Differential Replacement (8.6, 9.5/9.5 LD Inch Axles)
Differential Replacement (8.6, 9.5/9.5 LD Inch Axles)
Special Tools
J 24429 - Side Bearing Backlash Spanner
Removal Procedure
Note: Group and mark the shims together as originally removed. If you remove or replace the differential 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. If you reinstall or replace the differential carrier without replacing any other of the components ( pinion and ring gear set, bearings. etc.) then you may reinstall the differential carrier with the original shims in their original locations. ALWAYS perform a gear tooth contact pattern check, even when you remove only the differential carrier.
1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
2. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (Service and Repair).
Note: Step 3 is for the 9.5/9.5LD inch axle.
3. Remove the right side differential bearing adjuster nut lock.
Warning: Refer to Differential Case Removal Warning (Technician Safety Information).
Note: Mark the bearing caps left and right before removing.
4. Remove the bearing cap bolts and caps.
Note: Steps 3 and 4 are for the 8.6 inch axle ONLY.
5. For the 8.6 inch axle, install the pinion shaft into the differential case part way and rotate the differential assembly until the pinion shaft contact the top of the axle housing.
Caution: Refer to Differential Housing Cover and Gasket Removal Caution (Differential Housing Cover and Gasket Removal Caution).
6. For the 8.6 inch axle, rotate the drive pinion clockwise in order to force the differential assembly out of the axle housing.
Note: The following service procedure is for the 9.5/9.5LD inch axle ONLY.
7. Using the J 24429 - spanner, loosen the differential bearing adjuster nut.
8. Remove the differential assembly.
Note: Mark the bearing cups, caps and the shims left and right and in the proper order for re-assembly.
9. Remove the bearing cups, the shims, and the spacers as necessary.
10. Remove the differential side bearings. Refer to Differential Bearing Replacement ().
11. Remove the differential ring gear. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) (Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle))Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (8.6, 9.5LD Inch Axles) (Service and Repair).
Installation Procedure
1. Install the differential ring gear. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) (Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle))Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (8.6, 9.5LD Inch Axles) (Service and Repair).
2. Install the differential side bearings. Refer to Differential Bearing Replacement ().
3. Using the proper axle lubricant, lubricate the differential side bearings. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations (USA and Canada) (Maintenance).
Note: Support the case in order to keep the case from falling out of the axle housing.
4. Place the differential case, with the bearing cups installed, into the axle housing.
Note: DO NOT torque the bearing cap bolts at this time.
5. Install the bearing caps and the bolts.
6. Adjust the differential side bearing preload. Refer to Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment (9.5LD Inch Axle) ()Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment (10.5 Inch Axle) ()Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle) ().
7. Adjust the backlash. Refer to Backlash Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle) ()Backlash Adjustment (9.5 LD Axle) ()Backlash Adjustment (10.5 Inch Axle) ().
8. Perform a gear tooth contact pattern check. Refer to Gear Tooth Contact Pattern Inspection ().
Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).
9. Tighten the bearing cap bolts to 75 Nm (55 lb ft) for the 8.6 inch axle or 85 Nm (63 lb ft) for the 9.5/9.5LD inch axle.
10. Install the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (Service and Repair).
11. Fill the axle with the proper lubricant. Refer to Differential Oil Replacement (9.5LD Inch Axle) (Removal and Replacement)Differential Oil Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle) (Removal and Replacement)Differential Oil Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) (Removal and Replacement).
12. Lower the vehicle.