Disassembly

1. Raise and support vehicle, then disconnect propeller shaft from companion flange.

Fig. 1 Exploded view of model 44 front axle:

Fig. 2 Exploded view of drive axle. Model 60:

Fig. 3 Exploded view of drive axle. Model 70:

2. Remove axle housing cover and drain lubricant, then remove axle shafts as outlined in service section.
3. Perform the following steps as necessary:
a. Remove front shock at tie plate only.
b. Remove stabilizer bar connecting link to tie plate attaching nut, then U-bolts and tie plate.
c. Loosen nuts attaching rear spring shackle to spring, then support axle housing using suitable jack stands.
d. Remove bolts attaching spring shackle to spring and lower spring.

Fig. 4 Typical case spreader installation:

4. Clean housing and inner components, then check the following assembly adjustments to aid diagnosis and reassembly: Refer to ASSEMBLY for actual checking procedures.
a. Check ring gear and pinion tooth contact pattern using suitable marking compound. If contact pattern is not centered, check for improper backlash or pinion installation during inspection.
b. Measure ring gear runout using suitable dial indicator. If runout exceeds 0.006 inch, check for improper ring gear mounting or defective ring gear and/or case during inspection.
c. Check ring gear and pinion backlash using suitable dial indicator. If gear set is to be reused, and contact pattern is acceptable, backlash should be adjusted to original value during final assembly to maintain established tooth contact.
d. Check clearance between bearing and bearing cap, prying against case. If a 0.003 inch feeler gauge can be inserted between race and cap, check for spun side bearings.
5. Mark differential bearing caps for assembly reference. Loosen but do not remove differential bearing cap bolts.
6. Install suitable case spreader and dial indicator on housing as shown, preloading indicator approximately 1/2 revolution. Ensure that mounting dowels are fully seated in housing and that clamps are securing spreader in proper position.
7. Zero dial indicator, then rotate spreader screw to spread housing 0.015 inch. Do not spread housing more than 0.015 inch, as housing may become permanently distorted.
8. Remove dial indicator, then position pry bars under ring gear bolt head and under differential case and remove differential assembly. Remove spreader tool immediately after removing the differential to avoid the possibility of distorting housing or causing it to take a set.
9. On front drive models, remove inner oil seal using suitable drift or axle shaft.
10. Measure pinion rotating torque (bearing preload) using suitable torque wrench. If preload is not within specifications, or if endplay is present, pinion must be disassembled for inspection.

Fig. 5 Removing pinion nut:

11. Using tool J-8614-1 or equivalent, remove and discard pinion nut.
12. Remove companion flange with suitable puller, then pry pinion seal from housing.
13. Remove dust cap from pinion gear, if equipped, then pinion gear. Strike end of gear using a rawhide hammer to force pinion out of pinion rear bearing and housing. The pinion bearing preload adjusting shims may remain on the pinion shaft, stick to the bearing remaining in housing or it may fall out. Tag and retain shims for assembly.
14. Remove front bearing, seal, gasket and slinger from housing, as equipped.
15. On models 30 and 35 axles, remove pinion rear bearing as follows:
a. Install bearing remover set J-29721 or equivalent on bearing and gear.
b. Insert bearing remover adapters into remover base from top and position adapters 180 degrees apart.
c. Tighten remover tool forcing screw and remove bearing.
16. On model 44 axles, remove pinion rear bearing as follows:
a. Install bearing removal tool No. J22921-1 or J23674 or equivalents between bearing and pinion gear.
b. Press bearing to remove.
17. On model 60 axles, remove pinion rear bearing as follows:
a. Install bearing remover tool Nos. DD-914-P, DD-914-9 and DD-914-37 or equivalents, on bearing and gear.
b. Clamp differential case in suitable soft jawed vise.
c. Using suitable pin punch, force pinion gear mate shaft lockpin from differential case bore.
18. On all models, inspect components, refer to CLEANING & INSPECTION keeping components in order, and replace as needed. Components that are to be reused must be installed in original position to ensure proper operation.