Removal

DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY
1. Raise and support rear of vehicle, then loosen axle housing cover bolts and allow lubricant to drain into suitable container.
2. Remove axle housing cover, then proceed as follows:
a. Wipe excess lubricant from inside axle housing, then visually inspect parts for wear and/or damage.
b. Rotate gears and check for roughness, indicating damaged bearings or gears.
c. Install suitable dial indicator on axle housing cover flange, then check and record ring gear to drive pinion backlash.
3. Remove rear axles and propeller shaft. Refer to ``Rear Axle, Propeller Shaft & Brakes'' section for procedures.
4. If not previously marked, scribe reference marks on differential bearing caps to be used during reassembly, then remove bearing cap attaching bolts and caps.
5. Remove differential assembly from carrier by putting a box wrench on ring gear bolt and rotating companion flange with suitable tool. When differential assembly is removed from carrier, shims will also come out. Mark shims for reference during reassembly.




DRIVE PINION & BEARINGS
1. Remove pinion nut and companion flange using tool J-8614-01 or equivalent.
2. Remove drive pinion gear through rear of carrier using a suitable hammer.
3. Pry front seal out of carrier assembly, then remove bearing cone.
4. Remove rear pinion bearing using tool J-21493-B or equivalent and press.
5. Remove rear bearing cone from carrier using a suitable punch.
6. Remove selective spacer washer.