Front

Part 1 Of 2:

Part 2 Of 2:

WARNING: BEFORE SERVICING ANY AIR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS, DISCONNECT POWER TO THE SYSTEM BY TURNING OFF THE AIR SUSPENSION SWITCH LOCATED IN THE RH KICK PANEL AREA TO PREVENT VEHICLE DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY.

The front drive axle assembly contains the following features:
- 8.8 inch diameter ring gear.
- An integral-type housing hypoid gear design (center of the pinion set above the centerline of the ring gear).
- The hypoid differential ring gear and pinion consists of a ring gear and an overhung drive pinion that is supported by two opposed tapered roller bearings.
- Pinion bearing preload is maintained by a differential drive pinion collapsible spacer on the pinion shaft and adjusted by the pinion nut.
- The axle housing assembly consists of a cast-aluminum center section and axle cover.
- The axle housing cover uses a silicone sealant for a gasket.
- The differential case is a one-piece design with two openings to allow for assembly of internal components and lubricant flow.
- The differential pinion shaft is retained by a threaded differential pinion shaft lock pin assembled to the differential case.
- The differential case is mounted in the front axle housing between two opposed differential bearings.
- The differential bearings are retained in the carrier by removable bearing caps.
- Differential bearing preload and ring gear backlash are adjusted by differential bearing shims located between the differential bearing cup and the front axle housing.
- Front axle identification is on an embossed metal tag on the rear face of the RH axle tube.

The shifting operation of the front drive axle is accomplished by activating the vacuum motor from a switch located on the instrument panel. It is recommended that shifting of the front axle should be done with the front wheels in a straight ahead position and during light throttle application.