Axle Disassembly

Fig. 1 AMC/Jeep type drive axle exploded view:

1. Raise and support vehicle, loosen cover bolts, break gasket seal, drain lubricant, then remove cover and gasket, If the rear cover or gasket shows signs of leakage on models equipped with 7-9/16 inch ring gear axle, note the number of ribs present on the gasket flange of the rear cover. If the cover contains 10 ribs, it should be replaced with a new 9 rib design cover, Part No. 8983 502 383. This cover has been released for service and will be used on all future axles of this type.
2. Remove axle shafts as outlined in service section.
3. Measure ring gear and pinion backlash to aid assembly, using suitable dial indicator.
4. Loosen differential cap bearing bolts until only a few threads remain holding bolt in carrier, pull caps away from bearings, then pry differential case loose from housing.
5. Remove bearing caps, differential case assembly, bearing races and shim packs, noting installation position.
6. Place side bearing races and shim packs with respective bearing caps.
7. Measure pinion bearing preload using suitable torque wrench. If preload is not within specifications, or if endplay exists, pinion bearings may require replacement.
8. Hold driveshaft companion flange using suitable tool, then remove pinion nut.
9. Remove companion flange using suitable puller, then the pinion seal.
10. Temporarily install rear cover using 2 bolts, then tap end of pinion shaft with soft faced mallet to drive pinion from bearings.
11. Remove front pinion bearing and collapsible spacer.
12. Remove rear cover and pinion assembly from housing.



13. Press rear bearing from pinion using suitable separator.
14. Drive rear pinion bearing race from housing, then remove and retain pinion depth adjusting shims.
15. Drive front pinion bearing race from housing using suitable drift, then place pinion bearing races with respective bearings.
16. Inspect components as outlined in "Cleaning and Inspection," keeping all components in order, and replace as needed. Components that are to be reused must be installed in original position.