Removal

REMOVAL
1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the lubricant fill hole plug from the differential housing cover.
3. Remove differential housing cover and drain the lubricant from the housing.
4. Clean the housing cavity with a flushing oil, light engine oil or lint free cloth. Do not use water, steam, kerosene or gasoline for cleaning.
5. Remove axle shafts.





6. Note the orientation of the installation reference letters stamped on the bearing caps and housing machined sealing surface (Fig. 26).
7. Remove the differential bearing caps.





8. Position Spreader W-129-B with the tool dowel pins seated in the locating holes (Fig. 27).
9. Install the hold down clamps and tighten the tool turnbuckle finger-tight.
10. Install a Pilot Stud C-3288-B at the left side of the differential housing. Attach dial indicator to housing pilot stud. Load the indicator plunger against the opposite side of the housing (Fig. 27) and zero the indicator.
11. Spread the housing enough to remove the case from the housing. Measure the distance with the dial indicator (Fig. 27).

CAUTION: Do not spread over 0.50 mm (0.020 in). If the housing is over-spread, it could be distorted or damaged.

12. Remove the dial indicator.





13. Pry the differential case loose from the housing. To prevent damage, pivot on housing with the end of the pry bar against spreader (Fig. 28).
14. Remove the case from housing. Tag bearing cups to indicate their location.