighten the bearing cap bolts.
^ Tighten the bearing cap bolts to 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.).
10. Install the axle shafts.
11. Fill the axle with lubricant. Use the proper fluid.
12. Lower the vehicle.